In a crucial detail emerging from India’s recent military operation, the Indian Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) informed his Pakistani counterpart about the May 7 airstrikes only after Indian fighter jets had returned safely to base. This revelation was shared with a parliamentary panel, according to a report by Hindustan Times, shedding light on the calculated strategy employed during Operation Sindoor.
The operation, launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, including two foreign nationals, targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The camps were reportedly operated by proscribed groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The attack was initially claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar proxy, though it later withdrew its claim.
India’s decision to delay communication via the DGMO hotline—a line traditionally used for real-time crisis coordination and de-escalation since it was established after the 1971 war—highlights a shift in India’s counter-terrorism posture. The move emphasized secrecy and deterrence, ensuring the success of the precision strikes before engaging diplomatically.
This was the first Indian air operation crossing the international border since the 1971 war, marking a significant escalation in India’s military doctrine. Despite heightened tensions, both DGMOs resumed talks on May 14, reiterating the commitment to the 2021 ceasefire agreement, even as Indian forces downed suspected Pakistani drones over the Samba sector on the same day.
The strategic timing of the DGMO communication has prompted discussions on India’s evolving rules of engagement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a national address on May 14, praised the armed forces and declared that Pakistan was now “begging for peace” after the successful dismantling of terror launchpads.
With global stakeholders watching closely, the episode has added a new layer of complexity to India-Pakistan relations, underscoring New Delhi’s readiness to pursue proactive and covert counter-terror operations while balancing military objectives with diplomatic restraint.
