National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has spoken publicly about Operation Sindoor for the first time since India's military action against Pakistan in May 2025, saying the country's restraint should never be mistaken for weakness.

In an upcoming two-part Discovery docuseries, Declassified: Operation Sindoor, Doval said India is prepared to take risks and respond forcefully when its national interests or citizens are threatened.

His remarks provide a rare insight into the strategic thinking behind one of India's most significant military operations in recent years.

India Can Hit Hard

Doval said the central objective of Operation Sindoor was to destroy terrorist infrastructure, particularly camps linked to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed.

“We had decided the objective of the operation as destruction of the enemy camps particularly those who had been responsible for the Pahalgam attack,” Doval said, according to PTI.

He stressed that India's traditional approach of tolerance and restraint should not be interpreted as an inability or unwillingness to respond.

“India can take risks, India can hit hard, irrespective of the consequences,” he said.

Operation Sindoor Background

Operation Sindoor was launched by India following the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025.

In the early hours of May 7, 2025, Indian forces carried out precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, according to Indian officials.

The operation was presented by New Delhi as a response targeting terror infrastructure connected to the Pahalgam attack.

The military action subsequently triggered a wider confrontation between India and Pakistan, with both sides carrying out military operations.

Message on Restraint

Doval also discussed India's long-standing traditions of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

He referred to principles including Sarva Dharma Sambhava and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, saying such values should not be viewed as signs of weakness.

According to the documentary's account, the Pahalgam attack prompted India to challenge that perception and demonstrate that restraint does not mean the country will remain passive when its citizens or national interests are attacked.

The message, Doval suggested, was that India remains committed to peaceful coexistence but will respond when its security is threatened.

88-Hour Conflict

The strikes were followed by military action from Pakistan, leading to further Indian counter-offensives under Operation Sindoor.

The confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours continued for nearly 88 hours before India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10, bringing the hostilities to an end.

The episode marked one of the most serious military confrontations between the two countries in recent years.

Documentary to Reveal Details

The upcoming Discovery series will feature first-hand accounts from senior military and national security officials involved in the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor.

Declassified: Operation Sindoor is expected to examine the decision-making process behind the operation, the strategic calculations involved and the challenges faced during its execution.

The documentary will also offer perspectives from officials involved in India's security establishment, providing details about how the military response was planned and carried out.

Doval’s Warning to Pakistan

Doval's comments underline New Delhi's position that India's policy of restraint should not be confused with a lack of resolve.

His remarks also come amid continued attention to India's counterterrorism strategy and its approach to threats emanating from across the border.

The NSA's account in the documentary is likely to draw significant attention as it provides a rare public explanation of the thinking behind Operation Sindoor and the message India sought to send after the Pahalgam attack.

Pulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed in PoK: Unidentified Attackers Open Fire in Muzaffarabad

UAPA-designated terrorist linked to 2019 Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel shot dead outside AIMS College

Killed in Muzaffarabad

Hamza Burhan, a key conspirator behind the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was shot dead by unidentified attackers in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Muzaffarabad late on Tuesday evening. The incident took place outside AIMS College, where multiple gunshots were fired at the 23-year-old terrorist, killing him on the spot. Local sources confirmed that the attackers fled the scene immediately after the assault.

UAPA Designation Since 2022

India had officially declared Burhan a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2022. Originally identified as Arjumand Gulzar Dar, he was a resident of Ratnipora in Pulwama district. Government records show he had legally travelled to Pakistan before joining Al Badr, a banned terrorist organisation, where he eventually rose to become a commander.

The Pulwama Link

Investigating agencies have long believed Burhan played a significant role in orchestrating the February 14, 2019 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel. The attack, carried out by a suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden vehicle, had pushed India-Pakistan tensions to the brink of conflict.

Travel to Pakistan

According to government documents, Burhan had initially travelled to Pakistan through legal channels. Once across the border, he reportedly established connections with multiple terror outfits and became actively involved in recruitment and funding operations. Sources familiar with the matter said he was operating from Pakistani territory for several years while maintaining ties with terror groups active in the Kashmir Valley.

Accused of Recruitment and Fundraising

Agencies had linked Burhan to several incidents, including the recovery of explosives in Pulwama, a grenade attack on CRPF personnel on November 18, 2020, and efforts to radicalise and recruit local youth into militant ranks. He was also known as a close associate of slain terrorists Abu Dujana, Abu Qasim, Burhan Wani, and Zakir Musa.

Unanswered Questions

The identity of the attackers remains unclear, and no group has claimed responsibility for the killing so far. Local authorities in PoK have not issued an official statement regarding the incident. While some analysts suggest internal rivalries among militant factions, others point to the possibility of targeted operations. Indian security establishment is closely monitoring the situation.

Jaishankar Urges BRICS to Deepen Cooperation, Push Reforms

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called upon BRICS nations to find practical ways to deal with the fallout of ongoing global conflicts, economic volatility, and trade disruptions, even as India advances institutional reforms to accommodate the grouping’s expanded membership.

Opening the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here, Jaishankar emphasised that the bloc must play a constructive and stabilising role amid growing uncertainty in international relations. The meeting at Bharat Mandapam brought together foreign ministers from core members including Russia, Brazil, and Iran, along with partner countries.

Time of considerable flux

“We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks. “Ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology, and climate are shaping the global landscape.”

He noted that developing nations and emerging markets are increasingly looking to BRICS for stability and workable solutions. The minister stressed the need to reflect on global and regional developments and explore concrete steps to strengthen cooperation.

Institutional reforms under Indian chair

As the current chair, India has prioritised building a more inclusive and effective framework. Jaishankar highlighted progress in discussions on institutional development, including updating mechanisms to better integrate new members.

“It is essential for the smooth advancement of BRICS that later members fully appreciate and subscribe to BRICS’ consensus on various important issues,” he said.

Officials indicated that India’s chairmanship has already facilitated over 80 BRICS meetings involving all member states since January. This is India’s fourth stint at the helm, following previous summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021.

Development challenges in focus

Ministers are expected to address pressing issues affecting many countries, particularly in energy, food, fertiliser, and health security, as well as access to finance. Jaishankar said BRICS can help members respond more effectively to these challenges.

He also underlined the importance of reliable supply chains and diversified markets for building economic resilience in the face of global disruptions.

Climate, tech and equitable growth

Climate change figured prominently in the discussions. The minister called for sustainable development efforts guided by principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

On technology, Jaishankar pointed to the rapid pace of change and the need to harness innovations for inclusive growth and better governance.

Peace, security and counterterrorism

Peace and security issues remained central to the conversations. Recent conflicts have reinforced the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, Jaishankar noted. There was also strong emphasis on strengthening cooperation against terrorism, an area of shared interest among members.

The presence of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Russia’s Sergey Lavrov added weight to discussions on geopolitical challenges.

Looking ahead

The two-day meeting, scheduled for May 14 and 15, forms part of broader consultations on global economic governance, development priorities, and current geopolitical realities. Outcomes are expected to feed into further BRICS processes under India’s presidency.

Analysts see the gathering as an opportunity for the expanded bloc to demonstrate its relevance in a fragmented world order. With multiple partner countries participating, the focus remains on practical coordination rather than grand declarations.

Local diplomatic circles in New Delhi described the meeting as business-like, with delegations working through detailed agendas on multilateral reform and economic cooperation. Many observers believe successful institutional adjustments will determine how effectively BRICS can deliver on expectations of emerging economies.

As global attention remains fixed on multiple conflict zones and economic headwinds, India’s push for pragmatic cooperation reflects its longstanding approach of seeking inclusive solutions through platforms like BRICS.

‘Operation Sindoor was stopped voluntarily’: Rajnath rules out nuclear fear  

Defence Minister says India called off Operation Sindoor on its own terms, asserts readiness for long conflict if needed.  

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said India voluntarily halted Operation Sindoor and was not forced into the decision by Pakistan’s nuclear threats. Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit 2.0 in the capital, Singh described the operation as a deliberate, measured response — not a sign of hesitation.  

No pressure from nuclear threats  

Singh rejected suggestions that Islamabad’s nuclear brinkmanship influenced the government’s calculus. “Pakistan had threatened a nuclear attack, but India was not afraid of it,” he said. The Minister added that the Indian Army’s surge capacity — its ability to rapidly escalate troop and firepower strength — is now stronger than ever before.  

Operation timeline and scale  

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year, hours after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam killed several tourists. According to military assessments shared by officials, the operation struck nine major terrorist launchpads across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Over 100 militants were reportedly killed in the cross-border strikes.  

“This was a turning point,” Singh said. “It showed the world that India is no longer a country that only makes statements, but one that takes direct action.”  

‘Long conflict’ readiness  

Without naming specific scenarios, the Defence Minister said India is fully prepared for a protracted engagement against Pakistan if circumstances demand. “We stopped on our terms, voluntarily,” he reiterated. “If needed, we are ready for a long conflict.”  

Sources familiar with the matter told reporters that the decision to end the operation was based on achieving tactical objectives — not external pressure.  

Terrorism’s root cause  

Singh drew a sharp contrast between the two neighbours. “India is known today for Information Technology. Pakistan is seen as the centre of ‘IT’ — International Terrorism,” he said.  

The Defence Minister stressed that terrorism cannot be eliminated without uprooting its ideology and political patronage. “The root lies in its ideology and political support. Without removing this, terrorism cannot be fully wiped out,” he added.  

Clear policy under PM  

Singh said the government’s post-Uri and post-Pulwama doctrine remains unchanged: no terrorist attack will go unanswered. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, he added, direct action will follow if needed — without seeking permission or signalling intent beforehand.  

What next  

While cross-border calm has largely held since the operation wound down early this summer, officials indicate surveillance along the Line of Control remains heightened. Intelligence inputs suggest Pakistan has not fully vacated forward launchpads, though no fresh mobilisation has been detected in recent weeks.