Strikes to strategy

IN the immediate aftermath of Operation Sindoor — India’s precision strikes on terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir — the government on Thursday projected unity and resolve, even as tensions remain high and retaliatory hostilities continue. In response to attempted strikes by Pakistan, India pre-emptively neutralised missiles aimed at 15 major cities and destroyed a key air defence system in Lahore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-level review meeting underscored the gravity of the situation. Terming this a “sensitive period”, he called for institutional synergy and citizen safety as top priorities. The Whole-of-Government approach — focussing on civil defence, countering disinformation and safeguarding critical infrastructure — signals readiness beyond the battlefield. The directive to ministries to ensure emergency response protocols and operational continuity reflects a sober understanding of hybrid threats, including cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns. Lending equal weight to the day was Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s detailed briefing to an all-party meeting, where he confirmed the neutralisation of at least 100 terrorists. The Opposition, notably the Congress and the AIMIM, displayed commendable maturity, putting aside political divisions to rally behind the national interest. This rare moment of bipartisan consensus sends a strong message to both domestic and international audiences: when India’s sovereignty is challenged, its political fabric holds firm.

However, the larger picture remains fraught. With India stating that it has no intent to escalate but is fully prepared to retaliate, strategic restraint must continue to be balanced with credible deterrence. The emphasis must now shift from tactical victories to strategic stability. In the days ahead, civilian protection, diplomatic messaging and internal security will demand unwavering focus. India must continue briefing global partners and maintain transparency with its citizens, without compromising operational security. Even as Operation Sindoor continues, the unified political posture and institutional alertness offer a template for democratic resilience in the face of external threats.

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