Jaishankar Clarifies: Pakistan Informed 30 Minutes After Strikes In ‘Operation Sindoor’

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on May 26 addressed growing political controversy surrounding the timeline of India’s recent cross-border strikes, stating that Pakistan was informed of ‘Operation Sindoor’ only 30 minutes after the strikes were carried out, NDTV reported.

During a Consultative Committee Meeting (CCM) of the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi, Jaishankar said, “Pakistan was informed 30 minutes after terror hubs were struck.” He rejected allegations from the opposition Congress party that Islamabad had been tipped off in advance. “This is a dishonest misrepresentation of facts,” he added.

Clarifying the sequence of events, Jaishankar said the Foreign Secretary was briefed following the 1:30 am operation on May 7, which was followed by an official statement from the Press Information Bureau (PIB). The Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) then informed his Pakistani counterpart.

He also said the parliamentary panel that Pakistan was informed by the DGMO about Indian strikes on terror camps in their territory only after they were executed.

The strikes, named ‘Operation Sindoor’, were India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed. The name of the operation pays tribute to the widows of the victims, emphasizing India's resolve. Nine terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were targeted within 25 minutes during the coordinated military action.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly questioned the government over the operation, alleging a failure of foreign policy and asking why India’s moves were being "hyphenated with Pakistan". In response, Mr. Jaishankar reiterated that India’s diplomatic efforts have remained firm, with only three countries expressing criticism of India’s actions.

Following the strikes, Pakistan responded with drone and artillery attacks targeting Indian cities. Indian forces successfully repelled the aggression. Although both sides agreed to cease fire on May 10, Pakistan reportedly breached the truce within hours, prompting a stern warning from Indian forces about future retaliation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his first Mann Ki Baat address since the operation, shared images of the targeted terror sites. “Operation Sindoor is the picture of our resolve, courage, and a changing India,” he said.

In the wake of the escalation, India has formed seven all-party delegations to brief foreign governments on the context and necessity of the strikes, underlining its stand against cross-border terrorism.