On April 22, a large number of innocent tourists were murdered in cold blood in Pahalgam, Kashmir, by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.
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Sujan Chinoy
Strategy of Controlled Warfare
On April 22, a large number of innocent tourists were murdered in cold blood in Pahalgam, Kashmir, by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. This led India to undertake an unprecedented and precisely crafted military operation against nine carefully chosen targets. Key terror infrastructure used to unleash attacks on India was dismantled.
Unlike India, which avoided inflicting civilian casualties, Pakistan escalated matters by targeting civilians and military sites. These attempts failed, and India retaliated with precision against high-value military installations supporting terrorist networks in Pakistan.
Having achieved its objectives within four days, India accepted Pakistan’s plea for a ceasefire through established military channels. No amount of misinformation can change the fact that India prevailed militarily while demonstrating a level of controlled warfare seldom witnessed.
History is replete with examples of prolonged wars lacking exit strategies, including the Russia–Ukraine conflict, as well as the protracted conflicts in Vietnam and Afghanistan. Even ongoing conflicts in West Asia continue at great cost. By contrast, Operation Sindoor avoided becoming an unending war, thanks to purposeful resolve and military professionalism.
Striking Pakistan’s Core
The riposte following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was telling. India struck deep into Pakistani territory in a coordinated operation, targeting nine high-value terror launchpads across Pakistan and PoJK. From PoJK to mainland Punjab locations such as Sialkot and Bahawalpur, the strikes demonstrated reach and precision.
Critical installations, including the Nur Khan and Sargodha airbases, were hit, conveying that no terrorist sanctuary in Pakistan was beyond reach. Over one hundred terrorists were reportedly eliminated, including Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudassir Ahmad.
Inflict Pain at Minimum Cost
Operation Sindoor called Pakistan’s nuclear bluff. Unlike conflicts such as Ukraine or Gaza, this operation inflicted severe damage on terror and military infrastructure in Pakistan while ensuring negligible domestic impact on India.
India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), especially the indigenous Akashteer system, successfully countered drones and missiles, protecting key installations. The Indian Air Force bypassed and jammed Pakistan’s air defence systems, completing missions rapidly using Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and HAMMER bombs.
On May 10, India expanded the scope of engagement, targeting eleven military installations. The scale of operations reportedly degraded a significant portion of Pakistan’s air capabilities.
Jointness, Aatmanirbharata, Indigenisation (JAI)
Operation Sindoor demonstrated jointness, self-reliance, and indigenisation. The Navy maintained maritime pressure, while the Army and Air Force coordinated strikes.
Reforms such as the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff and a push for indigenous defence production played a crucial role. Defence output has significantly increased, with a major share now domestically produced. Systems such as BrahMos, Akash, Akashteer, and Tejas enhanced India’s multi-domain capabilities.
Drones and AI-driven systems emerged as force multipliers, supported by broader reforms including FDI liberalisation and defence corridors.
Political Will – A Key Factor for Success
Political direction remains central to military success. India has moved from restraint toward a willingness to employ military options in response to terrorism.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decisions—from suspending the Indus Waters Treaty to calibrated strikes—have been deliberate and coordinated. The armed forces were given operational freedom with clear instructions to avoid civilian casualties.
Operation Sindoor has set a new normal, signalling that strikes can extend beyond PoJK into Pakistan’s heartland.
Whole-of-Nation Approach
Operation Sindoor reflected a whole-of-nation approach, integrating armed forces, government, and private industry. Startups and private firms contributed to drone and counter-UAS systems under frameworks like iDEX.
ISRO provided satellite-based surveillance, while efforts were made to counter misinformation and manage public communication. The Integrated Defence Staff ensured coordination across services.
The government also engaged opposition parties through global outreach, building international support against terrorism and demonstrating political unity on national security.
(The author is Director General of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses and was part of an All-Party Delegation in the context of Operation Sindoor. Views are personal)