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The article analyzes India's 'Operation Sindoor' as a significant shift in its strategic doctrine towards Pakistan, particularly concerning state-sponsored terrorism. Unlike previous instances where India resorted to diplomatic channels and international mediation, Operation Sindoor showcased a calibrated military response following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, where 26 Indian civilians, mostly Hindu tourists, were massacred by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). This attack served as the catalyst for India’s retaliatory action. The author positions this operation as a departure from the past, signaling a new era under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom they describe as a decisive leader and strategist. The core message conveyed by Operation Sindoor is that India will no longer tolerate terrorist attacks originating from Pakistani soil and will treat such acts as acts of war. This represents a clear departure from the previous approach, where India often sought diplomatic solutions or limited military responses that were perceived as insufficient. The operation's success is attributed not only to military capabilities but also to a shift in India's defense procurement strategy, focusing on domestic production and self-reliance through the 'Make in India' initiative. The author highlights the praise received from international defense experts, emphasizing the effectiveness and precision of India's military action. The operation's success in neutralizing terrorist infrastructure and deterring further attacks underscores the effectiveness of this new approach. The article delves into the specific details of Operation Sindoor, outlining the timeline of events. Following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites inside Pakistan. These targets included headquarters, operational hubs, and key training camps of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba located in various locations such as Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad. When Pakistan retaliated with drone swarms, India’s multi-layered air defense network, composed of domestically built, Russian, and Israeli systems, effectively neutralized the threat. In response to Pakistan’s attack, India launched the second phase of Operation Sindoor on May 10, escalating the strikes to include six Pakistani military airbases and UAV coordination hubs. The targeted airbases were Chaklala, Murid, Rafiqui, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian. The severity of the damage inflicted during these strikes compelled Pakistan to request a ceasefire. While India agreed to a temporary halt in firing, it deliberately avoided calling it a ceasefire, opting instead for the term “stoppage of firing” to assert its strategic control over the situation. The article addresses criticisms leveled against the Indian government for agreeing to the halt in operations, with some critics arguing that India should have pursued further action, potentially including regime change in Pakistan. However, the author contends that Operation Sindoor was a limited war with specific objectives and was successful in achieving its desired effect without escalating into a broader conflict. The author emphasizes that Operation Sindoor was not intended to inflict maximum damage on Pakistan or facilitate regime change, but rather to send a clear message about India's resolve to respond decisively to terrorist attacks. One of the key aspects of India’s new strategic doctrine, as highlighted by the article, is its stance against nuclear blackmail. The article asserts that India will not be deterred by Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities and will strike decisively at terrorist hideouts operating under the cover of nuclear threats. This represents a significant shift in India’s approach, signaling its willingness to take calculated risks to protect its national security interests. The validation of Prime Minister Modi’s national defense doctrine, built around domestic industrial strength, is another crucial aspect of Operation Sindoor. The success of the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of the 'Make in India' initiative in enhancing India’s defense capabilities and reducing its reliance on foreign imports. The article notes that approximately 65% of India’s defense equipment is now manufactured domestically, marking a substantial shift from the previous reliance on imports. The use of domestically developed systems like BrahMos missiles, Akashteer air defense units, and loitering munitions during Operation Sindoor showcased India’s growing self-reliance in defense production. The author also cautions against complacency, emphasizing that the ISI will likely attempt to rebuild the terror infrastructure destroyed by India. The author notes the Trump administration’s warming relationship with Pakistan and the IMF loan to Pakistan, where the US wields significant influence, as indicators that India must remain vigilant. The author concludes by reiterating that Operation Sindoor represents a sensitive halt in operations, a strategic hold following a clear military victory. The message sent to Pakistan is unambiguous: any future provocation will be met with a decisive and precise response. The author acknowledges the uncertainty regarding whether this new doctrine will deter Pakistan’s ISI from supporting terrorism, but expresses hope that it will. The author's perspective, as a retired Indian diplomat, provides valuable insight into the strategic implications of Operation Sindoor and its potential impact on the India-Pakistan relationship. The article ultimately frames Operation Sindoor as a transformative event in India's approach to national security, marking a shift towards a more assertive and self-reliant posture in dealing with cross-border terrorism.
The success of Operation Sindoor can be attributed to several factors, including meticulous planning, advanced military technology, and a clear political mandate. The Indian Air Force's precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure demonstrated the effectiveness of its intelligence gathering and targeting capabilities. The use of domestically developed defense systems, such as the BrahMos missile and Akashteer air defense system, showcased the advancements made under the 'Make in India' initiative. Furthermore, the swift response to Pakistan's drone attacks highlighted the strength of India's multi-layered air defense network. The political leadership's unwavering support for the operation and its willingness to take decisive action were also crucial in ensuring its success. Operation Sindoor was not just a military operation; it was a demonstration of India's resolve to protect its national interests and deter future acts of terrorism. The operation sent a strong message to Pakistan that India will not tolerate state-sponsored terrorism and will hold it accountable for any attacks originating from its soil. The operation also served as a warning to other countries that may be tempted to engage in similar activities. The author's analysis of the international reaction to Operation Sindoor reveals a broad recognition of India's right to defend itself against terrorism. The praise from defense experts around the world underscores the effectiveness and legitimacy of India's military action. However, the author also notes the potential for challenges ahead, particularly in light of the changing geopolitical landscape and the continued support for terrorism from certain quarters. The author's concerns about the Trump administration's warming relationship with Pakistan and the IMF loan to Pakistan highlight the need for India to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding its national security interests. The author's call for India to maintain a high level of alert and to continue strengthening its defense capabilities is a reminder that the fight against terrorism is an ongoing challenge. The author's personal perspective as a retired Indian diplomat adds depth and credibility to the analysis. The author's insights into the strategic implications of Operation Sindoor and its potential impact on the India-Pakistan relationship are particularly valuable. The author's conclusion that Operation Sindoor represents a transformative event in India's approach to national security is a fitting summary of the article's main points. The author's emphasis on the need for India to remain assertive and self-reliant in dealing with cross-border terrorism is a timely reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. The article's overall tone is one of cautious optimism, recognizing the success of Operation Sindoor while acknowledging the need for continued vigilance and preparedness. The author's balanced assessment of the situation provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about India's national security policy.
Looking ahead, India's strategic posture following Operation Sindoor will likely involve a combination of military preparedness, diplomatic engagement, and economic development. The success of the 'Make in India' initiative in enhancing India's defense capabilities will likely lead to further investments in domestic defense production. India will also need to continue strengthening its intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism capabilities to effectively address the evolving threat of terrorism. Diplomatic engagement will be crucial in building international support for India's efforts to combat terrorism and in isolating countries that support or harbor terrorist groups. India will also need to continue engaging with Pakistan to address the root causes of terrorism and to promote regional stability. Economic development will play a key role in addressing the underlying grievances that can fuel extremism and terrorism. India's efforts to promote economic growth and social inclusion will help to create a more resilient and stable society, making it less vulnerable to the appeal of extremist ideologies. The author's analysis of the potential challenges ahead highlights the importance of a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to national security. India will need to leverage all of its resources – military, diplomatic, economic, and social – to effectively address the complex and evolving threats it faces. The author's call for India to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding its national security interests is a crucial message for policymakers and the public alike. The success of Operation Sindoor has demonstrated the effectiveness of India's new strategic doctrine, but the fight against terrorism is far from over. India must continue to adapt and evolve its approach to national security to effectively address the challenges of the 21st century. The author's perspective as a retired Indian diplomat provides valuable insights into the complexities of India's foreign policy and national security challenges. The author's balanced and nuanced analysis of the situation is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about India's role in the world. The article's overall message is one of cautious optimism, recognizing the progress that India has made while acknowledging the challenges that remain. The author's call for India to remain assertive and self-reliant in dealing with cross-border terrorism is a fitting conclusion to this insightful and informative analysis.
Source: Modi’s India hits back: How Operation Sindoor is the unveiling of a strategic doctrine