New Delhi: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has shed new light on the immediate aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack and the strategic formulation of Operation Sindoor. In an upcoming documentary series titled Declassified Operation Sindoor, the senior security official recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swift and decisive response following the brutal attack that claimed 26 lives.
When the terror attack struck on April 22, Prime Minister Modi was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia. He immediately cut his trip short and returned to India. Doval revealed that an urgent security briefing was convened right at the airport upon his arrival. The Foreign Secretary was also present to receive the Prime Minister.
Recounting their first interaction after the attack, Doval noted that the Prime Minister wanted all the factual details immediately. According to the National Security Advisor, the very first question Modi asked was about the perpetrators. Doval quoted the Prime Minister saying, “Who has done this? Who is responsible? We must be absolutely clear about who the attackers are. I want this immediately.” Doval explained that this quick and fierce reaction was intended to send a stern message that India’s strategic restraint should never be mistaken for weakness.
This top level airport meeting laid the solid groundwork for Operation Sindoor. India decided to launch targeted military strikes against terrorist infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The primary focus was on the terror camps directly linked to the Pahalgam attack. The military operation officially commenced on May 7, delivering a clear warning that continuous support for terrorist groups would no longer be tolerated.
The retaliatory strikes escalated into a fierce military clash between the two nuclear armed neighbors. This intense confrontation lasted for approximately 88 hours before a mutual agreement was reached on May 10. Reflecting on India’s resolute and aggressive stance, Doval stated, “Once something starts, we are prepared to go as far as necessary to protect the country’s sovereignty, and there is no limit to it. We fight to the last drop of blood.”
Doval further emphasized that the Prime Minister still considers Operation Sindoor to be alive, which symbolizes India’s unwavering commitment to combating cross border terrorism.