Why India Named the Counter-Terrorism Operation ‘Operation Sindoor’

The Indian government chose the name ‘Operation Sindoor’ for its latest counter-terrorism strikes, carried out in response to the deadly Pahalgam attack, with deep emotional significance. The name reflects the profound impact of the attack, where terrorists brutally killed husbands in front of their wives, leaving the women in shock and grief. In Hindu tradition, sindoor (vermilion) symbolizes a married woman’s bond with her husband. The destruction of sindoor represents the tragic loss of that relationship.

By naming the operation ‘Sindoor’, India aimed to symbolize its commitment to restoring the dignity of these women and to bring justice for the victims. While some also suggest that the name could have geographical and political links to the Sindhu River, the central motive remains to honor the suffering of the widows and ensure their respect is upheld.

The operation, focused on dismantling terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), underscores India’s resolve to hold the perpetrators accountable while symbolically restoring what was lost in the Pahalgam tragedy.