The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, stating that India had delivered a “befitting reply” to Pakistan over its support for cross-border terrorism after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Speaking at a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the world had recognised the April 2025 Pahalgam attack for what it was and reaffirmed India’s right to defend itself against terrorism.
“Today, we mark the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. The entire world witnessed the Pahalgam terrorist attack for what it truly was. We gave a befitting response to Pakistan for sponsoring cross-border terrorism,” Jaiswal said.
He further stated that “cross-border terrorism has long been used by Pakistan as an instrument of state policy” and stressed that India would continue strengthening the global fight against terrorism.
“We in India have every right to protect ourselves from terrorism. We will continue to work towards strengthening the global fight against terrorism,” Randhir Jaiswal said.
India restates its stand on the Indus Waters Treaty, says MEA
Randhir Jaiswal also reaffirmed India’s stand on the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that the agreement remains in abeyance due to Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism.
“Our position on the Indus Waters Treaty has remained consistent. The IWT is in abeyance in response to Pakistan’s sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. Pakistan must credibly and irrevocably renounce its support for cross-border terrorism,” he said.
India launched Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam attack
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Under the operation, Indian armed forces carried out strikes on terror launchpads located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian forces targeted nine terror launchpads associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen, reportedly killing over 100 terrorists during the mission.
Earlier today, Rajiv Ghai said the operation proved that “Atmanirbhar is not just a slogan; it is indeed a force multiplier,” while highlighting the contribution of indigenous defense systems and coordinated efforts among multiple agencies.
He stated that the mission met its objectives through a “calibrated shot and sharp shock” strategy that disrupted the enemy’s command and control systems without drawing India into a prolonged conflict.
Ghai further asserted that Operation Sindoor was “not an end” but “just the beginning” of India’s ongoing fight against terrorism.