In response to the attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India launched Operation Sindoor. Lieutenant General Prateek Sharma explained how India defeated Pakistan during the operation. He stated that the Indian army fired over 30,000 artillery and mortar shells and over 300,000 rounds of small arms fire in response to Pakistani ceasefire violations from May 7-10. He explained that for every round Pakistan fired, India responded with at least three to four rounds. He accused Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, of provoking terrorists and the Pakistani military before the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which is what resulted in India initiating Operation Sindoor.
Air Marshal Narmadeshwar Tiwari confirmed that less than 50 weapons were used, and this forced Pakistan to seek peace and a ceasefire during Operation Sindoor. He highlighted the significance that it is easy to begin war, but not as easy to bring it to an end. He presented video and satellite images showing the damage to terrorist and military infrastructure in Pakistan.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) used Sukhoi-30MKI, Rafale, and Mirage-2000 fighter jets. They used BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Crystal Maze-2, Rampage, and SCALP missiles to conduct precision attacks. The targets included Pakistan’s airfields, radar sites, and locations near nuclear sites and command and control infrastructure.
Both officials said the political mandate was to conduct retaliatory strikes with minimal collateral damage, considering the risk of escalation, and to send a deterrent message to the Pakistani army. The armed forces had full operational authority.
Lieutenant-General Sharma added that the Pahalgam massacre happened shortly after Munir’s provocative speech on April 16, in which he used the two-nation theory to say Kashmir was Pakistan’s jugular vein. He stated it was direct incitement towards terrorists and the Pakistani army.
The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April killed 26 people. India responded by launching Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terrorist locations in Pakistan. A ceasefire was established between both countries on May 10.