India's strategic response to terrorism emanating from Pakistan has undergone a significant shift, marked by a firm commitment to a zero-tolerance policy. This approach, solidified by recent events and statements from key government figures, signals a more assertive and proactive stance in dealing with cross-border terrorism.
The shift is underscored by "Operation Sindoor," a decisive military operation launched by India in response to the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, where innocent civilians were brutally killed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared Operation Sindoor as a turning point in India's counter-terrorism doctrine, setting a "new benchmark" and "new normal" in the global fight against terror. The operation involved precise missile and drone strikes on terrorist hideouts and training centers within Pakistan, including locations linked to global attacks. These strikes resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists and the dismantling of their infrastructure.
PM Modi outlined three key pillars of India's new security doctrine: decisive retaliation against terrorist attacks, no tolerance for nuclear blackmail, and no distinction between terrorists and their state sponsors. This means India will retaliate strongly against any terrorist attack, will not be intimidated by nuclear threats, and will hold both terrorists and the governments that harbor them accountable. This represents a departure from previous approaches, where a distinction was often made between non-state actors and the Pakistani government.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also reaffirmed the government's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, emphasizing that terrorism, Naxalism, and extremism are on the verge of being eliminated under the current administration. He highlighted a 70% reduction in deaths due to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, along with a sharp decline in terror incidents. The abrogation of Article 370, according to Shah, fulfilled the dream of "one Constitution, one flag," signaling a stronger, more unified approach to national security.
This shift in strategy is not without its risks. Some experts warn that the threshold for military conflict between India and Pakistan has been lowered, creating a precarious situation where a single militant attack could trigger a larger conflict. The willingness of both sides to take greater risks and explore escalation below the nuclear threshold has narrowed the space for diplomacy.
Despite these risks, the Indian government appears determined to maintain its firm stance against terrorism. The message is clear: India will not tolerate cross-border terrorism and will take necessary measures to protect its citizens and interests. This proactive approach, combined with a clear articulation of red lines, aims to deter future attacks and ensure regional stability. Whether this strategy will lead to a lasting peace or further escalate tensions remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks a new chapter in India's approach to Pakistan and the issue of terrorism.
