Operation Sindoor: Five key signals that preceded airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan
Operation Sindoor: In a decisive response to the Pahalgam Terror Attack that killed 26 civilians, India launched airstrikes on nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir between 1:05 AM and 1:30 AM on the night of May 6–7, 2025. Interestingly, nearly four hours before the strikes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had subtly hinted at imminent action. In the days leading up to the operation, the Prime Minister and senior government officials had dropped a series of strategic signals indicating a powerful retaliatory strike was imminent.
Here are the five key indicators:
Subtle signal from PM Modi hours before the strike
At 8.54 pm on May 6, during a public address, Prime Minister Modi said, "And me too..." before pausing for six seconds and abruptly changing the subject, saying, “It’s going to be a late night, but your presence in such large numbers is a sign of a bright future.” This momentary hesitation and shift in tone appeared to suggest he was about to enter a high-level meeting, possibly finalising the strike order. Within four hours, the airstrikes were underway.
Mock drills across 244 locations
On May 5, the Ministry of Home Affairs ordered nationwide mock drills at 244 locations to be conducted on May 7—the first such exercise since the 1971 war. Mock drills also took place on May 6 in Punjab. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force began a two-day exercise near the Pakistan border in Rajasthan. Experts noted that the drills served a dual purpose: to mislead Pakistan into thinking India was still in the preparation phase, and to mentally prepare the Indian public for possible retaliation. The selection of May 7 for these drills coincided with the actual date of the airstrikes.
Clear warning from Home Minister Amit Shah
On May 1, Home Minister Amit Shah made a strong statement in Delhi: “Let no one think that killing 27 of our people means they’ve won. Each one will be answered for. There will be retribution, person by person. This is Narendra Modi’s India.” His words pointed to a carefully planned retaliation targeting multiple locations—exactly what unfolded in Operation Sindoor.
Defence Minister’s assurance of decisive action
On May 4 in Kanpur, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored Prime Minister Modi’s determination and ability to take bold decisions. “Whatever the people want will certainly happen under his leadership,” he said, alluding to a strong response similar to past operations like the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. India struck back on the 15th day after the Pahalgam attack, consistent with its history of swift military response.
High-level military engagements signaled imminent action
Following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, PM Modi held six high-level meetings with military and security chiefs. Notably, he met the Air Force Chief three times within 10 days—a strong indication that an airstrike was in the works. On April 26, PM Modi met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, CDS Gen. Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force. He reportedly gave the military full freedom to decide the time, place, and manner of response. Subsequent meetings with the Army Chief (April 30), Air Chief (May 3 and 5), and Navy Chief (May 4) further confirmed coordinated military planning.
Diversion strategies to mislead adversaries
Water offensive rumors: On April 23, a day after the Pahalgam attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty. By May 4, it had closed two dams on the Chenab River, significantly reducing water flow to Pakistan. This led to speculation that India might use a “water strike” rather than military action. However, the airstrikes followed shortly thereafter.
Naval maneuvers and misdirection: India also used naval movements to maintain ambiguity. On May 2, the Navy conducted drills in the Arabian Sea within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and was placed on high alert. The next day, the Navy shared images of a surface ship, submarine, and helicopter with the caption “Trident of Naval Power.” On May 4, the Navy Chief met PM Modi. Coincidentally, Turkey docked its warship TCG Buyukada at Karachi Port the same day. India also issued navigation warnings for commercial ships and tested a domestically developed smart naval mine on May 6, fueling speculation of a possible naval strike.
- With inputs from agencies
