Days after the devastating Pahalgam terror attack which killed 26 people, Indian Armed Forces on Wednesday launched 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
India targeted terror infrastructure from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed, the Indian Army said. Altogether, nine sites have been targeted. The key targets included headquarters of banned Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.
At least 12 people died and 57 others were injured after the Pakistan army resorted to heavy artillery and mortar shelling targeting forward villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.
Nationwide extensive mock drills were conducted following the Ministry of Home Affairs' May 5 directive in view of the tense Indo-Pak situation.
Here's a look at the top developments of the day.
India Confirms Targeted Attack
In the first official briefing since Operation Sindoor, India on Wednesday stated it has used its 'right to defend' itself against a terror attack. Operation Sindoor was carried out on early Wednesday morning in response to the Pahalgam attack of April 22, 2025, which killed 26 tourists, including one Nepali citizen.
The panel comprised of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Indian Ari Force Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.
Speaking to reporters, Misri stated that India has time and again flagged off-shoot groups of Lashka-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, such as Resistance Front, to the United Nations. The foreign secretary added that TRF has often been used as a front by LeT and accused Pakistan of misleading international forums.
Operation Sindoor and the mission comes after India has taken several diplomatic steps to address the issue of cross-border terrorism, Misri added. Addressing the strikes, Misri stated that these strikes were "non-escalatory and measured."
Why The Name 'Sindoor'?
The naming of 'Operation Sindoor' strikes a chord for the Indian citizens after several women were widowed in the Pahalgam terror attack.
Sindoor or vermilion is a traditional red powder worn by married Hindu women in India as a symbol of marital status and prosperity. It is applied to the parting of the hair and is an important cultural and religious symbol.
The red pigment is made from mercury sulphide .
In the context of "Operation Sindoor," the name symbolises the revenge for women who lost their husbands .
PM Modi Praises Indian Bravehearts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a cabinet meeting where he called the targeted military strike 'Operation Sindoor' launched by the bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces a "moment of pride", as per reports.
"The whole country was looking up to us. We are proud of our Army", NDTV quoted the prime minister as saying.
The attack that aimed to destroy terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir came as a befitting response to the April 22 Phalagam terror carnage that claimed lives of 26 civilians.
Rajnath Singh Hails 'Measured Response'
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday hailed the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes carried out by the Indian Armed Forces targeting 9 terror camps across 21 locations in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
“The Indian Armed Forces have responded with strength, precision, and restraint,” Rajnath Singh said during a press briefing at South Block. “Those who sponsor terror and shed innocent blood must know that India will respond and respond decisively.”
'Full Support For Armed Forces': Rahul Gandhi At AICC Meeting
In view of the heightening tensions between India and Pakistan after the armed forces launched targeted attack 'Operation Sindoor' against Pakistan, the top Congress leaders, including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi assembled for on Wednesday for a meeting.
According to PTI, senior party leaders including AICC treasurer Ajay Maken, former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mukul Wasnik, Jairam Ramesh, Randeep Surjewala, former Union minister Anand Sharma and deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi were also present at the emergency informal meeting.
Addressing a press conference, Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi said, “We had a discussion of working committee. Our full support is to the Armed Forces. We extend our wishes and love to them. Congress party stands along with them.”
Nationwide Mock Drills, Blackouts
Following the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) instruction, extensive mock drills were conducted on Wednesday across places including Delhi, Mumbai, Bngaluru and Kolkata amid intensifying tensions with Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack which India retaliated with the targeted terror base attack called 'Operation Sindoor'.
The directive came on May 5 where it was mentioned that through the 'Operation Abhyaas' endeavour, the civilians would be trained to protect themselves in case of a war.
In an official letter, the Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards said, “In the current geo-political scenario, new and complex threats/challenges have emerged, hence, it would be prudent that optimum civil defence preparedness in the states/UTs is maintained at all times.”
