India’s Triumph Over a Triple Threat: Decoding Operation Sindoor

A Bold Revelation from the Army
In a stunning disclosure, Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh revealed that India faced not just Pakistan but a coordinated axis of Pakistan, China, and Turkey during Operation Sindoor, a four-day military campaign launched on May 7, 2025. Triggered by a horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives, the operation saw India execute precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Singh’s statement exposed the depth of external support for Pakistan, with China providing real-time satellite intelligence and Turkey deploying hundreds of drones. Yet, India’s swift and decisive response not only neutralized the terrorist threat but also exposed the limitations of this formidable trio, raising questions about India’s strategic choices and global standing.

Operation Sindoor: A Surgical Success
The Pahalgam attack, attributed to Pakistan-backed groups like The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, ignited public outrage and prompted India to act. Operation Sindoor was a masterclass in precision, with Rafale jets, BrahMos missiles, and Akash air defense systems dismantling terrorist camps while avoiding direct engagement with Pakistan’s military. India’s military prowess shone through, countering 300-400 Turkish drones and outmatching Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied hardware, including JF-17 jets and HQ-9 systems. The operation concluded with a ceasefire on May 10, secured through direct talks with Pakistan’s military, rejecting U.S. claims of mediation. This restrained yet effective campaign showcased India’s ability to tackle a multi-front challenge while avoiding the nuclear shadow that loomed over the conflict.

China and Turkey’s Hidden Hands
China’s role was pivotal, leveraging 44 satellites to provide Pakistan with real-time intelligence on Indian troop and missile movements, a tactic Singh described as “killing with a borrowed knife.” Beijing also reorganized Pakistan’s radar systems and tested its military hardware, using the conflict as a live lab to evaluate systems like the J-10C jets and PL-15 missiles against India’s arsenal. Turkey, driven by ideological solidarity and defense ties, supplied drones like the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci, with trained personnel coordinating strikes. Two Turkish operatives were reportedly killed in India’s counterattacks, underscoring Ankara’s deep involvement. Despite their efforts, the underperformance of Chinese and Turkish systems against India’s defenses highlighted the limits of this axis, bolstering India’s strategic confidence.

Pakistan’s Global Charm Offensive
Pakistan’s ability to garner support from China, Turkey, and even the United States has fueled perceptions of India fighting alone. The U.S., despite its growing partnership with India, hosted Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, at the White House on June 18, 2025, with President Donald Trump praising his role in the ceasefire. This move, coupled with Pakistan’s nomination of Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, reflected Washington’s renewed engagement with Islamabad, driven by Middle East priorities and Pakistan’s ties with Iran. Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE also backed Pakistan diplomatically, amplifying the narrative of Pakistan’s “many lovers.” Yet, India’s rejection of U.S. mediation and its focus on bilateral talks underscored its commitment to strategic autonomy, a cornerstone of its foreign policy.

Russia and Europe’s Muted Response
Russia, a traditional ally, remained conspicuously silent during Operation Sindoor, constrained by its ongoing war in Ukraine and its need to balance ties with Pakistan within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. This absence disappointed some in India, as social media posts lamented the lack of vocal support from Moscow, despite its continued defense and energy cooperation. Europe, too, adopted a cautious stance, condemning the Pahalgam attack but avoiding taking sides in the conflict. France, a key partner, likely provided tacit support through its Rafale jets, while the UK and Germany prioritized de-escalation, deferring to U.S. efforts. Turkey’s role as a NATO member supporting Pakistan further complicated Europe’s position, highlighting the challenges of aligning with a Western-led security framework.

Strategic Autonomy vs. NATO Plus
Amid these dynamics, speculation about India joining a NATO Plus arrangement has resurfaced, with the U.S. and its allies eyeing India as a counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific. Such a move could offer advanced technology, intelligence sharing, and a stronger stance against the China-Turkey-Pakistan axis. However, India has consistently rejected NATO Plus, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasizing that the NATO template “doesn’t apply” to India. Strategic autonomy allows India to maintain ties with Russia, engage the Quad flexibly, and lead regional initiatives like SAGAR, avoiding entanglement in Western blocs. Joining NATO Plus risks alienating Russia, provoking China, and facing domestic backlash, making autonomy the wiser choice for India’s nuanced geopolitical strategy.

The PoK Dilemma: Restraint or Lost Opportunity?
Domestically, Modi faced criticism for halting Operation Sindoor instead of seizing PoK, a nationalist aspiration that could have cemented his legacy. Reclaiming PoK was tantalizing, given Pakistan’s military vulnerabilities and the operation’s early success. However, the risks—Chinese escalation, nuclear threats, and diplomatic isolation—were daunting. PoK’s rugged terrain, Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine, and the potential for a multi-front war with China’s involvement made a full-scale campaign perilous. Modi’s restraint preserved India’s global image as a responsible power, avoided economic strain, and kept the focus on long-term pressure on Pakistan through diplomacy and bodies like the FATF. While some see this as a missed chance for “immortality,” Modi’s decision reflects a pragmatic vision for India’s rise.

India’s Unbowed Spirit
Operation Sindoor was not just a military victory but a testament to India’s resilience against a triple threat. By defeating terrorist networks and exposing the limits of Pakistan, China, and Turkey’s combined efforts, India reaffirmed its strategic autonomy and military prowess. The operation’s fallout, including Pakistan’s diplomatic gains and the silence of allies like Russia, underscores the need for India to bolster its intelligence and diplomatic outreach. Yet, India’s partnerships with the Quad, France, and the Global South remain robust, dispelling notions of isolation. As Modi navigates these challenges, his focus on stability and long-term goals like PoK’s integration through non-military means positions India as a global power that fights smart, not just hard.