China may only offer surveillance support to Pak
Amid heightened tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Indian military planners are evaluating a range of calibrated options for retaliation. As anticipation builds, intelligence inputs suggest China may support Pakistan by providing live satellite and UAV surveillance feeds — though it is expected to stop short of direct intervention.
Such surveillance could enhance Pakistan’s real-time battlefield awareness, potentially aiding its response strategies. However, historical precedent shows China has refrained from military involvement during past Indo-Pak conflicts, including the Kargil War in 1999 and the 1971 war. The strategic equation has evolved since, with the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and increased Chinese military hardware now in Pakistani hands — ranging from fighter jets and warships to air defence systems and rifles.
India’s military options remain wide-ranging, including precision missile strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), using systems like the BrahMos with 300-km range capable of penetrating air defences.
India could also employ concentrated artillery fire on terror camps and infrastructure in PoK, providing cover for special forces to carry out targeted operations at selected locations.
India has conducted extensive naval drills, including exercises simulating long-range precision strikes. The Indian Air Force also possesses multiple strike options, particularly with Rafale jets equipped with long-range missiles capable of engaging ground targets with high accuracy.
The strategy is to retain strategic ambiguity — keeping the adversary guessing. Past precedents like the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrike underscored India’s ability to surprise.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has launched simultaneous military exercises across domains and deployed a significant number of tanks facing Rajasthan. Pakistan army Chief General Asim Munir addressed troops near the frontier today. He warned of a strong escalation if India launches an attack.
Pakistan has already escalated tensions with repeated, indiscriminate ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, largely during night-time. These are seen as attempts to shield cross-border terrorist activity. Indian positions have responded with precision, aiming to deter without escalating.
India’s response so far remains a blend of diplomatic pressure, economic levers and measured military readiness. The message, however, is clear: those behind the Pahalgam attack will face decisive consequences, at a time and manner of India’s choosing.
On April 29, the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granted the Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Chiefs full autonomy to decide the time, target and method of retribution.
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