Strokes of justice

India conducted precision military strikes at nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, targeting major terrorist infrastructure including the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba base in Muridke. The operation, named Operation Sindoor, was in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

Shift in India’s Counter-Terror Strategy

• Measured Military Response: The strikes were described as “measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible”, indicating a calibrated approach to cross-border counter-terrorism.
• Targeted Infrastructure Destruction: High-value terrorist camps in Bahawalpur and Muridke — symbolic and operational centres of JeM and LeT — were targeted, going beyond border-proximate zones.
• Strategic Signalling: This overt use of military power serves as a deterrent message that India will no longer limit its response to covert or diplomatic means post-terror attacks.

Diplomatic and Domestic Dimensions

• International Outreach: India has briefed major powers including the US, UK, and Russia, highlighting its commitment to responsible conduct by avoiding civilian or economic targets.
• Internal Political Unity: All political parties have expressed support for the operation, strengthening internal political consensus on India’s national security approach.
• Communal Harmony Focus: The government emphasized that the attackers sought to disturb Kashmir’s normalcy and provoke communal tensions, urging restraint from internal destabilizing elements.

Pakistan’s Strategic Behaviour and India's Preparedness

• Pakistan’s State-Sponsored Terrorism: Despite global scrutiny, Pakistan continues to use terrorism as a strategic tool under nuclear deterrence cover, and houses terror groups on its soil.
• Long-Term Challenges: Destroying camps may have immediate impact, but Pakistan’s radicalization pipeline and institutional support for terror pose enduring threats.
• Need for Vigilance and Preparedness: India must remain alert for potential retaliation and escalate diplomatic and military responses as required, while concluding investigations like the Pahalgam attack effectively.

Practice Question

Q. Discuss the evolving contours of India’s counter-terrorism doctrine in light of recent cross-border precision strikes. How does this reflect a shift from strategic restraint to strategic deterrence? Evaluate the diplomatic, military, and internal security dimensions.