The 2025 India-Pakistan Conflict (Operation Sindoor): UPSC Current Affairs Story Arc
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ExploreFor the first time since the 1971 War, India launched a military strike across the International Border into Pakistan, deploying the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in active combat to avenge the deaths of 26 tourists.
Overview
The 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, centered on 'Operation Sindoor', represents a fundamental shift in India's counter-terrorism doctrine. Following a brutal attack in Pahalgam in April 2025 that targeted civilians based on religion, India responded with a multi-domain military operation in May. This operation moved beyond traditional 'Surgical Strikes' on the Line of Control (LoC) to target infrastructure deep within Pakistan across the International Border (IB). While a US-brokered ceasefire was reached quickly, the strategic landscape altered permanently, characterized by India's move from 'Aman ki Asha' to 'BrahMos ki Bhasha' and Pakistan's subsequent formation of a dedicated Army Rocket Force.
How This Story Evolved
Terror Attack (April) → Military Retaliation/Op Sindoor (May) → Official Closure (July) → Pakistan's Counter-Escalation (August)
- 2025-05-09: India-Pakistan Border Crisis and Operation Sindoor
More details
UPSC Angle: India-Pakistan border crisis and 'Operation Sindoor' military retaliation.
Key Facts:
- Pakistan Armed Forces launched attacks using drones and munitions along the Western Border on the night of May 8-9, 2025.
- Pakistani troops resorted to ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Drone attacks were repulsed, and retaliatory fire caused major losses to the Pakistan Army.
- Pakistani military carried out multiple violations of Indian airspace along the entire western border.
- Drone intrusions were attempted from Lelay to Sir Creek at 36 locations with approximately 300 to 400 drones.
- Indian armed forces brought down a number of drones.
- Preliminary reports suggested the drones were of assist drone of Turkey.
- An armed UAV of Pakistan attempted to target Batinda military station but was neutralized.
- Armed drones were launched at four air defense sites in Pakistan, destroying an AD radar.
- Artillery shelling occurred across the Line of Control using heavy caliber artillery guns and armed drones at various locations in Jammu and Kashmir.
- A shell fired from Pakistan landed behind Christ School in Punch, killing two students and severely injuring their parents.
- Another Pakistani shell struck a Christian convent, damaging water tanks and destroying solar panel infrastructure.
- Pakistan did not close its civil airspace despite launching an unprovoked drone and missile attack on May 7.
- 72 Indian fighter jets were involved in the May 7 air attack, against Pakistan's 42 aircraft.
- 40 Pakistani civilians, including women and children, were killed, and 121 injured in the Indian attack.
- Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter aircraft, including three French Rafales.
- Pakistan conducted a counterstrike on May 10, hitting 26 military targets within Indian territory.
- 2025-05-12: BrahMos Missile Export & Strategic Implications
More details
UPSC Angle: Strategic implications of BrahMos missile exports for defense diplomacy.
Key Facts:
- India has shifted from 'Ammon key Asha' to 'Brahmos key bhasha'
- BrahMos missile has ship-based, land-based, and air-launched versions
- Deployed during Operation Sindoor against Pakistani military installations
- BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was deployed in combat for the first time during Operation Sindoor.
- 2025-06-01: Yojana Magazine June 2025: Focus on Armed Forces Synergy and Food Security
More details
UPSC Angle: Yojana Magazine June 2025 focuses on armed forces synergy.
Key Facts:
- Operation SINDOOR launched in May 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025
- The attack resulted in the death of 26 Indian tourists
- Foodgrain production target for 2025–26 is 354.64 MMT
- 68.85% of India's population lives in rural areas (Census 2011)
- The assailants responsible for the Pahalgam attack reportedly segregated victims based on religion
- 2025-06-03: India Warns Pakistan Against 'Terror and Nuclear Blackmail'
More details
UPSC Angle: India warns Pakistan against terrorism and nuclear blackmail.
Key Facts:
- General Anil Chauhan, India's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
- Savitribai Phule Pune University
- April 2025 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir killed 26 people
- Operation Sindoor launched May 7
- April 22 attack in Pahalgam
- 2025-06-23: Operation SINDOOR
More details
UPSC Angle: Operation SINDOOR launched after Pahalgam terror attack.
Key Facts:
- Operation SINDOOR launched in May 2025
- Response to Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025
- 26 Indian tourists killed in Pahalgam attack
- Attack claimed by The Resistance Front, a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba
- Operation aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure across the LoC
- Multi-agency intel confirmed and enabled targeted strikes on nine terror camps
- 2025-07-29: India's Defence Minister on Conflict with Pakistan
More details
UPSC Angle: India ended military conflict with Pakistan in May 2025.
Key Facts:
- Rajnath Singh
- May 2025
- April 22
- 26 men
- 2025-08-14: Pakistan to Establish New Missile Force
More details
UPSC Angle: Pakistan to establish new missile force.
Key Facts:
- Pakistan
- Army Rocket Force
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
- 78th Independence Day
- Islamabad
- May 2025 conflict with India
- 2025-12-31: India's Strategic Resolve in a Turbulent World Order
More details
UPSC Angle: India launched Operation Sindoor against cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.
Key Facts:
- Operation Sindoor launched on May 7.
- India launched military strike into Pakistan across the international border after the 1971 war.
- 2026-02-23: India Launches 'Prahaar' Counter-Terrorism Policy
More details
UPSC Angle: India launches 'Prahaar' counter-terrorism policy with zero-tolerance approach.
Key Facts:
- New national counter-terrorism policy 'Prahaar' launched
- Zero-tolerance approach to terrorism
- Focuses on prevention, intelligence-led coordination, swift response, technological upgrades, adherence to the rule of law
- Addresses cross-border terrorism, drone misuse, cyber-attacks, online radicalisation, terror financing
- Policy name: PRAHAAR
- Released by: Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- Focus: Threats across water, land, and air
- Emphasis on: Intelligence-led prevention and disruption of extremist violence
- Seven key pillars: Prevention, responses, aggregating internal capacities, human rights and Rule of Law-based processes, attenuating conditions enabling terrorism, aligning international efforts, and recovery and resilience
- Addresses misuse of: CBRNED (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive, Digital) materials
- Highlights use of: Social media platforms, encrypted messaging services, dark web, and crypto assets by terror groups
- Proposes integration of legal experts at every stage of investigation
- Establishes close partnerships between central agencies and state police forces
Genesis
Trigger
The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 Indian tourists were segregated by religion and killed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Why Now
The brutality of targeting tourists and the public's demand for a decisive response led the Indian government to abandon purely diplomatic channels, adopting a 'non-escalatory' but forceful military retaliation.
Historical Context
The operation is being compared to the 1971 Indo-Pak War because it was the first time since then that India officially struck targets across the International Border (IB) rather than just the disputed Line of Control (LoC).
Key Turning Points
- [2025-05-07] Launch of Operation Sindoor
Marked the official transition to active military retaliation across the International Border.
Before: India focused on LoC-centric surgical strikes. After: India demonstrated a willingness to strike deep infrastructure across the IB.
- [2025-05-12] Combat debut of BrahMos
Changed the technological parity in the region.
Before: BrahMos was a deterrent tool. After: It is a battle-proven kinetic asset.
Key Actors and Institutions
| Name | Role | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| General Anil Chauhan | Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) | Articulated India's stance against 'nuclear blackmail' and oversaw the synergy between the armed forces during Operation Sindoor. |
| Rajnath Singh | Defence Minister of India | Officially declared the conflict's closure in July 2025, confirming that India had achieved its strategic objectives without succumbing to external pressure. |
| Shehbaz Sharif | Prime Minister of Pakistan | Announced the creation of the Army Rocket Force on Pakistan's 78th Independence Day as a direct strategic counter to India's 2025 military actions. |
Key Institutions
- The Resistance Front (TRF)
- Pakistan Army Rocket Force
- Department of Military Affairs (DMA)
- BrahMos Aerospace
Key Concepts
International Border (IB) vs Line of Control (LoC)
The IB is the legally recognized frontier between two sovereign nations, while the LoC is a de facto military boundary in the disputed region of Kashmir.
Current Fact: Operation Sindoor was the first strike across the IB since the 1971 war.
Nuclear Blackmail
A strategy where a nuclear-armed state uses the threat of nuclear escalation to deter a conventional military response to its use of proxy terror groups.
Current Fact: CDS General Anil Chauhan stated on June 3, 2025, that India will no longer live under the shadow of 'nuclear blackmail'.
Supersonic Cruise Missile
A self-propelled guided missile that flies at speeds between Mach 1 and Mach 5 within the atmosphere to deliver a warhead with high precision.
Current Fact: The BrahMos missile was deployed in combat for the first time during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
What Happens Next
Current Status
Official military conflict concluded in July 2025 after India met its objectives; however, a new arms race has begun with Pakistan's establishment of its 'Army Rocket Force' in August.
Likely Next
Increased focus on 'Drone Warfare' and 'Missile Diplomacy' as Pakistan seeks to counter India's BrahMos superiority with its new Rocket Force.
Wildcards
Potential for a 'tit-for-tat' missile engagement if another proxy attack occurs, given Pakistan's new centralized missile combat capability.
Why UPSC Cares
Syllabus Topics
- India and its neighborhood- relations
- Security challenges and their management in border areas
- Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security
Essay Angles
- The Evolution of India's Counter-Terrorism Doctrine: From Passive to Proactive
- Technology as the New Frontier of National Security: Drones and Missiles
Prelims Likely: Yes
Mains Likely: Yes
Trend Signal: rising
Exam Intelligence
Previous Year Question Connections
- Testing the year and nature of India's surgical strikes in PoK. — Operation Sindoor is the logical progression of the tactical shift seen in the 2016 Surgical Strikes.
- Classification of BrahMos as a cruise missile. — The 2025 combat use of BrahMos elevates it from a 'joint venture fact' to a 'strategic application fact'.
Prelims Angles
- The first combat deployment date of BrahMos (May 2025).
- Distinction between TRF (The Resistance Front) and its parent organization LeT.
- Historical significance of striking across the International Border (IB) vs LoC since 1971.
- Technical details of Pakistan's new 'Army Rocket Force' established in August 2025.
Mains Preparation
Sample Question: Analyze the strategic implications of 'Operation Sindoor' 2025 on the South Asian security architecture. How does the combat deployment of supersonic cruise missiles redefine the 'Nuclear Threshold' in India-Pakistan relations?
Answer Structure: Intro: Define Operation Sindoor and its trigger (Pahalgam attack). Body 1: Discuss the strategic shift (IB vs LoC, BrahMos deployment). Body 2: Analyze the role of technology (Drones, Missiles) and synergy (CDS role). Critical Analysis: Evaluate the 'non-escalatory' nature vs Pakistan's 'Rocket Force' response. Conclusion: Way forward for India's regional deterrence.
Essay Topic: The end of 'Strategic Restraint': Assessing India's 21st-century response to cross-border terrorism.
Textbook Connections
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 88: Foreign Policy > NUCLEAR DOCTRINE OF INDIA
Provides the foundational doctrine that CDS General Anil Chauhan was referencing when he dismissed 'nuclear blackmail'.
Gap: Textbooks emphasize 'No First Use' and 'Credible Minimum Deterrence' as static policies, whereas the 2025 arc shows India actively challenging 'Nuclear Blackmail' through conventional missile strikes.
Geography of India, Majid Husain (9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Violation of Ceasefire
Explains the geographic sensitivity of the western border where 300-400 drone intrusions were attempted.
Gap: Focuses primarily on LoC sectors like Uri and Poonch; the 2025 arc expands the conflict zone to the International Border (IB) and locations like Sir Creek (attempted drone intrusions).
Quick Revision
- Pahalgam terror attack date: April 22, 2025 (26 tourists killed).
- Operation Sindoor launch date: May 7, 2025.
- First combat deployment of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile occurred in May 2025.
- First military strike across the International Border (IB) since the 1971 War.
- TRF (The Resistance Front) identified as the perpetrator/proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba.
- Pakistan responded by creating the 'Army Rocket Force' on August 14, 2025.
- Pakistan attempted drone intrusions at 36 locations (300-400 drones) from Lelay to Sir Creek.
- Yojana June 2025 edition focused on 'Armed Forces Synergy' following the operation.
Key Takeaway
Operation Sindoor marks India's transition to a 'Proactive Defense' posture where the International Border is no longer a sanctuary for proxy-war infrastructure.
All Events in This Story (9 items)
- 2025-05-09 [International Relations] — India-Pakistan Border Crisis and Operation Sindoor
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated in early May 2025 following a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, leading to military retaliation by India named 'Operation Sindoor'. Pakistan responded with counterstrikes, resulting in cross-border clashes with artillery, missile, and drone strikes. A US-brokered ceasefire took effect on May 10.More details
UPSC Angle: India-Pakistan border crisis and 'Operation Sindoor' military retaliation.
Key Facts:
- Pakistan Armed Forces launched attacks using drones and munitions along the Western Border on the night of May 8-9, 2025.
- Pakistani troops resorted to ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Drone attacks were repulsed, and retaliatory fire caused major losses to the Pakistan Army.
- Pakistani military carried out multiple violations of Indian airspace along the entire western border.
- Drone intrusions were attempted from Lelay to Sir Creek at 36 locations with approximately 300 to 400 drones.
- Indian armed forces brought down a number of drones.
- Preliminary reports suggested the drones were of assist drone of Turkey.
- An armed UAV of Pakistan attempted to target Batinda military station but was neutralized.
- Armed drones were launched at four air defense sites in Pakistan, destroying an AD radar.
- Artillery shelling occurred across the Line of Control using heavy caliber artillery guns and armed drones at various locations in Jammu and Kashmir.
- A shell fired from Pakistan landed behind Christ School in Punch, killing two students and severely injuring their parents.
- Another Pakistani shell struck a Christian convent, damaging water tanks and destroying solar panel infrastructure.
- Pakistan did not close its civil airspace despite launching an unprovoked drone and missile attack on May 7.
- 72 Indian fighter jets were involved in the May 7 air attack, against Pakistan's 42 aircraft.
- 40 Pakistani civilians, including women and children, were killed, and 121 injured in the Indian attack.
- Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter aircraft, including three French Rafales.
- Pakistan conducted a counterstrike on May 10, hitting 26 military targets within Indian territory.
- 2025-05-12 [Defense & Security] — BrahMos Missile Export & Strategic Implications
India is shifting from 'Ammon key Asha' to 'Brahmos key bhasha,' highlighting the strategic implications of BrahMos missile exports for defense diplomacy. The missile, known for its pinpoint accuracy and agility, has different versions including ship-based, land-based, and air-launched. During Operation Sindoor, India reportedly deployed the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in combat for the first time against Pakistani military installations.More details
UPSC Angle: Strategic implications of BrahMos missile exports for defense diplomacy.
Key Facts:
- India has shifted from 'Ammon key Asha' to 'Brahmos key bhasha'
- BrahMos missile has ship-based, land-based, and air-launched versions
- Deployed during Operation Sindoor against Pakistani military installations
- BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was deployed in combat for the first time during Operation Sindoor.
- 2025-06-01 [Defense & Security] — Yojana Magazine June 2025: Focus on Armed Forces Synergy and Food Security
The Yojana Magazine June 2025 includes articles on Operation SINDOOR, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, and the synergy of India's armed forces. It also addresses rural prosperity through warehousing and ensuring safe food for a healthy India, alongside opportunities and challenges in India's food export sector.More details
UPSC Angle: Yojana Magazine June 2025 focuses on armed forces synergy.
Key Facts:
- Operation SINDOOR launched in May 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025
- The attack resulted in the death of 26 Indian tourists
- Foodgrain production target for 2025–26 is 354.64 MMT
- 68.85% of India's population lives in rural areas (Census 2011)
- The assailants responsible for the Pahalgam attack reportedly segregated victims based on religion
- 2025-06-03 [International Relations] — India Warns Pakistan Against 'Terror and Nuclear Blackmail'
India's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, warned Pakistan against using terrorism to destabilise India, stating that India will not live under the shadow of terror and nuclear blackmail, in response to recent military operations and heightened conflict after a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir in April that killed 26 people. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and the Pakistan-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir, following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam.More details
UPSC Angle: India warns Pakistan against terrorism and nuclear blackmail.
Key Facts:
- General Anil Chauhan, India's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
- Savitribai Phule Pune University
- April 2025 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir killed 26 people
- Operation Sindoor launched May 7
- April 22 attack in Pahalgam
- 2025-06-23 [Defense & Security] — Operation SINDOOR
Yojana Magazine June 2025 discusses Operation SINDOOR, launched by India in May 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 Indian tourists were killed. The operation targeted terror infrastructure across the LoC, executed with a non-escalatory approach.More details
UPSC Angle: Operation SINDOOR launched after Pahalgam terror attack.
Key Facts:
- Operation SINDOOR launched in May 2025
- Response to Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025
- 26 Indian tourists killed in Pahalgam attack
- Attack claimed by The Resistance Front, a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba
- Operation aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure across the LoC
- Multi-agency intel confirmed and enabled targeted strikes on nine terror camps
- 2025-07-29 [Defense & Security] — India's Defence Minister on Conflict with Pakistan
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that India ended its military conflict with Pakistan in May 2025 after meeting all objectives, dismissing claims of external pressure. His statement followed an army announcement of killing three terrorists in Indian Kashmir, suspected in the April 22 attack on Hindu tourists.More details
UPSC Angle: India ended military conflict with Pakistan in May 2025.
Key Facts:
- Rajnath Singh
- May 2025
- April 22
- 26 men
- 2025-08-14 [Defense & Security] — Pakistan to Establish New Missile Force
Pakistan is creating a new military force, the Army Rocket Force, to oversee missile combat capabilities, a move perceived as a response to India's military advancements. This announcement was made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ahead of Pakistan's 78th Independence Day, commemorating the May conflict with India.More details
UPSC Angle: Pakistan to establish new missile force.
Key Facts:
- Pakistan
- Army Rocket Force
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
- 78th Independence Day
- Islamabad
- May 2025 conflict with India
- 2025-12-31 [Defense & Security] — India's Strategic Resolve in a Turbulent World Order
In 2025, India demonstrated its resolve to tackle cross-border terrorism from Pakistan by launching targeted strikes deep into Pakistan. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was the fiercest and first military strike into Pakistan across the international border after the 1971 war. India withstood pressure from powerful players and made unprecedented strategic decisions.More details
UPSC Angle: India launched Operation Sindoor against cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.
Key Facts:
- Operation Sindoor launched on May 7.
- India launched military strike into Pakistan across the international border after the 1971 war.
- 2026-02-23 [Defense & Security] — India Launches 'Prahaar' Counter-Terrorism Policy
India's Ministry of Home Affairs has launched 'Prahaar', a new national counter-terrorism policy outlining a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. Announced on February 23, 2026, the strategy focuses on prevention, intelligence-led coordination, swift response, technological upgrades, and adherence to the rule of law, addressing evolving threats such as cross-border terrorism and cyber-attacks.More details
UPSC Angle: India launches 'Prahaar' counter-terrorism policy with zero-tolerance approach.
Key Facts:
- New national counter-terrorism policy 'Prahaar' launched
- Zero-tolerance approach to terrorism
- Focuses on prevention, intelligence-led coordination, swift response, technological upgrades, adherence to the rule of law
- Addresses cross-border terrorism, drone misuse, cyber-attacks, online radicalisation, terror financing
- Policy name: PRAHAAR
- Released by: Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- Focus: Threats across water, land, and air
- Emphasis on: Intelligence-led prevention and disruption of extremist violence
- Seven key pillars: Prevention, responses, aggregating internal capacities, human rights and Rule of Law-based processes, attenuating conditions enabling terrorism, aligning international efforts, and recovery and resilience
- Addresses misuse of: CBRNED (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive, Digital) materials
- Highlights use of: Social media platforms, encrypted messaging services, dark web, and crypto assets by terror groups
- Proposes integration of legal experts at every stage of investigation
- Establishes close partnerships between central agencies and state police forces
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