Ever since we’ve come into our senses and started understanding geopolitics, one thing has remained unchanged; the persistent tension between India and Pakistan. This isn’t a recent development, but a deep rooted rivalry that has shaped South Asia’s modern history, “India VS Pakistan”.
From the first war in 1947, when Pakistan backed the tribal invaders who tried to forcefully take over Jammu and Kashmir, to the second war in 1965 initiated through Pakistan’s Military Operation Gibraltar, and then the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 where India has helped Bangladesh to attain freedom from Pakistan. Each of these phases has added a new layer to this existing conflict.
In 1971, India played a masterstroke under the leadership of Indira Gandhi. While Pakistan expected India to attack it directly, India, as usual had surprised the world by launching a military offensive in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), ultimately helping Bangladesh gain independence. Then came the very well known 1999 Kargil War, where India launched Operation Vijay to reclaim its own territory from Pakistani intruders, who without any law and order had conquered those. Later, in 2016, the Uri attack shook the nation, but India’s surgical strikes sent a strong message across the border, “Do not try to mess with India”. In 2019, the Pulwama terror attack, which took the lives of 40 CRPF personnel, was another moment of deep sorrow, followed by an immediate retaliation by Indian forces. Now, recently in 2025, the Pahalgam attack, yet again, has tested India’s patience and this time, the response appears to be broader and more strategic than ever before. Let’s ponder upon it –
Pahalgam Attack and Operation SINDOOR
Following the brutal Pahalgam incident, India launched Operation SINDOOR, targeting specific terrorist camps which have also been the training centres for the terrorists who were behind the 26/11 Mumbai attack. But what followed has exposed Pakistan’s true face. The funeral of all these terrorists was openly attended by the Pakistan Army which serves as a proof that the military establishment continues to back these groups. No professional army salutes a terrorist unless he’s their own. What else proof does the world require to have in order to prove that Pakistan army knows every single news about terrorism. This clear support of terror has pushed India to rethink its strategy not just militarily, but diplomatically, economically, and globally.
A key player in this broader strategy could be the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Formed in 2007, this group is a coalition of militants opposed to the Pakistani military and government. Their goal is to implement strict Sharia law and remove Pakistan’s control over tribal areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. India could choose to quietly support groups like TTP, using Pakistan’s own internal chaos against it. The Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) region is already in deep unrest since past few centuries. Supporting such resistance movements would create a war that Pakistan has to fight within its own borders and it wouldn’t be able to afford for it.
Balochistan Demanding Independence
Another pressure point is Balochistan, a region within Pakistan that has long been demanding independence. The people of Balochistan feel exploited and unheard by the central government. India may provide indirect support; financially or politically, to strengthen their freedom movement. The more Pakistan faces internal break-up pressure from places like Balochistan and POK, the weaker its ability becomes to threaten India externally. Which makes India stand strong.
Indus Waters Treaty Suspension
Then there’s the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT); a silent but an extremely powerful weapon. This agreement, signed in 1960, determines how the Indus river water is shared between the two nations. After the Pahalgam attack, India reportedly cut or reduced the flow of water to Pakistan. This is a non violent yet extremely impactful move. Water is life, and when that flow stops, it affects agriculture, daily life, and so many other things. It’s a calculated step to make Pakistan realize the cost of it’s disgusting actions.
India Bans Pakistani Artists and Celebrities
India hasn’t stopped there. It has banned Pakistani artists and celebrities from working or being showcased in India. Cultural influence is a soft power, and India is shutting that down too. Actors like Mahira Khan, Hania Amir, Fawad Khan, Atif Aslam, etc who were once popular names in India are no longer welcomed on Indian platforms. These cultural sanctions go hand in hand with economic pressure and trade restrictions. Terrorism affects not just borders, but businesses, people, and peace and above all it does affect patriotism as well.
Preparedness of Indian Armed Forces
Another powerful weapon in India’s arsenal is global exposure. The world needs to know, and India is making sure it does. From sharing intelligence with global powers to exposing Pakistan’s terror links at international forums, India is determined to build global consensus that isolates Pakistan diplomatically.
Meanwhile, flight operations in many parts of northern India have been suspended due to rising military tension. Pakistan, in retaliation to India’s anti-terror operations, has been targeting civilian areas, especially in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu. Innocent Indians are being brutally injured and this adds urgency to India’s response.
Pakistan has also turned to drone and missile warfare, sending armed drones across the border. But India’s S-400 air defense system has neutralized these threats with precision. In one incident, a Pakistani F-16 drone-jet was shot down by Indian forces. Major military stations like Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur have been targeted, but the Indian Armed Forces have retaliated back immediately.
India stands at a crucial juncture. This isn’t just about one attack or one retaliation, but it’s about sending a clear message that terrorism will no longer be tolerated in any form. Whether it’s diplomatic pressure, military action, internal disruption of Pakistan through support to rebel groups, or cutting off water and trade, India is responding on all fronts. And it is doing so with clarity, purpose, and strength. One simple message :
TERRORISM WON’T BE TOLERATED ANY FURTHER…….
In this complex circumstances, a big salute to the Indian Armed Forces who are always alert and ready, hereby putting the nation first.
A big salute to each and every soldier out there. Jai Hind.
Article written by Sruti Bhaumik