Early Tuesday morning, the world learned that India had carried out a large-scale military operation—called Operation Sindoor—targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).
The mission came in response to a deadly terrorist attack in India last month and marked a major escalation in an already tense part of the world.
What Happened?
At 1:44 AM local time on May 7, India launched a coordinated attack using all three branches of its military—Army, Navy, and Air Force. According to Indian defense officials, the operation struck nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and POK.
One of the primary targets was Bahawalpur, known as a base for the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) group.
The strikes were in direct response to a terror bombing in Pahalgam, India, on April 22 that killed 26 people.
Indian authorities say they have hard evidence linking the attack to JeM, which has a long history of violence and is believed to operate with backing from Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI.
Why It Matters
This was the first full-scale joint military strike by India since the 1971 war with Pakistan—the conflict that resulted in the creation of Bangladesh.
The timing and scale of Operation Sindoor show that India is willing to take bold action, especially when it believes its national security is at risk.
And there’s a bigger concern: both India and Pakistan have nuclear weapons.
That means even a limited military clash could spiral out of control if cooler heads don’t prevail.
A Long History of Conflict
India and Pakistan have been locked in a tense relationship since the partition in 1947.
The main sticking point is Kashmir, a disputed territory both nations claim.
There have been multiple wars, countless skirmishes, and ongoing terror incidents over the years.
A 1993 U.S. intelligence report once warned that there was a real chance a local conflict could spiral into a full-blown war—especially if terrorism was involved.
That warning still applies today.
The U.S. Response
President Trump was asked about the strike as he entered the Oval Office. His response was short and to the point: “They’ve been fighting for a long time… I just hope it ends very quickly.”
.@POTUS reacts to India’s airstrikes into Pakistan: “We just heard about it as we were walking through the doors of the Oval… They’ve been fighting for a long time… I just hope it ends very quickly.” pic.twitter.com/HfrKm49tP8
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 6, 2025
While brief, his comment reflects a broader foreign policy trend—focusing on America’s interests without getting pulled into foreign conflicts unnecessarily.
Trump’s hands-off tone also matches his approach during past international tensions.
Economic Pressure in the Background
Some analysts believe that recent economic shifts may have played a role in pushing things toward a flashpoint.
In April, the U.S. imposed new tariffs—including a 29% tariff on Pakistani goods. That put additional strain on Pakistan’s economy.
Meanwhile, India is reportedly working on stronger trade deals with the U.S., which may have further isolated Pakistan economically.
When economic pressure builds, governments often look for other ways to project strength—and military action or support for proxy groups can be one of them.
International Reaction and Concerns
The United Nations quickly responded, with a spokesperson for the Secretary-General saying, “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”
That’s a sentiment shared by many.
There’s a real risk that Pakistan could respond with force, leading to more strikes and an escalating cycle of retaliation.
So far, there’s been no military response from Pakistan, but experts warn that tensions are high and the situation could shift quickly.
What to Watch
- Will Pakistan retaliate? If so, how far will it go?
- Will India push further? Or was this a one-time strike meant to send a message?
- Can cooler heads prevail? With both sides armed with nuclear weapons, the pressure is on international diplomats to find a way to de-escalate.
- What’s America’s role? While the U.S. doesn’t appear to be taking sides, any significant conflict between nuclear powers has global implications.
Final Thoughts
Operation Sindoor marks a serious turn in the India-Pakistan relationship.
While it began as a response to terrorism, the ripple effects are being felt far beyond the region—including in Washington.
The world is watching. And while the U.S. may not be directly involved, what happens next could affect us all.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
