Operation Sindoor – Somewhere Winning and Somewhere Losing
In the wake of the gruesome Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists, India was jolted into taking firm military action. The tragedy left the nation enraged and mourning, but also provoked a swift, large-scale retaliation in what is now termed “Operation Sindoor.” This operation, filled with triumphs and pitfalls, has sparked global attention and domestic controversy, drawing both praise and criticism. The situation encapsulates a complex blend of tactical brilliance and strategic misjudgements—somewhere winning and somewhere losing.
Pakistan Was on High Alert After the Pahalgam Attack
The Pahalgam terrorist attack, undeniably one of the most devastating acts of terror in recent times, forced Pakistan on alert. Though India squarely blamed Pakistan-backed militant groups for the attack, the neighbouring country denied involvement. As tension escalated, both nations appeared poised on the edge of a full-fledged war.
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Diplomatic Blunder: India’s Communication with Pakistan
In a surprising move, the Indian government contacted Pakistan, announcing its intentions to strike only terrorist camps and training centres. This was widely viewed as a blunder, compromising the element of surprise and allowing Pakistan ample time to strengthen its defences. Many defence experts criticised this move, stating it provided the enemy with an unnecessary tactical advantage.
China’s Support to Pakistan Through Satellite Intelligence
Further complicating the situation, China extended support to Pakistan, allegedly sharing satellite intelligence to monitor Indian military readiness. The strategic partnership between China and Pakistan has long been a thorn in India’s side, and this cooperation during Operation Sindoor only intensified suspicions. Satellite surveillance reportedly gave Pakistani forces an edge in anticipating Indian movements in sensitive regions.
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Military Given a Free Hand, Yet Political Control Prevails
While the Indian government claimed to have given a free hand to the army, navy, and air force, the reality was somewhat different. Though operational control seemed to rest with the military, the political leaders maintained full authority behind the scenes, dictating broader strategic decisions. Public announcements were mostly confined to social media updates, giving an illusion of transparency, while actual decisions remained shrouded in secrecy.
Wake-Up Call After the Loss of Five Aircraft
A shocking turning point in the conflict came when Pakistan successfully shot down five Indian aircraft. This catastrophic event served as a wake-up call for the Indian leadership. Until this point, the Indian government appeared overconfident and underprepared. The nation watched in disbelief as news of the aerial loss emerged.
Interestingly, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif publicly declared the shooting down of Indian warplanes as a justified act of defence. His statement resonated domestically and garnered support from nations sympathetic to Pakistan.
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Government Denial and Misinformation to the Opposition and the Public
Rather than acknowledge the setback, the Indian government denied the loss of aircraft initially. Even opposition leaders were kept in the dark, and the public was misled, raising serious concerns about democratic transparency during wartime. It was only after pressure from internal and external sources that some level of admission emerged.
India’s Fierce Retaliation: Shifting the Balance
The tide turned when India retaliated decisively. No longer limiting its strikes to terrorist camps and training centres, the Indian military began targeting airbases, communication hubs, and military facilities deep inside Pakistan. This bold strategy rendered Pakistan helpless, paralysing its defence infrastructure and forcing it onto the back foot.
India’s precision strikes, carried out by coordinated efforts from the air force, navy, and ground forces, left significant damage in their wake. The intensity and scope of retaliation shocked even the global community.
Pakistan’s Plea to Muslim Nations for Support
With its defences crumbling, Pakistan sought help from Muslim countries, hoping for military or diplomatic intervention. However, only China and Turkey responded positively, while other Islamic nations chose to remain neutral, perhaps wary of straining ties with India or inviting international scrutiny. This diplomatic cold shoulder left Pakistan diplomatically isolated during a critical juncture.
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India’s Bow to the United States for Ceasefire
Despite the upper hand, India surprisingly agreed to a ceasefire, allegedly after bowing before US leadership. The United States, keen to avoid a regional war, reportedly mediated talks and encouraged both nations to de-escalate. It was Pakistan that requested the ceasefire, but India's quick acceptance disappointed many nationalist voices within the country.
Critics argue that India should have leveraged its dominant position to negotiate harder or even push forward with broader objectives.
A Missed Opportunity to Regain POK?
One of the most contentious aspects of Operation Sindoor is the perceived missed opportunity to regain Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). The ruling party, the BJP, had long promised to the public that POK would be reclaimed as part of India’s territorial integrity. With Pakistan weakened militarily and isolated diplomatically, many believed this was the perfect moment to fulfil that promise.
However, ceasefire talks cut short any such ambition, leaving many supporters disillusioned and questioning the government’s resolve.
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The Duality of Operation Sindoor
In the final analysis, Operation Sindoor remains a tale of both victory and defeat. On one hand, the operation successfully avenged the loss of lives in Pahalgam and weakened Pakistan’s military might. It exposed the duplicity of Pakistan and showcased India’s ability to retaliate with precision and force.
On the other hand, diplomatic blunders, over-reliance on political control, lack of transparency, and hesitation to achieve strategic goals like reclaiming POK mark the operation as a partial failure. The incident underscores the importance of preparedness, unified command, and the perils of politicising defence operations.
India may have won the battle, but in many ways, it lost a strategic war of perception and missed a historic opportunity. The story of Operation Sindoor is, indeed, somewhere winning and somewhere losing—a chapter in modern warfare that will be studied, debated, and remembered for years to come.
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