On August 10, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the success of Operation Sindoor, a landmark military operation conducted on May 7, 2025, which he credited to the ingenuity of Indian technology and the “Make in India” initiative.At the event where the foundation for the Metro Phase-3 project in Bengaluru was laid, Modi said that the operation showed India’s capability to deal with terrorist groups located far inside Pakistan, which is a major achievement.the nation’s defense capabilities. The Indian Air Force (IAF) further confirmed the operation’s impact, reporting the downing of five Pakistani fighter jets and one military aircraft, underscoring India’s growing military and technological superiority.

A Strategic Triumph

Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives. The operation targeted nine major terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including facilities linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Executed with precision, the IAF employed advanced weaponry, such as BrahMos missiles, Astra air-to-air missiles, SCALP missiles, and HAMMER bombs, to strike targets in locations like Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad. The operation, lasting just 23 minutes, neutralized over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets like Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudassir Ahmad, linked to the IC-814 hijacking and the Pulwama attack.

The IAF’s ability to bypass Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defense systems, including the HQ-9 unit in Lahore, highlighted India’s technological edge. The operation also saw coordinated tri-service action involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, marking the first such joint effort since the 1971 Indo-Pak war. This synergy, coupled with real-time UAV confirmation, ensured precise strikes while avoiding civilian and conventional military targets, reflecting India’s commitment to restraint and strategic focus.

Air Superiority and Defensive Strength

A defining achievement of Operation Sindoor was the IAF’s reported downing of five Pakistani fighter jets, potentially including F-16s or JF-17s, and one Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft during the May 9–10 confrontation. Air Marshal AK Bharti, in a press briefing, confirmed that Indian forces prevented Pakistani aircraft from breaching Indian airspace, showcasing the effectiveness of India’s multi-layered air defense systems, including the indigenous Akashteer system and the S-400. These systems stopped hundreds of Pakistani drones and missiles, making sure Indian defenses weren’t broken through.

The operation exposed vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s air defense, with significant damage reported to 11 Pakistani airbases, including Chaklala, Sargodha, and Bhoolari, rendering approximately 20% of Pakistan’s air force assets inoperable. The damage to important facilities, like the runway at Rahim Yar Khan airbase, made it even harder for Pakistan to defend itself, leading to a ceasefire on May 10 after a lot of diplomatic pressure.

‘Make in India’ as the Backbone

Modi attributed Operation Sindoor’s success to the “Make in India” initiative, which has bolstered indigenous defense manufacturing. The operation showcased homegrown technologies like the BrahMos missile and Akashteer system, developed by Indian firms and supported by Bengaluru’s tech ecosystem. The Prime Minister talked about how Bengaluru’s young people are helping to push technological innovation forward, saying the city represents the growing power of New India as a major global tech center.

The operation’s reliance on indigenous systems underscored India’s push for self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reducing dependence on foreign defense imports.

Strategic and Global Impact

Operation Sindoor redefined India’s counter-terrorism strategy, shifting from deterrence to direct, pre-emptive action. By targeting both terrorists and their state sponsors, India dismantled Pakistan’s narrative of impunity, striking deep into its heartland, including Punjab province. The operation garnered widespread global support, with international observers praising India’s precision and restraint, enhancing its strategic standing.

In conclusion, Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to India’s military prowess and technological advancements under the “Make in India” framework. The operation’s success, marked by the IAF’s decisive actions and the neutralization of terror networks, has set a new benchmark for India’s defense strategy, signaling that terrorism will face swift and resolute consequences.