Pakistan has a well-defined identity as a 'haven for terrorists', said Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary of India, on Wednesday after India launched a series of targeted military strikes under Operation Sindoor, marking a significant response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, including many tourists.
Terror camp where Ajmal Kasab, Daniel Headley were trained have been taken down during the operation, said Col. Sophia Qureshi during the press conference.
Misri said, "Banned international terrorists find it safe from being punished in this country. Pakistan is also known for deliberately misleading the world and international platforms."
It was found essential that the terrorists and their backers need to be punished, said the Foreign Secretary. However, "Pakistan did not take any action. We also had Intel that further attacks on India were being planned."
India exercised its right to respond. The measures were measured and non-escalatory, said Misri.
The operation focused on destroying terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, signalling a tough stance against cross-border terrorism.
India was careful in safeguarding civilian infrastructure and avoiding civilian casualties in Pakistan, said Col Qureshi.
The strikes have led to heightened tensions with Pakistan and caused major disruptions, especially in northern India, where air travel and military activity have been affected.
ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: Flights to and from Delhi, Srinagar, Leh, Dharamshala, Amritsar, Jammu affected
What triggered Operation Sindoor?
The operation was launched in direct response to the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which left several civilians, including honeymooners, dead.
Among the victims was Navy Lt Vinay Narwal, whose wife’s image after the attack went viral, evoking widespread grief and outrage across the country.
ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: India launches targeted strikes at nine targets in Pakistan & PoK to avenge Pahalgam
The name "Operation Sindoor" is believed to symbolise national mourning and resolve, particularly in memory of the young couples who were targeted.
Officials reaffirmed India’s resolve, stating, “We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.”
ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: What, where, and how India avenged the deaths of 26 in deadly Pahalgam attack, explained
How and where were the strikes carried Out?
Indian officials confirmed that nine terror-linked sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) were targeted.
These locations were reportedly connected to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) — two groups frequently accused of sponsoring terror attacks in India.
According to sources cited by ANI, Indian forces carefully selected the targets to go after senior terrorist leadership. The strikes were part of a joint operation by the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, employing precision strike weapons.
Officials stressed that the mission was focused, measured, and non-escalatory, and specifically avoided Pakistani military installations. The strikes, executed from within Indian airspace, reflected restraint in both targeting and execution.
According to sources cited by ANI, Indian forces successfully struck nine designated targets as part of Operation Sindoor — four located within Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The targets in Pakistan reportedly include Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Sialkot, known hubs of terror infrastructure.
According to sources cited by ANI, Indian forces successfully struck nine designated targets as part of Operation Sindoor — four located within Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The targets in Pakistan reportedly include Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Sialkot, known hubs of terror infrastructure.
Pakistan has since placed its air force jets on high alert, and said that it would respond at a time and place of its own choosing.
What are the immediate consequences?
The operation has led to widespread disruptions in air travel across northern India.
The Airports Authority of India confirmed that Srinagar airfield is shut, with no commercial flights operating from there on Wednesday.
IndiGo Airlines issued a travel advisory for affected cities including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, and Bikaner, urging passengers to check flight status before travelling.
SpiceJet stated that operations at Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ) have been suspended until further notice. Air India flights from Pune and Amritsar were also temporarily halted, according to ET sources.
International carriers have also been impacted. Qatar Airways announced the temporary suspension of flights to Pakistan due to the closure of Pakistani airspace. The airline is monitoring the situation closely and stated that it continues to prioritise the safety of passengers and crew. Travellers are advised to check updates on qatarairways.com or contact the airline’s support centre at +974 4144 5555.
Terror camp where Ajmal Kasab, Daniel Headley were trained have been taken down during the operation, said Col. Sophia Qureshi during the press conference.
Misri said, "Banned international terrorists find it safe from being punished in this country. Pakistan is also known for deliberately misleading the world and international platforms."
"On April 22, a Pakistani and Pakistan-trained terrorist, associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, launched a barbaric attack on tourists in Pahalgam. 25 Indians, and one Nepali citizen were cowardly murdered. This is the most serious incident since the 2008 Mumbai attack considering that fact the civilians were attacked."#WATCH | Delhi | #OperationSindoor| Col. Sofiya Qureshi, while addressing the media, presents videos showing destroyed terror camps, including from the Muridke where those involved in the 2008 Mumbai Terror attacks - Ajmal Kasab and David Headley received their training..." pic.twitter.com/tNpsDf92Wu
— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2025
It was found essential that the terrorists and their backers need to be punished, said the Foreign Secretary. However, "Pakistan did not take any action. We also had Intel that further attacks on India were being planned."
India exercised its right to respond. The measures were measured and non-escalatory, said Misri.
The operation focused on destroying terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, signalling a tough stance against cross-border terrorism.
India was careful in safeguarding civilian infrastructure and avoiding civilian casualties in Pakistan, said Col Qureshi.
The strikes have led to heightened tensions with Pakistan and caused major disruptions, especially in northern India, where air travel and military activity have been affected.
ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: Flights to and from Delhi, Srinagar, Leh, Dharamshala, Amritsar, Jammu affected
What triggered Operation Sindoor?
The operation was launched in direct response to the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which left several civilians, including honeymooners, dead.
Among the victims was Navy Lt Vinay Narwal, whose wife’s image after the attack went viral, evoking widespread grief and outrage across the country.
ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: India launches targeted strikes at nine targets in Pakistan & PoK to avenge Pahalgam
The name "Operation Sindoor" is believed to symbolise national mourning and resolve, particularly in memory of the young couples who were targeted.
Officials reaffirmed India’s resolve, stating, “We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.”
ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: What, where, and how India avenged the deaths of 26 in deadly Pahalgam attack, explained
How and where were the strikes carried Out?
Indian officials confirmed that nine terror-linked sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) were targeted.
These locations were reportedly connected to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) — two groups frequently accused of sponsoring terror attacks in India.
According to sources cited by ANI, Indian forces carefully selected the targets to go after senior terrorist leadership. The strikes were part of a joint operation by the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, employing precision strike weapons.
Officials stressed that the mission was focused, measured, and non-escalatory, and specifically avoided Pakistani military installations. The strikes, executed from within Indian airspace, reflected restraint in both targeting and execution.
According to sources cited by ANI, Indian forces successfully struck nine designated targets as part of Operation Sindoor — four located within Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The targets in Pakistan reportedly include Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Sialkot, known hubs of terror infrastructure.
According to sources cited by ANI, Indian forces successfully struck nine designated targets as part of Operation Sindoor — four located within Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The targets in Pakistan reportedly include Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Sialkot, known hubs of terror infrastructure.
Pakistan has since placed its air force jets on high alert, and said that it would respond at a time and place of its own choosing.
What are the immediate consequences?
The operation has led to widespread disruptions in air travel across northern India.
The Airports Authority of India confirmed that Srinagar airfield is shut, with no commercial flights operating from there on Wednesday.
IndiGo Airlines issued a travel advisory for affected cities including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, and Bikaner, urging passengers to check flight status before travelling.
SpiceJet stated that operations at Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ) have been suspended until further notice. Air India flights from Pune and Amritsar were also temporarily halted, according to ET sources.
International carriers have also been impacted. Qatar Airways announced the temporary suspension of flights to Pakistan due to the closure of Pakistani airspace. The airline is monitoring the situation closely and stated that it continues to prioritise the safety of passengers and crew. Travellers are advised to check updates on qatarairways.com or contact the airline’s support centre at +974 4144 5555.
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