Why India Named Its Pahalgam Counterstrike As 'Operation Sindoor'

The Indian Armed Forces on Wednesday launched coordinated strikes on nine terror sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the brutal Pahalgam terror attack. This tri-services action—by the Army, Navy, and Air Force—marked India’s most significant military operation since the 1971 war.

The operation was named 'Operation Sindoor', a symbolic gesture referencing sindoor, the vermilion worn by married Hindu women as a mark of their marital bond.

The operation name reflects the personal tragedy of 25 Indian women who were widowed in the Pahalgam attack, where victims were singled out by religion and executed in front of their families. One Nepali citizen also died in the attack.

Tourists were targeted, and families destroyed. Images of a newlywed woman sitting beside her slain Navy officer husband, and another wife smiling in a boat just a day before losing her partner, gripped the nation with grief and rage.

In response, India targeted key terror hubs including Lashkar-e-Taiba’s base in Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammad’s headquarters in Bahawalpur. Officials stressed that India deliberately avoided hitting Pakistani military sites, keeping the strikes focused and non-escalatory. However, Pakistan responded with cross-border shelling, killing three Indian civilians.

The emotional weight behind the name was captured in a military image showing the word "Sindoor," with one ‘O’ shaped as a bowl of vermilion, some of it spilled—symbolizing lives torn apart. The caption read: "Justice is served. Jai Hind."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had vowed a fierce response, saying those responsible would face unimaginable consequences. Families of the victims expressed both sorrow and gratitude. Aishanya Dwivedi said, "This is the real tribute to my husband. He will be at peace."

"I cannot forget that day. I cry every day. We were waiting for Prime Minister Modi to take such action, and he has given them a befitting reply. Terrorists should be eliminated," said Sangita Ganbote, the wife of Kaustubh Ganbote.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" on his X handle. Minutes after India announced that it conducted the strikes, the Indian Army posted on X and said, "Justice is served. Jai Hind."