Operation Sindoor LIVE: Followed principle of Lord Hanuman, says Rajnath
Armed forces avenge Pahalgam attack with missile strikes on 9 terror targets in Pak, POK; Modi chairs Cabinet meeting; Centre plans all-party meet on May 8
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (May 7) chaired a meeting of the Union Cabinet, hours after Operation Sindoor was launched to destroy terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). He will also chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS), which will take stock of the evolving situation, PTI said.
Retaliating against the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and PoK, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke.
Like Lord Hanuman: Rajnath
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said later in the day, ‘Last night, our Indian armed forces displayed their valour and bravery, and scripted a new history. Indian armed forces took action with precision, alertness and sensitiveness. The targets we decided were accurately demolished at the right time with precision. Our armed forces also showed sensitivity in ensuring that civilian population is not affected at all. In a way, we can say that Indian jawans showed precision, alertness and humanity. On behalf of the entire country, I congratulate the jawans and officers. I also congratulate PM Modi for supporting the armed forces.”
He added, “We followed the principle followed by Lord Hanuman when he went into Ashok Vatika. Jinh mohi maara, tinh mohi maare. We targeted only those who killed our innocent citizens.”
In the wake of Operation Sindoor, Modi cancelled his significant upcoming tour to Europe. The three-nation visit, which included scheduled stops in Croatia, Norway, and the Netherlands, was being planned for mid-May.
The Union government is holding an all-party meet at 11 am on Thursday, May 8.
What next after India's strikes? Watch The Federal Editor's take
Midnight rampage
The Defence Ministry said in a statement at 1.44 am, "A little while ago, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed."
It said the actions by the Indian armed forces have been "focused, measured and non-escalatory" in nature and that no Pakistani military facilities have been targeted.
"India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution," it said.
Pak army's shelling
Pakistan army resorted to heavy artillery and mortar shelling targeting forward villages along the LoC after the strikes, leaving at least 12 people dead and many injured. The Indian Army also responded to the shelling, reportedly resulting in many casualties on the enemy side.
Also Watch: Operation Sindoor Explained
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Live Updates
- 7 May 2025 1:11 PM IST
'New India' under PM Modi's leadership capable of uprooting terrorism: BJP
The BJP on Wednesday (May 7) hailed Indian armed forces for carrying out 'Operation Sindoor' in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and said the "new India" under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership is capable and resolute to uproot terrorism.
In a post on X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Proud of our armed forces. 'Operation Sindoor' is Bharat's response to the brutal killing of our innocent brothers in Pahalgam." The Modi government is resolute to give a befitting response to any attack on India and its people, he said, adding Bharat remains firmly committed to eradicating terrorism from its roots.
Union Minister and BJP president J P Nadda said in a post on X, "India's message on Pahalgam - If you provoke us, we will not spare you." Prime Minister Modi had said that those who attack the soul of India will face severe punishment, Nadda said.
"India is both capable and resolute to uproot terrorism. We will eradicate the menace of terrorism," he added.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan saluted the valour and courage of the armed forces and said India avenged the Pahalgam terror strike with 'Operation Sindoor'.
''We said terrorists ko 'mitti mein mila denge', and look, we've done it. Pahalgam (terror strike) avenged," he said in a post in Hindi on X "This is a capable, empowered, competent, and powerful India moving forward under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India today knows how to protect itself and how to give a befitting reply," Pradhan said.
"Jai Hind - Jai Hind ki Sena," he said, adding India has once again proven its commitment to zero-tolerance against terrorism.
BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari hailed the armed forces, saying their action echoed the "spirit of New India".
"Salute to the Indian Armed Forces - the steel shield of Bharat! They have done it! Your courage speaks louder than words, and your actions echo the spirit of New India. Bharat has avenged Pehalgam Terrorist Attack!" he said in a post on X.
In a veiled message to Pakistan, the BJP said in a post in Hindi on X, "This is new India. It will enter your home and strike as well!"
- 7 May 2025 1:03 PM IST
Akhilesh, Mayawati laud 'Operation Sindoor'
The Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaja Party on Wednesday lauded the 'Operation Sindoor' launched by the security forces against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
"Parakramo Vijayate (brave become victorious)," posted Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on X, lauding the armed forces' action.
In a post on X, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati said, "Indian Army's 'Operation Sindoor' action of destroying 9 terrorist hideouts in Pakistan is glorious and praiseworthy." The military strikes were conducted under 'Operation Sindoor' two weeks after the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, on April 22.
- 7 May 2025 1:02 PM IST
Palaniswami says justice done, hails attack on cross border targets
AIADMK general secretary Edapapdi K Palaniswami on Wednesday (May 7) hailed the attacks on terror targets in Pakistan and said justice has been delivered under the vigilant leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a social media post, Palaniswami said: "I commend the Indian Armed Forces for their precise execution of Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK in response to the Pahalgam attack. Under the vigilant leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, justice has been delivered.
- 7 May 2025 1:01 PM IST
Delhi CM hails 'Operation Sindoor'
Delhi BJP leaders hailed 'Operation Sindoor' by posting ''Bharat Mata Ki Jai'' slogans on their social media handles, after India's targeted strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK early Wednesday (May 7).
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta posted "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" on her X handle, sharing a poster of 'Operation Sindoor'.
"I salute the Indian armed forces and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as their decision and decisive power has honoured the 140 crore Indians.
"Operation Sindoor has provided justice to the women who lost their spouses and given satisfaction to the entire country after the 'soul-stirring' killings of the innocent people by terrorists in Pahalgam, that our government and Army will not spare anyone if they harass India," She said.
The chief minister thanked the prime minister and the Indian Army, and said the entire nation stands with them.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said the attackers in Pahalgam terror attack asked victims to tell Prime Minister Narendra Modi and now he has responded.
"Bharat Mata Ki Jai. India has now taught a lesson to Atankistan (referring to Pakistan). Every bullet will be accounted for, every sacrifice will be avenged. Jai Hind," Tiwari said in his X post.
Delhi Assembly Speaker and former Delhi BJP president Vijender Gupta said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has trust of 140 crore Indians because he did what he said.
"Enemy camp pretended to be prepared, but was once again overtaken by the sheer power of the IAF! Kudos to the forces for hitting the terror camps in Pakistan and PoK and avenging the brutal killing of 26 innocent civilians by inflicting unforgettable damage to terror masterminds," Gupta said in a post on X.
The Indian armed forces, in the early hours of Wednesday, launched precision missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and PoK, including the strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke.
The strikes were in retaliation to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.
The Defence Ministry, in a statement issued at 1:44 am, confirmed the launch of 'Operation Sindoor', aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure used to plan and direct attacks on the Indian soil.
- 7 May 2025 12:59 PM IST
Operation Sindoor: India shall never tolerate terrorism, says Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said 'Operation Sindoor' is a strong response by India's armed forces, showing the country shall never tolerate terrorism.
The military strikes were conducted under 'Operation Sindoor' two weeks after the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.
In a post on X, Sitharaman said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India will ensure that every perpetrator of terror is pursued.
"#OperationSindoor is a strong response by @adgpi, hitting at the terror hubs in Pakistan. India shall never tolerate terrorism," Sitharaman posted on X.
- 7 May 2025 12:58 PM IST
PM Modi chairs meeting of Union Cabinet
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Union Cabinet, hours after 'Operation Sindoor' was launched to destroy terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
He will also chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS), which will take stock of the evolving situation, sources said.
The meeting is also likely to pass a resolution on the overnight operation carried out by the defence forces, the sources said.
The prime minister had earlier given full operational freedom to the armed forces to decide on the targets, manner and timing of the action against terror in the wake of the Pahalgam attack in which 26 tourists were killed.
Before the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and NSA Ajit Doval briefed the prime minister on the situation
- 7 May 2025 12:56 PM IST
Entire nation stands united against terrorism: Nitish hails Operation Sindoor
Hailing the strike on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday said the entire country stands united against terrorism.
"The entire nation stands united against terrorism. We are extremely proud of the country's defence forces. The courage and valour of the Indian Army made the whole country proud. We all have unwavering faith and pride in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jai Hind," Kumar said in a post on X.
- 7 May 2025 12:55 PM IST
US mission issues security alert, advises citizens to leave areas of active conflict
The US Mission in Pakistan on Wednesday issued a security alert advising American citizens to leave areas of active conflict, saying it is "closely monitoring developments" following Operation Sindoor launched by India targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan.
The security alert, titled ‘Military Activity and Closed Airspace’, said, “We are aware of reports of military strikes by India into Pakistan. This remains an evolving situation, and we are closely monitoring developments.
"US citizens are reminded of the 'Do Not Travel' advisory for areas in the vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict, and the US Department of State’s 'Reconsider Travel' advisory for Pakistan generally,” the alert said.
“We are also aware that airspace has been closed, and many flights have been cancelled,” it added.
Through the alert, the US Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan advised American citizens to "depart areas of active conflict if they can safely do so, or to shelter in place.” It said that US citizens should exercise caution and “leave the area if you find yourself unexpectedly in the vicinity of military activities, shelter in place if they cannot relocate, review personal security plan, keep a low profile and be aware of surroundings and carry identification and cooperate with authorities."
- 7 May 2025 12:53 PM IST
Sharad Pawar hails Operation Sindoor, says message has gone out in world
Hailing Operation Sindoor, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said no country could be a mute spectator in the aftermath of a terror attack, and now a message has gone out in the world that "India is aggressive."
"Whatever happened in Jammu and Kashmir last month, there was anxiety among the people of the country. Innocent people were killed by the terrorists. In such a situation, no country can be a mere spectator," said Pawar, a former defence minister, speaking to reporters in Pune.
"While responding to these terrorist attacks, it was necessary to take steps cautiously. All these strikes have taken place on the terrorist camps in POK which are supported by Pakistan," said Pawar, adding that these camps stored ammunition and weapons too.
"After these air strikes, a message has been sent in the world that India is aggressive," he said.
Defending recent decisions like suspending the Indus Water Treaty to mount economic pressure on Pakistan, Pawar said, "No country can remain a mute spectator after a cowardly attack like the one in Pahalgam. The actions taken by the Prime Minister and the Armed Forces are justified and appropriate." He also said that 'Operation Sindoor' was an apt name, as many women lost their husbands in the Pahalgam attack. "India could not ignore the loss of so many lives. A strong message was necessary to let terrorist outfits know that such acts will not go unanswered. India will strike in a way that neutralizes terrorists without harming civilians," he said.
He also noted that while some people in the country harboured suspicion about the Kashmiri people after the Pahalgam attack, the Kashmiris themselves stood up in support of the country and strongly condemned the terrorist attack.
