Subhechcha Ganguly 
Indian sentiments regarding Operation Sindoor, a military operation launched by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, are overwhelmingly positive and marked by national pride, unity, and support for the armed forces. The operation, which struck nine terror sites, including strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, has resonated deeply with the public, particularly due to its symbolic name, referencing the red vermillion worn by married Hindu women, tied to the tragic killing of husbands in front of their wives during the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025.
Key Sentiments Expressed:National Pride and Support for the Armed Forces:Public reactions highlight immense pride in the precision and success of the operation. Posts on X, such as one by @ItsShubhangi, emphasize the psychological impact on Pakistan and praise the Indian Armed Forces for accomplishing every objective with precision.Leaders and citizens alike have lauded the military’s valor. For instance, Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal expressed that “no amount of gratitude would be enough” for the armed forces’ befitting reply, reflecting widespread appreciation.Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, issued a statement calling the operation a precise and powerful response under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, echoing sentiments of national unity against terrorism.Unity Across Political and Social Lines:The operation has fostered a sense of solidarity, with political parties like the TMC and Congress expressing full support.
TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay noted that “140 crore Indians are feeling proud today,” indicating cross-party unity.Public figures, including Bollywood celebrities, have applauded the armed forces, further amplifying the sentiment of collective resolve.Syed Naseruddin Chishty, Chairman of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council, thanked the government and military, underscoring inter-community support for the operation.Emotional Resonance of the Operation’s Name:The name “Operation Sindoor” has struck an emotional chord, as it references the cultural significance of sindoor and the personal losses from the Pahalgam attack, where an Indian Navy officer on his honeymoon and other husbands were killed. Tilak Devasher, a former National Security Advisory Board member, called the name a “fantastic choice” for articulating the grief of affected families.Public Endorsement of Retaliation:Citizens have expressed satisfaction with India’s strong response to terrorism.
For example, Nikhil Ojha from Ahmedabad described the operation as a “fantastic reply” and supported the government’s decisions, including event cancellations to prioritize national security.The operation’s focus on dismantling terrorist infrastructure, as articulated by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, has been seen as a justified and proportionate response, with citizens like Shaina NC from Shiv Sena commending the precision strikes.Rejection of Pakistani Propaganda:There is a strong sentiment against Pakistani misinformation, with calls to dismiss claims like those made by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who falsely alleged shooting down Indian jets.
The PIB Fact Check debunked a fake video claiming Pakistani attacks on Indian posts, reinforcing public skepticism of Pakistani narratives.Concerns Amidst Pride:While the dominant sentiment is pride, some voices, like Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, have criticized the government’s approach, urging more targeted actions against individual perpetrators rather than broad military operations. However, these views have been countered by leaders like Devendra Fadnavis, indicating broad support for the government’s strategy.Context Shaping Sentiments:The Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people (25 Indians and 1 Nepali), including tourists shot in front of their families, created widespread outrage, making Operation Sindoor a cathartic response for many.
The operation’s success in neutralizing key figures like Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Abdul Rauf Azhar has bolstered public confidence in India’s counter-terrorism capabilities.Despite disruptions like airport closures and blackouts in cities like Chandigarh, the public has largely accepted these as necessary for national security.
Conclusion:Indian sentiments on Operation Sindoor are characterized by pride, unity, and emotional resonance, with widespread support for the armed forces and government. The operation is seen as a decisive and justified retaliation against terrorism, with the public dismissing Pakistani propaganda and rallying behind the narrative of national strength and resilience. However, some critical voices highlight a desire for more targeted approaches, though these are overshadowed by the dominant wave of approval. For further details on public reactions, platforms like X and news outlets such as The Indian Express and Times of India provide ongoing updates.
