From Kargil to Operation Sindoor, India has scored its point — without escalation | Current Affairs | Vision IAS

Daily News Summary

Get concise and efficient summaries of key articles from prominent newspapers. Our daily news digest ensures quick reading and easy understanding, helping you stay informed about important events and developments without spending hours going through full articles. Perfect for focused and timely updates.

News Summary

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

From Kargil to Operation Sindoor, India has scored its point — without escalation

2 min read

Geopolitical and Strategic Context of India-Pakistan Conflicts

The dynamics of India-Pakistan conflicts are influenced by a range of factors, including historical tensions, geopolitical considerations, and nuclear deterrence.

Nuclear Tests and the Lahore Declaration

  • In May 1998, both India and Pakistan conducted nuclear tests, drawing global condemnation and being labeled as "rogue" nations.
  • On February 21, 1999, the Lahore Declaration was signed, committing both nations to peaceful coexistence and addressing nuclear conflict responsibilities.

Kargil Conflict and Operation Vijay

  • Despite the Lahore Declaration, Pakistan violated the LoC, leading to the Kargil conflict.
  • Operation Vijay was launched to reclaim occupied territories, with strict orders not to cross the LoC due to nuclear concerns.
  • The operation highlighted deficiencies in coordination and equipment among Indian armed forces at the time.

Lessons from Kargil: Limited Conventional Wars

  • Future conflicts are likely to be limited conventional wars due to nuclear deterrence, economic factors, and international pressure.
  • Such wars are restricted by time, geography, and weaponry but maintain full operational capabilities.
  • Credible deterrence, escalation dominance, and control are crucial to maintaining limited engagement.

Grey-Zone Warfare

Grey-zone warfare operates below the traditional war threshold, using a blend of military and non-military methods.

  • Characteristics include non-kinetic tools, prolonged actions, and evasion of accountability, complicating response strategies.

Recent Conflicts: Surgical Strikes and Balakot Airstrike

  • Post-Uri attack (2016), India conducted surgical strikes as a limited but decisive response.
  • In 2019, post-Pulwama attack, the Balakot airstrike targeted terrorist camps within Pakistan, showcasing India’s strategic restraint.

Operation Sindoor and Escalation Control

  • Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the Pahalgam attack, targeting terror camps with non-escalatory intent.
  • Despite provocations, India effectively managed escalation, achieving its political objectives without crossing nuclear thresholds.

Nuclear Dynamics and Escalation Management

Nuclear capabilities significantly influence conflict dynamics in the region.

  • Responsible political leadership aims to avoid nuclear escalation, despite Pakistani provocations.
  • International interventions, such as those during Operation Vijay and Operation Sindoor, underline the global concern over nuclear escalations.

Conclusion: Effective conflict management requires a deep understanding of nuclear thresholds and the strategic environment, ensuring political objectives are met without escalating to a full-scale war.

  • Tags :
  • India-Pakistan Conflicts
Subscribe for Premium Features