India launched 'Operation Sindoor' in the early hours of Wednesday, conducting precision missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). These strikes, which included strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke, were a direct retaliation to the barbaric April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 people, primarily tourists. The Indian armed forces' swift action underscored the nation's firm stance against terrorism, a sentiment echoed by the government's stated policy of "zero tolerance."

The retaliatory strikes garnered widespread support from various segments of Indian society, including the sporting fraternity. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, expressing national unity and strength, posted on 'X': "Fearless in unity. Boundless in strength. India's shield is her people. There's no room for terrorism in this world. We're ONE TEAM! Jai Hind." Other prominent cricketers like Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, and Shikhar Dhawan also used social media to commend India's strong response. Sehwag's unique message, "Agar koi aap par patthar phenke toh uspar Phool Phenko, Lekin Gamle ke saath (If someone throws stones at you then respond with flowers but not without the pots they are planted in). Jai Hind," captured the mood of determined retaliation. Badminton ace Saina Nehwal, Olympic boxer Vijender Singh, and wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt similarly offered their praise and patriotic slogans.

The sentiment of national resolve was also strongly articulated by chess grandmaster Vidith Gujrathi, who stated, "I am glad India responded firmly with Operation Sindoor after the horrific Pahalgam attack. Terrorism must never go unanswered. And what a beautiful name for the operation. Bharat Mata ki Jai!" This broad consensus among sports figures highlighted a unified rejection of terrorism and an endorsement of the armed forces' actions.

Bollywood and Tollywood celebrities equally lauded the Indian armed forces for their decisive action. Actors Akshay Kumar, Kangana Ranaut, Allu Arjun, Jr NTR, and Suniel Shetty were among many who took to social media to express their admiration and support. Akshay Kumar captioned a post with 'Operation Sindoor' as "Jai Hind. Jai Mahakaal," while Kangana Ranaut, also a BJP MP, reiterated the government's "zero tolerance" stance, writing: "May god protect those who protect us. Wishing our forces safety and success. #operationsindoor."

"May justice be served. Jai Hind #OperationSindoor," said "Pushpa" star Allu Arjun, with Tollywood's megastar and RRR actor Jr NTR also expressing prayers for the forces' safety. Suniel Shetty emphasized, "Zero tolerance. Total justice. #OperationSindoor," reflecting the popular demand for accountability. Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur praised India's response for showing the world its responsibility and confidence, noting it was "a precise hit at territories and organisation that backed the horrendous terrorists that killed innocent civilians" without resorting to war rhetoric. Other figures like Riteish Deshmukh, Madhur Bhandarkar, Nimrat Kaur (whose father was an Indian Army officer), Anupam Kher, and singer Adnan Sami all joined in praising 'Operation Sindoor' and expressing solidarity with the armed forces, reinforcing the message of a united nation against terrorism.

The decision to conduct 'Operation Sindoor' came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a high-level meeting on April 29, granted the armed forces "complete operational freedom" to determine the mode, targets, and timing of the response to the Pahalgam terror attack. This directive ensured a robust and targeted response to acts of terror, affirming India's commitment to protecting its citizens and maintaining regional stability.