The Indian Armed Forces have formally acknowledged Lieutenant Colonel Harsh Gupta and Havildar Surinder Singh as the creators of the now-iconic logo for Operation Sindoor, the military’s recent precision strike campaign launched in response to deadly cross-border terrorism.

The logo, which has captured national attention for its emotionally charged imagery, features a jar of spilled sindoor—vermilion traditionally worn by married Hindu women. The visual metaphor, evoking both cultural identity and collective mourning, is intended to memorialize the victims of the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir that left 26 dead, many of them married Hindu men. Widows such as Ms. Narwal, whose husband was among the victims, have come to symbolize the human cost that the sindoor signifies.

Operation Sindoor was officially launched on May 7, 2025, with Indian forces targeting nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was briefed to the media at a government press conference in New Delhi, led by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force, alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The decision to have two women officers conduct the briefing—Col Qureshi in Hindi and Wg Cmdr Singh in English—was seen as a deliberate departure from earlier precedents and a message of empowerment and national resolve.

The cultural and political symbolism of the logo has sparked widespread conversation. Sindoor, when wiped or spilled, traditionally marks the transition from married life to widowhood. Its depiction in the logo reflects both the trauma of the April attacks and the government’s resolve to respond with strength. A May 7 report by The New York Times noted the image’s resonance among Hindu nationalist groups, who have been vocal in demanding a strong stance against terrorism.

The operation has also generated political friction. On May 21, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for calling Operation Sindoor a “small war,” labeling the comment as disrespectful to the armed forces and insensitive to the sentiments of the Indian public. Kharge’s statement, which questioned the government’s handling of U.S. mediation claims and domestic security, prompted a sharp rebuttal from the ruling party, which accused the opposition of undermining national unity.

In the diplomatic arena, the government has engaged in active outreach, sending all-party delegations abroad to counter Pakistan’s narrative and highlight India’s stance on cross-border terrorism. This aligns with a broader strategy of sustained pressure through military, diplomatic, and public messaging channels.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a seasoned helicopter pilot who has served in the Indian Air Force since 2004, emphasized in a recent opinion piece the importance of long-term strategic communication alongside battlefield readiness.

The image accompanying the announcement of the logo creators shows two uniformed soldiers—one wearing a green beret, the other a green turban—standing before a red-brick structure. Their recognition underscores the role of individual service members not only in executing military operations but also in shaping the narrative and legacy that follow.

As Operation Sindoor continues to influence India’s security posture and political landscape, the symbolism of the spilled sindoor remains a powerful reminder of the lives lost and the nation’s enduring commitment to confronting terrorism with resolve and unity.

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a heartfelt gesture of admiration during his roadshow in Gujarat’s Vadodara on Monday, as the family of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi showered him with flower petals. The moment stood out as a symbolic show of gratitude for the Prime Minister’s efforts toward empowering women and supporting the Indian armed forces.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior Indian Army officer, gained national attention earlier this month as one of the two women officers who briefed the media during the highly successful Operation Sindoor – a joint military operation launched by India against terrorist threats emanating from across the border. Colonel Qureshi is also renowned for being the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise, ‘Exercise Force 18’, the largest such event ever hosted by India.

The roadshow was part of PM Modi’s two-day visit to Gujarat, where he is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation for projects worth over ₹82,950 crore in Dahod, Bhuj, and Gandhinagar. People lined the streets in large numbers to cheer the Prime Minister and express their support for India’s recent defence achievements, particularly Operation Sindoor.

Speaking to the media, Colonel Qureshi’s twin sister Shyna Sunsara said, “We felt good meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has done a lot for women’s empowerment. When your sister does something for the country, it inspires everyone. She is no longer just my sister but the country’s sister.”

Their mother, Halima Bibi, shared her pride and joy at the meeting, saying, “I felt happy to meet PM Modi ji. Women and sisters are happy with Operation Sindoor.” Colonel Qureshi’s father, Taj Mohammed Qureshi, recalled how the Prime Minister greeted the family during the roadshow, calling the moment respectful and memorable.

Sanjay Qureshi, Colonel Sofiya’s brother, also spoke about the emotional significance of the occasion. “It was a great moment when PM Modi came here. We got to see him for the first time. Through gestures, he greeted us. I thank our defence forces and the government of India, which gave this chance to my sister. A woman taking revenge for the women who suffered so much – what can be better than this?”

Later, PM Modi shared glimpses of his roadshow and interactions in Gujarat on his official X handle. The roadshow and accompanying sentiments underscored the strong connection between the public, the armed forces, and the nation’s leadership in a time of heightened national pride following a decisive military success.

The Indian Army has officially released a detailed booklet for its personnel on Operation Sindoor, offering a comprehensive look at the precision strike operation that targeted terrorist infrastructure earlier this month. The document provides rare insights into high-level military coordination, reflecting a significant evolution in India’s defence posture and its growing reliance on indigenous technology.

The booklet includes visuals from the cutting-edge operations room where Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh closely monitored the mission. Real-time data streams, drone surveillance feeds, and tactical maps were all part of the operations centre’s arsenal, showcasing the Indian military’s advanced technological capabilities. A notable image timestamped May 7, 2025, at 01:05 hours captures the height of operational activity as the mission unfolded.

Operation Sindoor was launched in direct response to a series of provocations, including a recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government has held Pakistan-backed groups responsible for the violence. The precision strikes carried out during Operation Sindoor were aimed at dismantling cross-border terror camps and demonstrated India’s strategic resolve.

The booklet’s release follows claims made by Pakistan on May 1, 2025, that its air force forced Indian jets to retreat along the Line of Control during a reconnaissance mission. The Indian Army’s transparent sharing of Operation Sindoor’s details is seen as a firm counter-narrative, affirming the military’s readiness and capability to launch swift, coordinated operations when required.

General Dwivedi, who took over as Army Chief in June 2024, has made modernization a cornerstone of his leadership. Under his guidance, initiatives such as Project SAMBHAV, which uses 5G networks for secure battlefield communications, and the deployment of drones and counter-drone systems, have been accelerated. The booklet also highlights the restructuring of artillery units and a shift away from traditional logistics methods like animal transport in favour of high-tech mobility solutions.

The release has garnered attention both within India and internationally, as it underscores a broader shift toward inter-service synergy, operational transparency, and technological self-reliance. With the support of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Indian military is steadily reducing dependence on foreign defence equipment and embracing homegrown innovations.

Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to India’s evolving military doctrine—one that integrates joint command structures, next-generation warfare tools, and a no-tolerance approach to terrorism. The newly released booklet not only documents a critical military success but also signals India’s preparedness for future security challenges with a firm focus on innovation and inter-agency coordination.

In a significant step to bolster national security and inter-agency coordination, the Indian Army’s Konark Corps, through its Bald Eagle Brigade, has successfully conducted a large-scale multiagency exercise in the Creek sector of Kutch, Gujarat. The comprehensive drill aimed to rehearse battlefield scenarios and enhance operational readiness in a region marked by strategic importance and territorial disputes.

The exercise involved joint participation from the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Border Security Force (BSF), Gujarat state police, and the fisheries department. The inclusion of these diverse stakeholders reflects a concerted effort to ensure cohesive and synchronized responses to potential threats, especially in border areas like Sir Creek, where inter-service cooperation is critical.

Sir Creek, a 96-kilometre tidal estuary in the marshy Rann of Kutch, remains a long-standing point of contention between India and Pakistan. Despite the 1968 international tribunal’s ruling on the Great Rann of Kutch that included reference to Sir Creek, the boundary disagreement continues to linger. This disputed status has made the region a focal point for enhanced surveillance and military preparedness.

The multiagency exercise is part of a larger strategy to maintain heightened vigilance along the western frontier and reflects India’s proactive defence posture. The operation showcased integrated training modules tailored to the unique geographical and security challenges of the creek region.

In parallel with these field exercises, the Indian Army is also accelerating its self-reliance initiatives. The Army Design Bureau (ADB), established along the lines of the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, is spearheading critical research and development projects aimed at indigenizing defence production. This effort is central to reducing reliance on foreign military equipment and enhancing India’s strategic autonomy.

The successful execution of the Creek sector exercise underlines the Indian Army’s dedication to safeguarding national interests in high-stakes zones. With geopolitical tensions simmering in border regions, such preparedness drills play a crucial role in not only strengthening operational capabilities but also in reinforcing India’s diplomatic stance in ongoing territorial disputes.

By fostering synergy across military and civilian agencies, the Indian Army continues to refine its readiness for complex and dynamic threat environments, ensuring a robust defence mechanism in one of the country’s most sensitive regions.

In a concerted effort to enhance inter-force coordination and operational synergy, the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles have initiated joint training exercises in the forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh. The collaborative training aims to strengthen interoperability and preparedness along India’s strategically sensitive eastern frontier.

The joint drills, conducted in rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions, focus on familiarization with operational roles, handling of advanced weaponry, and use of specialized equipment. The exercises also involve the exchange of tactical knowledge and best practices, reinforcing the unified approach needed to address security challenges along the Indo-Myanmar border.

The Assam Rifles, though administratively under the Ministry of Home Affairs, operates under the command of the Indian Army. With a legacy tracing back to 1835, the force has played a pivotal role in maintaining internal security, guarding border areas, and conducting counter-insurgency operations across Northeast India. Its current strength of 46 battalions underscores its critical presence in the region.

These joint exercises form part of a larger strategy to fortify India’s border defenses and improve coordination between military and paramilitary units. They also reflect a proactive stance against evolving security threats, particularly in states like Arunachal Pradesh, which shares a long and sensitive border with Myanmar and is adjacent to Chinese territory.

This training initiative follows on the heels of other significant military exercises in the region. In November 2024, the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force conducted ‘Poorvi Prahar’, a tri-services exercise in Arunachal Pradesh that showcased coordinated precision strikes and joint operations. These integrated drills are designed to simulate real-world combat situations and ensure high-level preparedness among Indian forces.

By fostering seamless cooperation between the Indian Army and Assam Rifles, these exercises reinforce India’s strategic posture in the Northeast. The emphasis on jointness and readiness reflects the military’s evolving doctrine of integrated force projection in areas marked by both conventional threats and asymmetric warfare challenges.

The ongoing joint training in Arunachal Pradesh stands as a testament to India’s commitment to national security, operational excellence, and regional stability in one of its most strategically vital areas.