Mission accomplished

Time of India

11-05-2025

Times of India's Edit Page team comprises senior journalists with wide-ranging interests who debate and opine on the news and issues of the day.
Op Sindoor did what it set out to, at minimal cost to country. GOI's verbal restraint is a sign of a mature power
Relief in Pakistan after Saturday's ceasefire was palpable when PM Shehbaz Sharif rushed to declare the pause a 'historic victory'. As expected, the propaganda war was about to hot up. But Indian officials held their volleys, displaying the same verbal restraint that distinguished foreign secretary Vikram Misri and his defence colleagues this past week. While a section of Indians no doubt disagrees – worried about the battle of narratives – this restraint should be seen as a sign of India's maturity.
As a major economy, and rising military power, India does not need to convey its strength with boastful words. Note how Air Marshal AK Bharti didn't gloat over the damage inflicted upon Pakistan at yesterday's presser: 'Our job is to hit the target, not to count the body bags.' This policy of careful assessment, deliberate action, and measured statements befits India's global stature. Pakistan, meanwhile, lives off borrowings, and must delude itself to keep up morale.
As to the question, did Op Sindoor achieve its objectives, the answer is yes. Recall what India said after the 25-minute operation last Wednesday. It was a 'measured and non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible' strike to dismantle terror infra. War wasn't a goal.
Yet another way to assess outcomes is to tot up losses. Some Indian lives were sadly lost in Pakistani shelling, but overall, India suffered almost no damage. Our air defences worked well. And when India decided to retaliate strongly, it punched craters in Pakistani air bases – notably Nur Khan air base not far from Pakistan's nuclear command centre.
Some are disappointed that India agreed to halt operations when it had the upper hand, but consider that every conflict distracts from the primary goal of nation building. After achieving all objectives of Op Sindoor, and more, with minimal human and material costs, it was wise of India to disengage. Unlike Pakistan, we have far bigger stakes in our future.
Above all, post-Op Sindoor, Pakistan will have to weigh the costs of its proxy war carefully. India has made it clear that every terrorist act hereon will be regarded as an act of war. That doesn't mean we'll launch a military operation every time, but we reserve the right to do so whenever we choose to.
Every military operation is an opportunity to assess strengths and weaknesses, and India will do so now. The idea that Op Sindoor was halted before achieving its objectives must be banished. Instead, attention must shift to catching the perpetrators of Pahalgam. Terrorists should know they have no place left to hide – not in India, not even in Pakistan.
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This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.