India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali citizen.

About the Sindoor Operation

• The Indian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes on nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
• The targets included key terrorist hubs in Bahawalpur, Muridke (Pakistan Punjab), Muzaffarabad, and Kotli (PoK), known bases of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
• The operation showcased India’s strategic restraint and commitment to punishing those responsible for cross-border terrorism.

Pakistan’s Response

• Pakistan invoked Article 51  of the UN Charter claiming India’s action breached international norms, while India cited the same Article to justify self-defence.

About Article 51 of United Nations Charter

• Article 51 of the UN Charter affirms the “inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a UN member state.”
• Any defensive measures taken under Article 51 must be reported to the UN Security Council and are subject to its authority to maintain international peace.
• The provision recognizes the legitimacy of unilateral defensive action until the UNSC takes collective security measures.