India strikes at the heart of terror in Pakistan, avenges Pahalgam

Economic Times

07-05-2025

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There are moments in a nation's history that alter the outlook and destiny of the country forever. For India, inflicted with the wounds of terror for over three decades, the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on 22nd April may prove to be one such course altering moment in its history. Outraged by the killing of 26 innocent tourists (all men), who were shot and killed in cold blood after being identified as Non-Muslims and in front of their wives and mothers, the nation resolved to end this menace of terror. Leading from the front was Prime Minister Modi, who cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and assured the nation that, 'India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth'.In launching targeted strikes deep into Pakistan in a military operation codenamed ' Operation Sindoor ', India has demonstrated that its resolve to tackle the menace of terror emanating from Pakistan once and for all, no matter the costs. The military strikes, closely coordinated between the Army, Navy, and the Air Force, targeted nine locations across Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan, carefully chosen for their significance to the terror network in Pakistan. Four of the nine locations struck were in Pakistan, across the International Border (IB).Bahawalpur, which hosts the headquarters of terror group JeMheaded by UN-designated terrorist, Massud Azhar, was among the most significant targets to be struck owing to its close association to JeM. Added to its significance is that fact that it is also one of the most prominent districts of Pakistani Punjab and holds huge political and military significance to Pakistan's deep state. It is also significant to note that India struck deep into Pakistan across the IB for the first time since the 1971 war. Not even during the Kargil War of 1999 did India cross the Line of Control (LC) or the IB.Immediately after the strikes, India went on a diplomatic offensive, briefing major countries like the US, UK, Russia, France, Saudi Arabia and China. It was made clear to them that India had struck only terror related targets, no civilian or military infrastructure was harmed and that it is a non-escalatory response from India to the terror attack in Pahalgam. Most significant among the calls was perhaps the call from AjitDoval, India's National Security Advisor to the Chinese Foreign Minister. China, which is considered by Pakistan as its all-weather friend, may find it difficult to openly support any retaliatory move by Pakistan, at least directly, given the global context of Operation Sindoor framed by India in double quick time.Also significant is the kind of endorsement and support that India has got from three significant Arab countries, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar who were briefed on the military strikes. Just two decades back, it would have been unthinkable that India could get such unequivocal support from Arab countries as Pakistan enjoyed their support in the name of Muslim solidarity. But the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and pro-active diplomacy by India in the past decade has left Pakistan globally largely isolated.Operation Sindoor is a significant statement of intent from India, an announcement that its era of strategic patience is over. It has also helped India call out Pakistan's boggy of nuclear threat by launching strikes deep into Pakistan across the IB and daring Pakistan to call the nuclear bluff. It is also a clear message from India that going forward, the war against terror can only intensify in its scope and execution and that there is no escape for Pakistan.For Pakistan and specifically its Army, this is a moment of existential threat. It is still smarting from recent setbacks like the Jaffer Express hijacking and killing of Pakistani soldiers in cold blood by the Baluch Liberation Army in March 2025. Its battles against the Taliban in Afghanistan are sucking in troops and are inflicting huge costs. News of internal dissents within the Army too are appearing more frequently than ever. For an 'Army which possesses a nation', and an Army Chief who is acting more like a mad Mullah with every passing day, the days of Army running the state are under grave threat.In such a scenario, the Pakistan Army's retaliation cannot be ruled out. With its forces already mobilized across the borders and LC over the past 14 days, a misadventure or a miscalculation is possible, especially if the Army is fighting for its existence in Pakistan with its back to the wall. India will have to remain vigilant and counter the threat as it manifests. While estimates suggests that Pakistan has the money, ammunition and military equipment to fight a war of only 3-4 days, the war fighting capability of India is much stronger, with much larger reserves, better equipment and more modern technology. Also 'Uncle Sam' is unlikely to come to Pakistan's help except from perhaps securing the nuclear assets from falling into rogue hands.In the long run however, the momentum generated by Operation Sindoor cannot be allowed to slow down like it happened after the solitary strike on Balakot in February 2019. The fight against terror will have to continue and the 'head of the snake' crushed wherever and whenever it raises its head. The bottom line is, Pakistan cannot dare dream of another Pahalgam, ever.(The author is a senior research consultant at Chintan Research Foundation)