Operation Sindoor reflects India’s military strength and PM’s resolve: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday described Operation Sindoor as a “testament to India’s invincible military might,” highlighting its role in reaffirming the country’s national security resolve. He made the remarks during his visit to the New Delhi World Book Fair at Bharat Mandapam , where he reviewed the Operation Sindoor Pavilion, the Vande Mataram Pavilion and a special exhibition on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel .

Operation Sindoor was a military operation launched by India on May 7, 2025 , following a deadly terror attack on April 22, 2025 , near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir , in which 26 civilians were killed . The attack targeted tourists at Baisaran Valley and was described by authorities as one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the region in recent years. Citing cross-border terror links, the government initiated the operation to deter terrorism and dismantle terror infrastructure operating against India.

The operation involved precision strikes by Indian forces on nine terror camps and associated infrastructure linked to Pakistan-based militant groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba , located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir . Government sources said the objective was to neutralise key terrorist leadership, degrade operational capabilities of these groups and send a strong message against cross-border terrorism.

According to official accounts and defence analyses, the strikes were carried out using a combination of air and missile assets and were designed to be limited, targeted and non-escalatory . Indian authorities have emphasised that the operation focused on terror infrastructure and avoided civilian targets. Pakistan’s military, however, claimed civilian casualties and the downing of Indian aircraft assertions that were disputed by Indian officials .

In the days following the strikes, tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border escalated into brief cross-border exchanges of fire, resulting in casualties and displacement in some frontier areas, before a ceasefire understanding was reached.

The Operation Sindoor Pavilion at the World Book Fair has been curated to familiarise visitors with the strategic objectives of the operation , the importance of intelligence coordination and precision military action , and to inspire patriotism among the younger generation. Shah urged the public, particularly the youth, to engage with the exhibits showcasing India’s defence preparedness and national integration.

Public response to the pavilion has been largely positive, with visitors showing keen interest in displays that combine military strategy with contemporary national history . During his visit, Shah also distributed copies of Anand Math to children and reiterated the importance of reading, saying books whether digital or print remain the most effective medium for acquiring knowledge.

Political and expert reactions to Operation Sindoor have been mixed. While the government has projected it as a strong counter-terror response, opposition parties have sought detailed parliamentary briefings on its scope and long-term outcomes. Defence analysts have said the operation reflects India’s shift towards intelligence-driven, precision responses to terrorism, while underlining the need for sustained diplomatic engagement to manage regional fallout.

The Vande Mataram Pavilion, also part of the fair, marks the 150th anniversary of the national song and highlights its role in India’s freedom struggle an aspect Shah emphasised during his interactions with visitors.