Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed multiple Indian security personnel and civilians’ lives, India is considering various strategic and military responses. Pressure mounts upon it to respond forcefully – possible actions include precision strikes against terror infrastructure to covert operations across borders.
Attackers targeted a bus carrying pilgrims and security forces near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday evening, underscoring once again the serious cross-border terrorism threat. Indian security agencies traced this attack back to a Pakistan-based terror outfit; which has reignited debate within defense and political circles about effective and measured forms of retaliation against this act of cross-border terrorism.
One immediate option available to India is conducting targeted airstrikes against identified terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). India has demonstrated its willingness to strike beyond its borders, such as during 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot airstrikes following Pulwama. Military experts suggest that such strikes, backed up with real-time intelligence, could neutralize key terror infrastructure without leading to full-scale conflict.
Another possible option being considered by India is expanding covert operations targeting high-value terror operatives. Intelligence-led missions led by special units could effectively dismantle terror networks without drawing global condemnation or leading to military confrontation, according to defense analysts. By providing plausible deniability while dealing an important psychological blow against militant groups, covert options provide India with plausible deniability as well as significant psychological advantage over militant groups.
Diplomatic pressure will likely escalate as New Delhi pushes for tougher sanctions on Pakistan through FATF and UN. New Delhi may urge these bodies to take swifter actions against entities supporting terrorism, while simultaneously engaging key allies such as United States, France and Russia to strengthen international consensus against Pakistan’s supposed involvement in fomenting terrorism.
Jammu and Kashmir is tightening its internal security measures while increasing counterinsurgency operations to combat insurgencies, with increased focus on intelligence gathering, surveillance, neutralizing local sleeper cells that facilitate attacks, as well as intensified counter-insurgency operations against militant groups.
However, senior officials have cautioned against taking unilateral actions too quickly. “A calibrated response is key; we want to send a message while also preventing an uncontrolled escalation,” according to one defense source speaking under condition of anonymity.
As India mourns those lost in Pahalgam attack, its next steps could prove crucial. Not only will these decisions impact its counterterrorism posture but also regional security dynamics at a time when tensions in South Asia remain volatile. Hurry up try again pak army waiting you to break your nose on control line