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What is Operation Sindoor? All You Need to Know About India’s Military Operation 

Mitali k

In the early hours of May 7, 2025, India launched precision strikes under a military operation code named ‘Operation Sindoor’ on terrorist infrastructure at nine different sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (“PoK”). The Indian Armed Forces used highly sophisticated and niche technology weapons to carry out the strikes.

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Why did India launch Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor was India’s response to the deadly April 22 attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, during which 26 innocent civilians were killed. Tensions between India and Pakistan grew after this deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir. The attack led to a serious breakdown in relations between the two countries. After the attack, India took several steps meant to punish terror camps based in Pakistan and to send a message to the Pakistan administration that India will not tolerate Pakistan sponsored terrorism. India cut off all trade with Pakistan, closed its borders, and expelled diplomats. India even cancelled the longstanding Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.

After the strikes, later on May 7 morning, the Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri along with two women officers briefed the country on the details of Operation Sindoor. The two women officers were Colonel Sofiya Qureshi from the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a helicopter pilot. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi said, “The Armed forces conducted Operation Sindoor on the night between May 6 and 7 at 1.05 a.m. and 1.30 a.m. Nine terror camps were targeted and completely destroyed. Terror infrastructures such as centres for recruitment, indoctrination and launch pads are present in Pakistan and PoK”.

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Where did India strike during Operation Sindoor?

Under Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed forces targeted the following nine places:

  • 2 separate places in Muzaffarabad (PoK)
  • 2 separate places in Kotli (PoK)
  • 1 place in Bhimber (PoK)
  • 2 separate places in Sialkot (Pakistan)
  • 1 place in Bahawalpur (Pakistan)
  • 1 place in Muridke (Pakistan)

India successfully destroyed these terror camps linked to banned terror groups Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These groups have carried out many attacks in India. More than 100 terrorists, including five key terrorists responsible for terror attacks in India, were killed during India’s strikes on the terror camps in Pakistan. These locations were identified as key training and operational hubs in Pakistan for terror attacks against India. Further, 11 air bases in Pakistan were also destroyed. Operation Sindoor was executed through the coordinated efforts of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, conducted from Indian territory.

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What happened after Operation Sindoor?

After the launch of Operation Sindoor by India on May 7, Pakistan flew drones and aircrafts into the Indian airspace all across borders, and launched artillery shelling across the Line of Control. India responded to these attacks by Pakistan by use of appropriate force and successfully neutralised the attacks by Pakistan. The Indian Army inflicted heavy damage on Pakistan.

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Ceasefire the fighting has stopped 

India and Pakistan agreed to halt all military actions on land, air, and sea, with effect from the evening of May 10.

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Why did India target terror camps and Pakistan based terror organisations?

There have been several terrorist attacks in India since 2001 where there has been a direct involvement of Pakistan. Despite India giving evidence, Pakistan has refused to take action against terrorist organisations and continues to extend support to them. The examples of major terrorist attacks include: 2001 Parliament attack, 2008 Mumbai attacks, 2011 attacks in Delhi and Mumbai, 2013 Hyderabad, 2015 Gurdaspur, 2016 Uri, 2017 Amarnath Yathra, and 2019 Pulwama. After the recent Pahalgam attack, India decided to give a befitting reply to the terror attacks on India by terror organisations based in Pakistan.

Also read PM Launches A War Against Obesity 

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Civil Drills

On May 7, India carried out mock drills across 244 districts in the country. These drills, codenamed ‘Operation Abhyas’, were held to ensure that the civilians are prepared and aware about safety protocols. During the drills air raid warning sirens were played in some areas and training was conducted for civilians and students on how to protect themselves during a hostile attack. These mock drills are like fire safety and earthquake drills that you may have at your school. The main reason for conducting the drills was to ensure that everyone stays calm and is prepared.

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If you feel or felt anxious after hearing about Operation Sindoor, here are a few things you can do:

  • Talk to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or school counselor about how you are feeling.
  • Ask questions if you are confused or scared. Adults can help explain what’s happening in a way that’s easier to understand and reassure you that you are safe.
  • Focus on calming activities like drawing, reading, playing games, or spending time with friends and family to help distract from anxious thoughts.
  • Remember that safety measures are in place. The Indian government and armed forces worked together to keep everyone safe.

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India Freezes the Indus Waters Treaty

Mitali k

The Indian Government has announced many stringent measures that it has decided to take against Pakistan because of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam,

Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. Leaders from across the world have condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. One of the main measures taken by India is suspension of the landmark Indus Waters Treaty 1960 (“Treaty”) with Pakistan. “The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism”, said an Indian government official.

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About The Indus River System

The Indus system comprises the main river, Indus, and five left bank tributaries, i.e Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Jhelum, and Chenab. The Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej are called the Eastern Rivers, while the Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus are known as the Western Rivers. The water from these rivers is very important for both India and Pakistan. India is called the upper riparian because it is located upstream, where the rivers begin, while Pakistan is the lower riparian, downstream from India. This means India is in a position to control how much water flows down to Pakistan.

What is the Indus Treaty?

The Treaty is an official agreement that was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan to document the understanding between the two countries on how to distribute and share the water from the Indus River and its branches. The Indus river and its branches flow through both countries, and after India and Pakistan became separate nations in 1947, there were problems about who could use the water. To solve this, the World Bank helped India and Pakistan sign the Treaty to share the waters of the cross-border rivers. This Treaty is very important because millions of people in both countries rely on these rivers for water and food.

According to the Treaty:

  • India gets control of three rivers called the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) and can use all their water.
  • Pakistan gets control of the three Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab), which carry most of the water.
  • India is allowed to use the Western Rivers for generating hydroelectric power and for limited agricultural purposes, but it cannot construct infrastructure that blocks or diverts the flow of water from these rivers into Pakistan

That Treaty withstood three wars between India and Pakistan – in 1965, 1971, and

1999.

What does the suspension of the treaty mean?

The suspension of the Treaty means that there is a threat to Pakistan from India that it could, if and when it chooses to, restrict the flow of water from the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab into Pakistan. The decision to suspend the Treaty is likely to have a big impact on Pakistan.

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How will this impact Pakistan?

 

The Indus River system is Pakistan’s main source of water supporting tens of millions of people. This network provides about 23% of the country’s water for farming, which is vital because agriculture supports 68% of people living in rural areas. Due to the suspension of the Treaty, there could be less water available, which would make it harder for farmers to grow food and could cause food shortages. Pakistan already has problems with managing water, like running out of groundwater and not having enough places to store water, so losing river water would make things even tougher for people living in the countryside.

 

Other Measures taken by the Indian government

 

The Indian Government has also closed off the main border crossing linking the two countries, Attari-Wagah crossing. This includes suspending the movement of people and goods. The Indian Government has also ordered expulsion of diplomats and for certain Pakistani visa holders to leave India.

Everything You Need To Know About Navroze: The Persian New Year

Mitali k

Navroze, also known as the Persian New Year, is a vibrant and ancient festival celebrated by millions of people around the world. It marks the arrival of spring and is observed in countries like Iran, India, Pakistan, and many parts of Central Asia. The festival usually falls on March 20th or 21st, symbolizing a fresh start and the end of winter.

With roots dating back over 3,000 years in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran), Navroze is a celebration of nature, life, and renewal. It is a time to reflect on the past, welcome the future, and, most importantly, to celebrate the changing of the seasons with joy and festivities.

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The Significance of the Haft-Seen Table

One of the most iconic traditions associated with Navroze is the Haft-Seen table. This table is decorated with seven symbolic items that all begin with the Persian letter “S.” Each of these items represents a different blessing for the upcoming year, such as health, wealth, and happiness. The seven items placed on the Haft-Seen table include:

  1. Sabzeh (sprouts) – Symbolizing rebirth and growth.
  2. Samanu (a sweet pudding) – Representing strength and power.
  3. Senjed (dried oleaster fruit) – Symbolizing love and compassion.
  4. Seer (garlic) – For health and protection.
  5. Seeb (apple) – Representing beauty and good health.
  6. Somāq (sumac berries) – Symbolizing the sunrise, patience, and the triumph of good over evil.
  7. Serkeh (vinegar) – For wisdom and aging.

These items not only represent wishes for the new year but also hold deep cultural and spiritual meanings for those who celebrate Navroze.

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Food and Festivities: A Taste of Navroze

No celebration is complete without food, and Navroze is no exception! This festival is a time for people to indulge in delicious dishes, particularly sweets like baklava and other pastries, which are enjoyed by families and friends during gatherings. In addition to sweets, rice-based dishes such as Sabzi Polo Mahi (herbed rice with fish) are commonly served.

Navroze is also a time for community celebrations. People come together to share meals, dance, sing, and enjoy each other’s company. The festivities are filled with traditional music, folk dances, and cultural performances that bring everyone into the spirit of renewal and joy.

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A Time for Renewal and Reflection

The word “Navroze” translates to “new day,” and the festival celebrates the arrival of a new season. It is not just a day of merriment but also a time for personal reflection. As people gather around the Haft-Seen table, they take a moment to reflect on the past year, cherish the blessings they’ve received, and set positive intentions for the year ahead. It is a beautiful reminder to embrace change and start a new.

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Global Celebration of Navroze

Though Navroze has its origins in Persia, today, it is celebrated by people from various cultural backgrounds across the globe. Whether in Iran, India, Pakistan, or Central Asia, the core message of Navroze remains the same: a celebration of life, renewal, and hope. The festival brings people together, bridging cultures and communities through shared traditions and joyous celebrations.

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Navroze is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of life itself. As we celebrate this ancient tradition, we honor the arrival of spring, the season of growth, and the opportunity for new beginnings. Whether you’re setting up your Haft-Seen table, sharing meals with loved ones, or simply reflecting on the past year, Navroze reminds us to embrace change, welcome new opportunities, and celebrate the beauty of life.

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