India's defense establishment has declared a decisive shift in its approach to terrorism, signaling an end to the "policy of forbearance that was practiced for decades". This new, assertive stance emphasizes that terrorists will be targeted forcefully, at a time and place of India's choosing. This shift comes in the wake of escalating tensions and a series of cross-border attacks, marking a significant departure from previous strategies of deterrence and engagement.

The announcement underscores a hardening of India's counter-terrorism policy, with a focus on decisive retaliation. Any terrorist attack on Indian soil will now be considered an act of war. This includes a willingness to strike at the roots of terror, targeting terror hubs and those who harbor them. This was evident in the recent Operation Sindoor, where India dismantled cross-border terrorist infrastructure.

Prime Minister Modi has redefined India's policy against terrorism, making it clear that any attack on Indian soil will be considered an act of war. This represents a significant departure from past policies and sends a strong message to those who sponsor and support terrorism.

This new approach is characterized by three core pillars:

• Decisive Retaliation: India will respond strongly to any terrorist attack, retaliating on its own terms and targeting terror hubs at their source.
• No Tolerance for Nuclear Blackmail: India will not be intimidated by nuclear threats, and any terrorist safe havens operating under such a pretext will face decisive strikes.
• No Distinction Between Terror Sponsors and Terrorists: India will no longer differentiate between terrorist leaders and the governments that shelter them, treating both as legitimate targets.

This shift towards a more proactive and assertive counter-terrorism strategy reflects a growing impatience with cross-border terrorism and a determination to hold those responsible accountable. The government has pledged to pursue terrorists relentlessly, emphasizing that "epicenters of terrorism are no longer safe" and that India "will not hesitate to target them".

The shift in policy also reflects a change in how India views Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism. There is a growing consensus that Pakistan "treats them (terrorists) as their assets" and that these individuals are "deliberately cultivated for cross-border terrorism in India, as an instrument of state policy".

This new approach also has implications for regional stability. India has made it clear that peace and prosperity cannot coexist with terrorism, and that those who sponsor, nurture, and utilize terrorism must face consequences. India has urged the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to unite against terrorism and hold perpetrators accountable, emphasizing the need for regional stability and security.

While this new strategy signals a more assertive stance against terrorism, it also carries risks. Some experts caution that it could lead to a long-term revival in the intensity of conflicts in the region and increase the risk of escalation. However, the Indian government seems determined to pursue this path, signaling a new era in its approach to counter-terrorism.