Operation Sindoor - The doctrine change of Indian army

 

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Operation Sindoor - The doctrine change of Indian army

[An analysis of the operations’ genesis and its effect]

 

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi with army and BSF personnel during his visit to Longewala, May 19, 2025

            Many would rate this article as too late, as per the context of the Operation, but it is an analysis based on official versions that were made available much later coupled with findings of independent fact finding agencies/persons.  The final confirmation of hits made by Indian Armed Forces were disclosed by Air Force Chief of Indian Air Chief Marshall Amar Preet Singh on 3^rd October, 2025 [Brief of IAF Chief made during 3^rd October, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-igMs1Cors} and hence the late posting of this blog.  Instead of providing with a very detailed analysis, I will touch upon all the aspects, with links provided to the relevant articles that highlight that specific issues. Let us begin with the build-up of the present scenario that resulted in the Operation Sindoor.

As per description given by Indian IAF Chief - the number of hardkills made by India during Operation Sindoor

The number of personnel killed by India as informed by IAF Chief - [FP=Fighter pilots]

Austrian military analyst had made this prediction way back in August, 2025
[Here is the link to the news - https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/more-or-less-known-since-may-austrian-analyst-on-iafs-s-400-defence-system-that-shot-down-pak-aircrafts-in-operation-sindoor/]

The build-up –

            Pakistan since its inception has been needling India needlessly that had resulted in three wars, all of which it had lost.  Thereafter, as Pakistan could not succeed, it started indirect proxy attacks through its’ terrorist network comprising of Laskar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad etc. duly backed by Pakistan’s ISI.  In this context, some of the major terrorist activities carried out by Pakistan during the 21^st Century are the Car-bomb blast in front of Jammu & Kashmir Assembly on 1^st October, 2001 that killed 27 people, which was followed by the devastating Parliament attack carried out on 13^th December, 2001 wherein about 14 people lost their lives, there was no palpable response from the Indian side, probably because of the just concluded Kargil conflict of 1999.  The devastating Mumbai terror attack was carried out on 26^th November, 2008 where about 166 people lost their lives and subsequent Mumbai serial blasts on 13^th July, 2011 wherein about 26 people lost their lives [Details may be perused here - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7479386/ ].  After the change in Government in the centre in 2014, the perception about thwarting terrorist activities and change in military doctrine started evolving. 

           The first major terrorist activity that took place after 2014 was the January 2016 attack, the four-day attack on Indian air base in Pathankot left seven Indian soldiers martyred and six militants dead, the Garud Commandos of IAF played a pivotal role in eliminating the terrorists .  This was followed by the 18 September 2016 attack: wherein an army base in Uri in Kashmir was attacked by fidayeen (suicide attack) terrorists that killed 19 soldiers.  As a response this attack, for the first time the changed Indian doctrine was displayed, wherein a ‘Surgical strike’ was launched across the Pakistan LOC on 28^th - 29^th September 2016 [In case one would like to refresh their memories about this even here is a link to an article appearing in the press - https://sundayguardianlive.com/news/2016-surgical-strikes-marked-a-departure-from-strategic-restraint-to-responsible-retaliation-152039/ ]. 

             The second major terrorist activity took place in Pulwama on 14^th February, 2019 wherein a suicide bomber detonated a car bomb in proximity of an army convoy that resulted in death of 40 Indian military personnel.  It was obvious that the Pakistan handlers/ISI had taken no lesson from the surgical strikes and therefore, the Indian government took the decision to strike at the terrorists training center at Balakote on 26^th February, 2019, as usual Pakistan denied any loss in the attack, but it launched its air force to target some Indian bases in Kashmir as an retaliatory exercise.  Rest is history, as Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman while taking down a highly superior F-16 fighter with his almost obsolete MIG-21 fighter, was also shot down in return fire and captured by Pakistan, only to be returned back to India within a period of three days.  Those desirous of refreshing their memories may check out the press article - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47370608.

             The latest cowardly major terrorist attack took place on 22^nd April, 2025 wherein the terrorists walked upon the innocent tourists in Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam region of Kashmir and shot dead 26 tourists, 25 Indian and 1 Nepali citizen, after ascertaining their religious identity,  For those who want to recollect the details of this ghastly incident, here is a link to one of the articles available on the internet - https://www.vifindia.org/article/2025/april/28/Pahalgam-Terror-Attack-2025-Unmasking-Pakistan-s-Proxy-Hand-in-Kashmir.

Build up to launching of Operation Sindoor

             The Indian military doctrine has been fast evolving and its culmination was on display as a result of this latest dastardly act by the Pakistan based terrorists.  Instead of going in for a knee-jerk reaction, the government and the defense establishment made a detailed analysis of the responses available, the intelligence inputs and magnitude & manner of the strikes.  The apparent thought process indicates that the deterrence had to be precise and hard hitting. 

           The build up to the finale started after Pakistani establishment called it a ‘false flag’, as per of policy of denial of any terrorist activity from its soil.  But this time around no one was ready to buy its narrative and the first paradigm shift in Indian policy towards proxy war was noticed with India keeping in abeyance of ‘Indus River treaty’ on 23^rd April, 2025 alongwith removal of certain Pakistani diplomatic staff from India by declaring them persona non-grata.  Simultaneously, the Attari-Wagah border was also sealed and any movement stopped and SAARC Visa suspended for Pakistan.  In response, Pakistan on 25^th April, 2025 initiated the violation of the cease-fire agreement by firing artillery and small arms across the Line of Control (hereinafter referred to as LOC).  Thereafter, from 26^th April, 2025 onwards there were repeated violations of the cease fire agreement by Pakistan and their political leaders and senior military establishment personnel started issuing threats of nuclear reprisal, if Indus water treaty was not restored and so on went the rant of Pakistanis.  Because of the false narratives being run by the Pakistani social media handlers, India banned their Youtube channels and other social media platforms in India on 6^th May, 2025.

 Launch of Operation Sindoor

On the ensuing night of 6^th & 7^th May, 2025, after having made detailed assessment via ground intelligence and Satellite based intelligence, India launched its missiles and smart bombs etc. that destroyed 9 (Nine) terrorist bases in Pakistan, which was in retaliation of the gruesome Pahalgam attack on innocent Hindu civilians by Pakistan government backed terrorist organizations.  The terror camps hit by India were - Bahawalpur, ⁠Muridke, ⁠Gulpur, ⁠Bhimber, ⁠Chak Amru, ⁠Bagh, ⁠Kotli, ⁠Sialkot and ⁠Muzaffarabad.  India did not hit any other civilian or military installations of Pakistan and the information was also conveyed to Pakistan through diplomatic channels.  However, in retaliation Pakistan shelled the civilian areas situated along the border/LOC that resulted in death of 12 civilians on Indian side, but India did not retaliate to avoid unnecessary escalation, as it had conveyed the message loud and clear as envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra D. Modi, wherein he had stated that any terrorist act orchestrated by Pakistan based terrorist would henceforth be seen as an ‘act of war’ by India.  The terror camp run by the deranged terrorist Massod Azar was hit that resulted in deaths of many of his near and dear ones and their last rites were performed in presence of Pakistani military and Police officers in proper attire thereby lending credence to the fact that the terrorists involved in the proxy war with India had the direct backing of the Pakistani establishment.

At the funeral of killed terrorists in Muridke, prayers wereled by LeT Commander Abdul Rauf, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the US Treasury. The top brass of the Pakistan Army and the Inspector General of Police in Pakistan's Punjab were seen attending the funeral and offering prayers. It was attended by Lt Gen Fayyaz Hussain, Major General Rao Imran, BrigadierMohd Furqan from Administration, Usman Anwar, a Pakistan Punjab Legislator, and Malik Sohaib Ahmed.(Arif ALI / AFP)

Terrorist camps hit by India on night of 6-7 May, 2025

Satellite Images Show Damaged Terror Camps in Pakistan | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G – here is the link to the news - https://youtu.be/c15A7eoD_Mo?si=bDIkf32YB1SuSxnr]

           Pakistan on 8^th May, 2025 continued with its tirade against India and also stepped up shelling across LOC using Mortars and heavy-caliber Artillery in areas adjoining Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan also tried to strike 14 military targets in India using drones (specifically of Turkish make and there are reports that in the Command and Control Centers Turkish Officials were also posted to oversee the strikes) and missiles (mainly of Chinese make) — but they were all neutralized by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defense systems.  The Pakistanis used to launch their attacks in the evening hours, presuming that akin to Balakote strike wherein they had failed to intercept the strike and some leaders stated that it was because of darkness and clouds overhead, they thought that the Indian armed forces would also not be able to see their drones/missiles at night (Pun intended).  In retaliation to these unprovoked attempted attacks on Indian military installations and in order to make Pakistan understand the gravity of the situation, especially when India had specifically avoided hitting any military installations initially, the Indian Armed Forces struck Pakistan’s Air Defense systems (Lahore neutralized).  Emergency meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan authorized their armed forces to take action after strikes on account of ‘violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.’  During the interim, intense diplomatic maneuvers by USA and Saudi Arabia with India and Pakistan took place.  India shut down 8 (Eight) Airports along the border areas as a means of abundant precaution to avoid any stray hits by Pakistani drones or missiles.  On the other hand Pakistan continued to use its flying civilian aircrafts as shield against possible Indian missile attacks, presuming that any stray missile hitting a Pakistani civilian aircraft would result in an international hue & cry.  It would be imperative to state here that the Pakistanis fired a salvo of Chinese made Air to Air missile known as PL-15 and none of them hit the target and were recovered intact (in some cases) by the Indian government and information shared with many anti-China countries.

Chinese made PL-15 [Air to Air missile] recoverd almost intact in India

Chinese made Surface to Air defense system HQ9 obliterated by Indian forces in Lahore

On 9^th May, 2025 in its official press briefing, India accused Pakistan of targeting military sites, which Pakistan later denied as usual. Indian border defense force i.e. BSF meanwhile foiled major infiltration bid by terrorists, supported by Pak Rangers (Seven terrorists were killed in action by the BSF) on night of 8^th May, 2025.  Defense Minister met CDS and all three Service Chiefs.  Later, PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, CDS, and the three service chiefs. Kartarpur Corridor services were temporarily paused till cessation of hostilities.  Decision regarding further course of action was taken in the aforementioned meetings and Pakistan that was under the impression that its nuclear deterrence would force India to stay away from attacking their military installations.  However, hectic diplomatic parleys by both countries continued throughout the day.

 On ensuing night of 9^th-10^th May, 2025 India hit back with a precise and severe manner using its smart bombs, missiles and S-400.  India fired back at key Pakistani air bases, inflicting heavy damage at Murid, Rafiqui, and Sargodha bases, as well as the garrison city of Rawalpindi.  Indian Army destroyed Pakistani posts at LoC and confirmed Pakistani military bases were also targeted namely - Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Radar site in Pasrur, Aviation base in Sialkot,  All the Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes were thwarted by Indian air defense systems namely Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defense that comprised of Akash Surface to Air missiles etc.  Pakistan was forced to close its airspace.  Pakistan in response launched Operation: Buryan ul Marsoos against India.  Simultaneously, BSF Jammu destroyed terrorist launch pads in Looni   region of Pakistan.  Later on during the daytime of 10^th May, 2025 Indian spokesperson and Foreign Secretary held a short briefing wherein despite claims by US President of having brokered a ceasefire informed the Press & Media as follows - "The Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called DGMO of India at 15:35 hrs earlier this afternoon...It was agreed that both sides will stop firing on land, air, and sea from 17.00 hours IST…DGMO will talk again on 12 May."  Later on EAM Jaishankar informed as follows -  "India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action...India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism...". 

Pakistan military bases hit by India on 9-10th May, 2025 

In the ensuing days, the Pakistani politicians and its military brass started spreading fake narrative of having won the war and thanked the foreign help received from the United Kingdom, Turkiye, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and China and also conferred the title of ‘Field Marshall’ upon their Army Commander Asif Munir, who actually should have been called as the ‘Failed Marshall’ [Pun intended].  Despite the claims made by Pakistan, they could not provide a single proof of having hit any Indian Army targets inside India, whereas there are umpteen number of such satellite images available that show the damage caused to Pakistani bases during operation Sindoor.  Here are the details of damages caused to Pakistan Armed forces locations -

 

Rafiqui Air Base - Located in Jhang district, about 337 km south of Islamabad, this base has a 10,000-foot runway and a parallel taxiway suitable for emergency operations. Named after 1965 war hero Sqn Ldr Sarfraz Ahmed Rafiqui, it hosts several tactical attack and operational units, making it a Mirage III hub under Central Air Command.

Murid Air Base, Sialkot - This base is part of the Northern Air Command and is located in the Chakwal area. It lacks any permanent squadrons and has a 9,000-foot asphalt runway. However, because of its closeness to India, it is strategically significant and can accommodate both fighter jets and UAV operations. Its ability to handle drones has improved due to recent infrastructure improvements.  It houses the UCAV and UAV fleet of the PAF, including Turkiye-made Bayraktar TB2s and Shahpar-I. It also has facilitates for Pilot training and air surveillance.

Noor Khan Air Base, Chaklala - Formerly RAF Station Chaklala, this base has historical significance dating back to WWII. It currently operates as a transport base and hosts the No. 10 MRTT Squadron with Il-78 aerial refueling tankers. It also has a history of cooperation with the U.S. military during the Afghanistan war and disaster relief operations.  During Operation Sindoor Indian forces destroyed one F-16 and a C-130 damaged in a precision strike

Masroor Airbase, Karachi - The largest airbase in Pakistan and one of the largest in Asia by area, PAF Base Masroor houses the No. 32 Tactical Attack Wing. It operates a wide range of aircraft including JF-17s, Mirage variants, and AEW&C systems. This base is vital for defending Pakistan's southern and coastal regions.

Rahim Yar Khan, Bhawalpur, Punjab - The damage to the Rahim Yar Khan airbase includes a massive crater in the middle of the runway, making the airbase nearly unusable for Pakistan. The base, which also houses an airport, was hit when operations were off at the airport, mitigating the risk to civilian flights.

Sukkur, Bholari Sindh - Located in Jamshoro district, this is one of the newest operational bases. It houses the 19 Squadron (OCU) and operates F-16A/B Block 15 ADF aircraft under Southern Air Command.

Shabaz Air Base, Jacobabad, Sindh - Hosting the No. 5 and No. 11 Squadrons (both operating F-16s), this base also facilitates Lockheed Martin maintenance teams. It falls under Southern Air Command and includes the No. 39 Tactical Wing and SAR units equipped with AW139 helicopters.

Bloari Air Base, Karachi - The Bholari airbase in Sindh province, located less than 100 miles from the port city of Karachi, was one of nearly a dozen air force targets struck by India during Operation Sindoor. Commissioned in December 2017, it was regarded as one of Pakistan’s most advanced main operational bases. It is home to the 19 Squadron and the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), operating F-16A/B Block 15 ADF aircraft. The strike during operation Sindoor destroyed an F-16 parked inside a hangar, killing five PAF personnel, including a Squadron Leader and the Chief Technician. The AWACS Erieye at the same base was severely damaged and later repaired with urgent support from US Air Force engineers.

Chunian - Chinese – YLC-8E – This advanced 3D surveillance system was transferred from China's military inventory to Pakistan in 2023 and is a flagship of Chinese stealth detection technology, designed to detect stealth aircraft like the F-22 and F-35. The destruction of the YLC-8E is seen as a significant blow to Pakistan's air defense capabilities and a dent in the reputation of the Chinese military technology it represents.  

Radar site in Pasrur - American ANTPS Radar/TPS-77 – In 2005, the United States awarded a contract for six TPS-77 units to Lockheed Martin, which were delivered to Pakistan to provide continuous air surveillance. The TPS-77 radar is capable of tracking aircraft up to 450 kilometers away and 30 Kms. in height is designed for long-range surveillance and early.

[Operation Sindoor: How Indian Air Force grounded Pakistan’s Air Power – here is the link to the news with satellite photographs attached - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/operation-sindoor-how-iaf-grounded-pakistans-air-power/articleshow/121094154.cms]

[Operation Sindoor wrecked Pakistani airbases, destroyed F-16s and AWACS; US stepped in for urgent repairs – here is the link to the news with satellite photographs - https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/operation-sindoor-wrecked-pakistani-airbases-destroyed-f-16s-and-awacs-us-stepped-in-for-urgent-repairs-article-13599652.html]

 

[Pakistan’s F-16, J-17 fighter jets destroyed in Operation Sindoor, says IAF chief - https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india-pakistan-news/india-downed-five-f-16-jf-17-pakistani-jets-in-may-conflict-says-iaf-chief/ - 3^rd October, 2025] 

Chinese released image of Adampur base - duly fact checked and debunked by military analyst Mr.Damien Symon

Claim being made by Pakistani media handlers regarding taking down of Indian S-400 System debunked by Mr.Damien Symon

            Despite such overwhelming proof available worldwide on social media as well as specific military related websites, the Pakistanis continue to drum their win wherever they get a chance to do so.  Be it in political arena or any other arena like cricket (remember Harris Rouf antics), Pakistan continues with its false narrative.  However, being over smart sometimes paves the way for getting exposed and similarly Pakistan during its Independence day celebrations awarded valour related medals to its military personnel, both in person as well as posthumously.  For those interested in knowing about the medals that Pakistan grants to its military personnel for valour are as follows - 1 Nishan-e-Haider (Order of the Lion); 2.Hilal-e-Jurat (Crescent pf Courage); 3.Sitara-e-Jurat (Star of Courage); 4.Tamga-e-Jurat (Medal of Courage); and 5. Imtiazi Sanad (Mentioned in Despatches).  However, by given such posthumous medals for its so called retaliation to Operation Sindoor, it awarded such medals for commendable acts during the so called Operation: Buryan ul Marsoos.  But what it acknowledged by doing so, especially to those killed in the operations, is that it accepted loss of military life and its failed attempt, for example, it awarded Sitara-e-Jurat to four of its pilots, who flew suicide mission in an attempt to hit S-400 units, but as the range of their missiles were only 250 Kms., whereas, the S-400 has a range of 400 Kms. and it had been effectively displayed by hitting a Pakistani AWACS at a distance of 314-319 Kms., thus creating a world record for such a kill.  So the Pakistani pilots in the Chinese made planes flew into definitive death in a formation of four aircraft, with two leading ones meant to be the target and the other two flying in from behind would target the S-400 system, sadly all four targets were hit resulting in casualty of all four Pakistani pilots that has been now indirectly been accepted by Pakistan.  On other hand despite rhetoric’s and photo shopped images uploaded by Pakistani media managers and also their Chinese counterparts, all of their narratives fell flat on the face, after some fact checking and I am enclosing a few such photographs duly countered by a foreign military expert.

[Pakistani Gallantry Awards List Reveals 138 Of Its Soldiers Died In Operation Sindoor - https://odishabytes.com/pakistani-gallantry-awards-list-reveals-138-of-its-soldiers-died-in-operation-sindoor/]

© S Roy Biswas

N.B – All the photographs have been sourced from the internet.