The Indian armed forces, in a decisive move dubbed 'Operation Sindoor', launched precision missile strikes in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting nine terror infrastructures across Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. These strikes were a direct retaliation to the horrific April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists. Among the primary targets hit were the strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke.

The retaliatory action came two weeks after the barbaric Pahalgam attack, which sparked widespread outrage both domestically and internationally. Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a high-level meeting with top defence officials on April 29, granted the armed forces "complete operational freedom" to determine the mode, targets, and timing of their response to the terror act.

India's sporting fraternity, led by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, overwhelmingly lauded 'Operation Sindoor'. Tendulkar posted on 'X', stating, "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 former cricketers including Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, and Shikhar Dhawan also used social media to hail India's firm response. Sehwag famously wrote, "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." Badminton ace Saina Nehwal, boxer Vijender Singh, wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, and chess player Vidith Gujrathi echoed sentiments of national pride and zero tolerance for terrorism, with Gujrathi specifically noting, "Terrorism must never go unanswered. And what a beautiful name for the operation. Bharat Mata ki Jai!"

The film industry also joined the chorus of praise for the Indian armed forces. Actors such as Akshay Kumar, Kangana Ranaut, Allu Arjun, and Suniel Shetty expressed their support. Akshay Kumar captioned his post with "Jai Hind. Jai Mahakaal," while Kangana Ranaut, a BJP MP, reiterated the government's "zero tolerance" stance, wishing the forces safety and success. "Pushpa" star Allu Arjun and "RRR" actor Jr NTR both shared messages like "May justice be served. Jai Hind" and "Praying for the safety & strength of our Indian Army." Suniel Shetty highlighted "Zero tolerance. Total justice." Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur commended India's response as showing the world its "responsible and confident" approach, emphasizing a "precise hit at territories and organisation that backed the horrendous terrorists." Further support came from Riteish Deshmukh, Madhur Bhandarkar, Nimrat Kaur (whose father was an Indian Army officer), Anupam Kher, and singer Adnan Sami, all unifying under slogans like "Jai Hind," "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," and "One nation, together we stand."