India, a civilisation rooted in peace and diplomacy, has long upheld the principle of “Ahimsa”—never initiating aggression, even in the face of grave provocation. Despite being a nuclear power and one of the world’s largest standing armies, India has never attacked another nation first. Yet, it has consistently borne the brunt of cross-border terrorism, especially from its hostile neighbours.

The cowardly terror attack in Pahalgam marked a painful continuation of this pattern. But what followed—Operation Sindoor—was not just a military retaliation. It was a watershed moment in India’s strategic doctrine. For the first time in recent history, India responded not only with precision strikes but with a calibrated assertion of its sovereignty, technological prowess, and economic confidence.

This operation did more than neutralise terror—it signaled the rise of a new India. One that is done absorbing the cost of restraint. One that is ready to lead with indigenous strength, economic self-reliance, and strategic clarity.

 

Operation Sindoor: A Turning Point in India’s Counter-Terror Strategy

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was a significant military response by India to the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22, resulting in the deaths of 26 civilians. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation was a coordinated effort involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, showcasing joint operational capability. Moreover, ISRO’s satellite infrastructure played a crucial role in surveillance and intelligence gathering, enhancing the precision of the strikes. 

India conducted missile and air strikes targeting nine sites across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan’s Punjab province. The attacks were carried out using Rafale aircraft equipped with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer glide bombs, as well as BrahMos cruise missiles and SkyStriker loitering munitions.

“Through Operation Sindoor, India has used its ‘Right to Respond’ to the attack on its soil, and the Armed Forces scripted history by acting with precision, precaution & compassion to destroy the camps used to train terrorists in Pakistan and PoK. As per the plan, the targets were destroyed and no civilian population was harmed. The whole world has witnessed what our Armed Forces have done. The action was carried out very thoughtfully and in a measured manner. It was limited only to the camps and other infrastructure used for training terrorists with the aim of breaking their morale.” as stated by– Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in the evening of 7th May, 2025. 

The Indian Armed Forces, in coordination with the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), National Security Guard (NSG), and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), executed a swift and highly targeted military offensive. Strikes were conducted across nine (9) sites.  Over 100 terrorists were confirmed eliminated, including several high-value targets from outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

What differentiated Operation Sindoor from previous counter-offensives was the unprecedented use of next-generation warfare technology. AI-driven real-time surveillance systems scanned movement across the LoC, while satellite-guided drone squadrons—equipped with precision missile systems—carried out pin-point strikes on high-value targets. The Indian Army’s newly formed Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) utilised geospatial intelligence and thermal signature analytics to target and eliminate terrorist hideouts with surgical accuracy.

Significantly, the operation recorded less than 1% collateral damage, with zero reported civilian deaths—a first in cross-border operations of such magnitude. This reflected India’s strict adherence to international humanitarian law and its commitment to ethical warfare. India also deployed Signal Intelligence Units and cyber-warfare specialists to intercept communication networks and disable terror funding routes.

 

India Retaliates: Multi-Dimensional Warfare

India’s retaliation was not merely confined to a military strike; it was a multi-dimensional retaliation. Economic sanctions, cancellation of bilateral events, diplomatic isolation of Pakistan at international forums, and blocking of trade routes were activated almost simultaneously. This level of preparedness and coordination showed a renewed national resolve.

Unlike previous incidents, India’s response wasn’t limited to the battlefield. The government initiated a multi-pronged retaliation:

• • Economic Sanctions: Indian businesses were instructed to cut trade ties with Pakistan-based firms.
  • Diplomatic Blockade: India led efforts to further isolate Pakistan at the UN, G20, and BRICS forums.
  • Cultural Boycotts: Sporting and entertainment exchanges were suspended indefinitely.
  • Technology Embargoes: Export of software and cybersecurity products to Pakistan was banned.

This strategy reflected a mature economic understanding—that wars today are not just fought with guns, but with rupees, reputations, and algorithms.

Strategic Wins Beyond the Battlefield

While the warzone operations were critical, the real strength of India’s response lay in its strategic deterrence. Cyber surveillance, border fencing, and a seamless intelligence-sharing mechanism among domestic and international agencies ensured a zero-tolerance stance. The Defence Cyber Agency and National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) played pivotal roles in digital warfare and misinformation control.

Victory was not just territorial but technological and strategic. India’s NTRO (National Technical Research Organisation), in collaboration with the Defence Cyber Agency, successfully thwarted over 300 planned cyberattacks on financial and defence systems.

• • Border Fencing with laser sensors reduced infiltration.
  • Satellite Monitoring of LoC hotspots helped identify cross-border tunnels.
  • Deepfakes and misinformation control units were deployed to stabilise national sentiment during the operation.

The results were revolutionary—zero economic shutdown, zero disruption in financial markets, and a surge in global investor confidence.

India-Pakistan Treaties: From Dialogue to Disengagement

In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, diplomatic relations with Pakistan plunged to historic lows. India and Pakistan have signed several bilateral agreements aimed at fostering peace and managing conflict. Prominent among them is the Simla Agreement (1972), which emphasised peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and bilateral negotiations. The Lahore Declaration (1999) further committed both nations to confidence-building measures, including nuclear risk reduction. The Indus Waters Treaty (1960)—a World Bank-brokered agreement—remains one of the few functioning treaties, allowing equitable water sharing of the Indus River system. The Indian government suspended all bilateral talks, and global powers supported India’s stance on cross-border terrorism. Pakistan faced global scrutiny, including from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). 

However, post-2016 and more significantly after Operation Sindoor in 2025, many cooperative frameworks have collapsed. Backchannel diplomacy, cultural exchanges, and bilateral cricket ties have been frozen. The Cross-LoC trade agreement, suspended since 2019, shows no signs of revival. India has also reviewed the Indus Waters Treaty, citing Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism. With diplomatic ties downgraded and the High Commissioners withdrawn, the Indo-Pak treaty landscape today reflects deep mistrust and strategic recalibration.

Operation Sindoor marked a paradigm shift in India-Pakistan diplomatic relations. In its aftermath, India suspended all bilateral engagements—from trade talks and cricket matches to people-to-people initiatives. This was not a mere show of anger but a calibrated withdrawal, signaling that terrorism and diplomacy cannot coexist.

The global community responded with rare unity. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) intensified scrutiny of Pakistan’s non-compliance with terror financing, keeping it in the grey list. India’s evidence-backed dossiers, digital intercepts, and satellite imagery led to widespread international condemnation of Pakistan’s role in harboring terrorism. This isolation cost Pakistan billions in trade losses and global funding. India’s strategic patience had evolved into decisive leadership, establishing a new diplomatic norm in South Asia.

Global Reactions: Condemnation of Terror, Commendation of India

Countries like the USA, France, Australia, and Japan unequivocally condemned the attacks and supported India’s counter-terrorism measures. The United Nations also expressed solidarity with India’s stance. The attack and retaliation revived discussions on forming a global anti-terror coalition led by responsible democracies.

India’s actions received resounding global approval. Nations such as the United States, France, Australia, Japan, and the UAE not only condemned the attacks but endorsed India’s right to self-defence.

• • The United Nations issued a rare joint statement upholding India’s sovereignty.
  • Interpol extended cooperation in tracking terror financiers.
  • France and Israel offered defence collaboration in urban counter-terror strategies.

These responses weren’t spontaneous—they were earned through India’s consistent positioning as a responsible democracy with a commitment to a lawful global order. India also reasserted its eligibility for permanent UNSC membership, with Operation Sindoor becoming a pivotal moment in that claim.

Post-Operation Initiatives: Government on the Front Foot

Post-operation, the Indian government rolled out a series of national initiatives to strengthen internal security, increase defence production, and reduce import dependence. ‘Defence Corridor 2.0’ was announced, along with a fast-track approval process for indigenous manufacturers under Make in India.

The government moved fast. Recognising that internal strength deters external threats, a suite of initiatives was launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat 2.0 defence strategy:

• • Defence Corridor 2.0 was announced in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to boost indigenous weapon production.
  • Make in India fast-track approvals were introduced for startups and SMEs manufacturing defence tech.
  • The Strategic Partnership Model (SPM) was restructured to expedite private sector entry into defence production.

These steps addressed two critical needs—reducing dependency on foreign arms (currently at 60%) and turning India into a global defence exporter, not just a consumer.

Citizen and Business Duty: Nation First

As citizens and entrepreneurs, the onus is now on each of us to uphold the nation-first approach. Whether it’s supporting local products, reporting suspicious activities, or building secure business environments, national responsibility must become a core principle in civil life and corporate policy.

A war-like moment doesn’t just belong to the military—it belongs to the entire nation. Operation Sindoor awakened citizens and businesses to a shared responsibility model:

• • Citizens were encouraged to report cyber threats, frauds, and suspected sleeper cells via new MHA apps, including the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, etc.
  • Businesses were urged to cut contracts with vendors from high-risk nations, implement cybersecurity protocols, and adopt data localisation.
  • Schools and institutions launched programs on civic defence education, creating awareness on disinformation and hybrid warfare.

The message was clear: National Security is No Longer Just a Government Function—It’s a Societal Asset.

The Economic War: From Import Addiction to Economic Independence

India continues to import billions worth of goods that are readily manufacturable within our borders—such as electronics, toys, furniture, and packaged goods such as cosmetics and skincare products, personal hygiene products, stationery, household cleaning products, etc. Each unnecessary import is an opportunity lost. The import substitution movement is no longer an option but a necessity in the post-terror economy. 

India’s $800 billion import bill is both an economic challenge and a strategic vulnerability. Post-Operation Sindoor, a movement against unnecessary imports gained momentum. The target? Products easily manufacturable within India:

• • Electronics (like smartphones and routers),
  • Consumer Goods (toys, packaged food, furniture),
  • Industrial Components (auto parts, APIs for medicines).

Every dollar spent on imports funds someone else’s industry—and, in hostile cases, someone else’s army. By reducing imports from countries that fund or support terror, India is leading a non-violent economic retaliation against global terror networks.

Grow in India, Produce in India, Consume in India, Export from India

The core economic strategy post-Operation Sindoor is clear: Grow in India, Produce in India, and Consume in India. The slogan aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision that not only secures our economic future but also acts as a non-violent countermeasure to terrorism funding.

The new national slogan isn’t a campaign—it’s an economic war cry:

This strategy aligns with:

• • PLI schemes to support local manufacturing,
  • Export subsidies for made-in-India defence and electronics,
  • MSME credit programs to help Indian businesses scale.

Economically, this stimulates GDP, creates jobs, increases forex reserves, and shrinks dependency on volatile global supply chains. Psychologically, it shifts the national mindset from consumerism to conscious capitalism. Psychologically, it marks a paradigm shift—from mindless consumerism to conscious capitalism. Indian consumers are being urged to support homegrown brands, local artisans, and domestic innovators—turning purchasing decisions into acts of patriotism. This isn’t isolationism. 

India is not retreating from globalisation; instead, it is recalibrating its global role—with self-reliance as its foundation and strategic trade partnerships as its growth engine. “Economic sovereignty is the new frontline of national security.” And Operation Sindoor has made it clear: India’s battle against terror is also a fight to reclaim its economic destiny.

A Call to Oath: Nation First, Always

Let us pledge: 

This is more than sentiment—it is a civic duty in the face of a globalised threat. This is not just symbolism—it’s modern warfare morality. In a world where terror wears digital masks and economic links, only a resilient society of aware citizens can win. It’s time we define ourselves not just by our freedom, but by how we protect it.

India’s Rise: Now the 4th Largest Economy

India’s GDP has officially touched $4.2 trillion, surpassing Germany and positioning the nation as the fourth-largest economy in the world. This is not merely a statistical achievement—it marks a significant transformation in India’s global standing. With projections indicating India’s economy will reach $5 trillion by 2027, this upward trajectory provides more than economic pride—it offers strategic leverage in geopolitical, security, and technological arenas. A strong economy enables India to act from a position of confidence, making decisions in the national interest without external pressure or dependency.

Supporting this momentum is India’s robust foreign exchange reserve of approximately $645 billion, a cushion that ensures financial resilience during global shocks. Initiatives like Digital India and widespread UPI adoption have revolutionised the economic landscape, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. These digital advancements have increased financial inclusion, enhanced transparency, and minimised leakages, enabling direct benefit transfers to millions. Additionally, India’s aggressive push toward renewable energy, green hydrogen, and electric vehicle (EV) policies is not only reducing carbon footprints but also future-proofing the economy against oil price volatility and energy insecurity.

This economic strength has profound implications for national security and technological autonomy. India can now independently fund its own wars, defence technologies, cybersecurity infrastructure, and research initiatives, minimising reliance on foreign donors or military alliances. Economic sovereignty has thus become the strongest counter-terror insurance, fortifying the country’s ability to respond decisively and swiftly to any external threat. Furthermore, a strong economy gives India the soft power to influence regional peace, attract global investment, and shape international norms in its favor—truly marking the arrival of India as a superpower by design, not accident.

Future Impact: The Rise of a Resilient India

The post-Sindoor India is no longer a reactionary state—it is strategic, sovereign, and thoroughly solution-oriented. Operation Sindoor was not an isolated act of retaliation; it catalysed a fundamental shift in how India governs national security, economic priorities, and global positioning. This transformation is now visible in budget allocations, inter-ministerial coordination, and forward-thinking public policies. For the first time, national defence is no longer confined to the Ministry of Defence—it is a shared responsibility across ministries, from commerce to education, health, and infrastructure. This integrated approach underscores a shift toward long-term preparedness rather than short-term panic.

The 2025–2026 Union Budget reveals this new reality. Infrastructure development has been redirected toward national security imperatives, with significant investments in building smart border towns equipped with surveillance systems, AI-powered threat detection, and high-speed military rail corridors to enable rapid troop and supply deployment. Strategic ports along both eastern and western coasts are being fortified, not only to secure trade routes but to serve as naval hubs under the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. In education, IITs and IIMs are rolling out specialised programs in cybersecurity, defence analytics, and strategic policymaking, ensuring that India creates not just soldiers, but thinkers and architects of modern security.

Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2121901

https://www.mospi.gov.in/

https://dpiit.gov.in/statistics

https://www.fatf-gafi.org/

Written and Compiled by Sunil Kumar Gupta