India’s swift and decisive military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, known as Operation Sindoor, achieved significant tactical objectives but fell short in shaping the international narrative, according to strategic analysts. Operation Sindoor commenced in the early hours of May 7, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation resulted in the elimination of over 100 militants, including high-value targets such as Yusuf Azhar and Abdul Rauf Azhar. Indian forces also conducted precision strikes on Pakistani military infrastructure, including airbases, radar installations, and command centres, effectively crippling Pakistan’s air defence capabilities. Despite the military success, India’s delayed diplomatic engagement allowed other nations, notably the United States, to influence the global discourse surrounding the conflict. Geostrategist Brahma Chellaney criticised India’s sluggish response, stating that the country failed to capitalise on its military achievements to assert its strategic position internationally. He emphasised that the symbolism of military success did not translate into diplomatic gains, leaving India vulnerable to narratives shaped by external actors. The conflict marked a significant escalation in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and advanced missile systems by both India and Pakistan. Indian forces neutralised 413 Pakistani drones and several Chinese-made missiles targeting the western border. The deployment of Israeli HAROP drones and advanced air defence systems showcased India’s growing capabilities in modern warfare. Conversely, Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese and Turkish drones highlighted its strategic partnerships and the evolving nature of regional military alliances. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the country’s unpreparedness during the Indian missile strikes, admitting that the Pakistani Army was caught off guard. This admission contradicted earlier assertions of a military victory and underscored the significant lapse in Pakistan’s military preparedness. India’s restraint during Operation Sindoor was highlighted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who stated that while India had the capacity for more extensive operations, it chose to exercise restraint to convey a responsible approach towards Pakistan and terrorism. This measured response aimed to demonstrate India’s commitment to strategic discipline and its desire to avoid full-scale war. In the aftermath of the conflict, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and rejected Pakistan’s call for dialogue on key issues, including terrorism and Kashmir. The Indian government reiterated that substantive dialogue would only resume once Pakistan took definitive and effective measures against terrorism. This stance reflects India’s firm position on counter-terrorism commitments as a prerequisite for resuming bilateral relations.