Operation Sindoor: The Truth Behind the US-China Report | India’s Victory and the Propaganda Exposed

 

Introduction

The four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025 attracted global attention towards South Asia. After the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India launched Operation Sindoor — not just as a demonstration of military power but also as a strategic message to the world.

Recently, the US-China Economic & Security Review Commission (USCC) released a report that highlights this entire chain of events and examines the role of China and the United States. The report claims that China used this tense situation as a live testing ground for its modern weapons, while the US analyzed the military capabilities, strategy, and information warfare of both India and Pakistan.

The report is significant because it not only compares military technology and strategic claims but also exposes the gap between China-America's statements and the ground reality. India's decisive military actions, Pakistan's reaction, and China's silent involvement make it important to understand the complete picture.

This blog focuses exactly on that: to present the truth behind the US and China’s claims, the international propaganda, and India’s real military achievements.

Operation Sindoor: A Short Recap

The 2025 Pahalgam attack shook the entire nation. The attack on pilgrims traveling with their families was not only tragic but also a direct challenge to India’s sovereignty and security. After the attack, India displayed its strong zero-tolerance policy against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism — and the result was Operation Sindoor.

Immediately after the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government made it clear that the response would not be limited to diplomatic statements but would be delivered on the battlefield. Based on intelligence inputs, India targeted the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).

The Indian Air Force carried out precision airstrikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and POK. Along with this, the Indian Army engaged in firm and controlled responses along the Line of Control.

The objective of the operation was to dismantle terror networks and prevent future attacks. Pakistan attempted a political and military response, but India effectively contained the conflict.

In the end, Operation Sindoor reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance policy and sent a strong message across the border — that terrorism would be met with decisive action.

What Does the USCC Report Claim?

According to the 2025 US-China Economic & Security Review Commission (USCC) report, China viewed the India-Pakistan conflict as an opportunity to test its advanced weapons in a real battlefield environment. The report claims that China provided Pakistan with live intelligence inputs and referred to Pakistan as its "proxy partner" working to support China’s strategic goals.

The report also states that China launched a disinformation campaign against French Rafale jets to promote its own J-35 aircraft. One of the most controversial claims in the report is regarding Pakistan’s “military success,” which lacks independent satellite or battlefield evidence.

India rejected these claims, stating that Operation Sindoor was a clear demonstration of India’s military capability. Overall, the report highlights China’s aggressive military diplomacy and its growing strategic partnership with Pakistan — a major security concern for India.

China’s Strategy: Weapons Diplomacy and Disinformation

China turned the India-Pakistan conflict into a golden opportunity for its weapons diplomacy. Systems like the HQ-9 air defense system, PL-15 air-to-air missiles, and J-10 fighter jets were showcased in real combat for the first time, as mentioned in the USCC report.

China also used this opportunity to push major defense sales to Pakistan, offering 40 J-35 fifth-generation stealth jets, the KJ-500 surveillance aircraft, and ballistic missile defense systems.

Simultaneously, China launched a major disinformation campaign using fake videos, gaming graphics, and AI-generated propaganda. The goal was to portray Rafale jets as inferior and boost the reputation of Chinese aircraft in the international defense market.

Behind all this was a single strategy — use propaganda and military showcasing to strengthen the China-Pakistan alliance.

Twisting the India-Pakistan Narrative

China and Pakistan attempted to alter the global narrative by describing the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack as an “insurgent attack,” despite clear evidence that it was carried out by Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba and TRF terrorists.

The successful outcomes of Operation Sindoor — including the destruction of nine terror camps — were misrepresented as “civilian casualties.”

In India, the USCC’s framing received strong criticism. Many leaders termed the report biased and accused it of underestimating India’s military success.

Ground Reality: The Real Outcome of Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor gave India a clear tactical advantage. India precisely targeted terrorist camps and compelled Pakistan to remain in a defensive posture with limited retaliatory fire.

International analysts praised India’s military strategy, technological superiority, and controlled escalation. India achieved a strategic win without allowing the conflict to turn into a full-scale war.

The operation reaffirmed India’s commitment to eliminating terrorism while maintaining regional stability.

Why China Feels Threatened by the India-France (Rafale) Partnership

Rafale jets — with their advanced radar capabilities, superior maneuverability, and long-range missiles — outperform China’s J-10 and J-35 aircraft. This was evident during Operation Sindoor.

China also fears losing defense markets. Indonesia ordered 42 Rafales, and other nations like Bangladesh and Thailand are considering them. To counter this, China attempted to sabotage Rafale’s reputation through disinformation campaigns.

Limitations of the USCC Report

The USCC report focuses primarily on China’s aggressive behavior but views the India-Pak conflict from a secondary perspective. The report was written in the context of US-China rivalry, which affects its neutrality.

This imbalance led to misrepresentation of India’s narrative and exaggerated emphasis on Pakistan’s unverified claims.

Conclusion

From India’s perspective, Operation Sindoor was a successful military operation. India delivered a decisive response to the Pahalgam terror attack, destroyed multiple terror camps, and achieved its objectives without allowing a full-scale war.

China tried to twist the narrative in the report through weapons testing, arms marketing, and disinformation campaigns.

The USCC report reminds us that narrative warfare is now as important as battlefield warfare. India must strengthen its communication strategy to ensure the truth reaches the world.

FAQs

What was Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor was India’s limited military response in May 2025, involving precision missile strikes on nine Pakistan-based terror camps after the Pahalgam attack.

Why is the USCC report controversial for India?

Because it highlights Pakistan’s unverified “military success” and interprets the conflict through the lens of US-China rivalry, distorting India’s narrative.

Does China use Pakistan as a proxy?

Yes. According to the USCC report and several analysts, China uses Pakistan as a strategic proxy partner to further its regional goals.

Why were Rafale jets targeted?

China ran a disinformation campaign against Rafale jets to weaken the India-France partnership and promote its own fighter jets in the global market.

Did India win Operation Sindoor?

Yes. India achieved all tactical objectives, destroyed terror camps, and controlled the escalation — resulting in a strategic victory.