Operation Sindoor: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefs media

New Delhi, May 7: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the missile strikes that India launched in the wee hours of Wednesday targeting multiple terrorist strongholds across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 

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Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the military action, stating that the strikes were a necessary and calibrated response to the Pahalgam massacre. 

The operation, code-named Operation Sindoor, comes just two weeks after a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that left 26 people dead, most of them Hindu tourists from across India.

“The Indian government holds Pakistan directly responsible for harbouring the perpetrators of the attack,” Misri said, adding that concrete intelligence indicated the involvement of terror outfits operating from Pakistani soil.

Also Read: 'Operation Sindoor', Pakistan Defence Minister States Willingness to 'End Conflict' if India Reciprocates

According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force worked in synchrony to carry out precision strikes on nine identified terrorist hubs. Among the major targets were key bases of Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's central command in Muridke, near Lahore and Sialkot.

“The objective was to dismantle the infrastructure that enables cross-border terrorism. Our forces have executed the mission with surgical precision and professionalism,” Misri told reporters. He emphasised that India’s intention is not to escalate conflict but to send a strong message that acts of terror will not go unanswered.

The Indian strikes reportedly caused significant damage to terrorist infrastructure, although no details have yet been released regarding casualties. Sources within the security establishment suggest that the strikes were executed using long-range precision missiles and coordinated air surveillance, with naval forces positioned to provide logistical and strategic support if required.

Also Read: 'Operation Sindoor': Widows and Kin of Pahalgam Terror Victims Welcome India's Retaliatory Strikes

Operation Sindoor is being seen as a strategic shift in India’s counter-terrorism policy, indicating a more aggressive stance against cross-border terrorism. The government has reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens and upholding national security.

Pakistan has not yet officially responded to the strikes. However, security analysts believe that the strikes could lead to heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Foreign Secretary Misri concluded his address by reaffirming India’s resolve to maintain peace but not at the cost of national integrity. “Peace cannot be a one-sided commitment. As long as terror continues to find sanctuary in Pakistan, India reserves the right to defend its people and sovereignty,” he stated firmly.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation as India continues its efforts to rally diplomatic support against state-sponsored terrorism.

Also Read: India Briefs US, Key Nations on 'Operation Sindoor' as Trump Hopes for Quick End to Tensions