India Hardens Stance on Cross-Border Terrorism, Citing 'Operation Sindoor'
In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning that India will no longer differentiate between terrorists and those who support them, establishing a "new normal" in its security policy. He hailed the success of 'Operation Sindoor', the military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, as a decisive blow to terror infrastructure in Pakistan. He also announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that "blood and water will not flow together."
Unpacked:
'Operation Sindoor' was India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was precise, avoided military targets, and aimed to disable terror infrastructure. It led to significant escalation, with Pakistan retaliating against Indian military sites, sharply worsening India-Pakistan relations and raising fears of a broader conflict.
India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in response to continued terrorist attacks it attributes to Pakistan, signaling that cooperation over shared rivers would not continue under violence. This move is highly provocative, as the Treaty has been a key element of peace since 1960. Suspension could escalate tensions, threaten water security in Pakistan, and destabilize regional relations.
India's 'new normal' policy means it will treat not only terrorists but also those who support or harbor them as legitimate targets. This marks a shift towards more aggressive counterterror tactics, including cross-border strikes, and is intended to deter both direct attacks and indirect support for terrorism.
India’s military strikes and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty led to rising diplomatic tensions, particularly with the US, and alarmed the international community due to the risk of escalation between two nuclear-armed nations. There was widespread concern and calls for restraint, with some countries urging dialogue to prevent further conflict.