Key Takeaways from India’s surgical strike

The classic example of how India balanced see-saw of International Diplomacy and Military Operations

In the times when the middle class of the world’s largest democracy was feeling disheartened because of the continuous weak stand on terrorism by their elected representatives, this strategic move on both diplomatic and military level has been well received.

In a hurried up joint Press Conference the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt. General Ranbir Singh said that Indian Army has conducted a surgical strike across LOC. This Counter-Terrorist activity is conducted post credible information about terrorist groups charging to cross LOC for terror activities in metro cities in India, said DGMO.

The DGMO also mentioned that the Pakistan counterparts have also been informed about the operation and there are no further plans to continue such strikes. Though the number of casualties has not been specified but have been left open with ‘significant’ count to terrorists and ‘those trying to support them’.

The last 10 days have been full of speculations, exchange of strong words and planning. Here we are discussing the top 7 take aways from the day of Uri Attack till today:

1. On 18th September 2016, reportedly, 4 heavily-armed terrorists attacked the Indian Army Headquarters in Uri near LOC. 19 Indian soldiers lost their lives in this attack and this was one of the biggest attack on Indian Armed Forces till date. There was a strong negative sentiment across Armed Forces personnels and citizens and a strong demand for counter attach was floating. A Government which was elected on strong opinion about India’s stand to terrorism was under red-scanner due to multiple such incidences in past 1 year including attack on Pathankot Air Base.

Though this is not the first time that a Counter-Terrorist activity asked Units to cross LOC but this is probably the first time that an open admittance for such Operation has been made by the Indian Army and The Indian Government.

2. The response of Pakistan Government and Pakistan Army has been of denial of any such surgical strike. Though, in an official press release by Pakistan Army, 2 Rangers (Similar unit of Pakistan-like BSF in India) have died stating cease fire at LOC. In classic words framed by DGMO India, he stated that ‘those trying to support them’ are also part of casualties which was an indirect strong message stating Pakistan Army’s support/involvement with the killed terrorists. This is not the first time that Pakistan Army has opted for denial mode to avoid their active involvement with terrorist groups and to prevent negative sentiment in Pakistan.

3. Past 10 days saw a heavy exchange of words on both sides at The UN Convention and on media/social media by politicians and citizens. On one side, there was a strong pressure on Indian Government to respond to this attack and The Prime Minister’s message from Kerala to fight against poverty and commitment to maintain peace to Nawaz Sharif’s speech at UN convention about disputed region of Kashmir. This was followed by strongly worded message by Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj (MEA) to clear India’s stand on zero-tolerance for such activities. 

4. Interestingly, Indian Government ensured that all diplomatic steps were taken, this positive step of building diplomatic pressure added in isolating Pakistan.

5. India has pulled out from the planned SAARC Summit in Islamabad. Also, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan have also pulled out which has communicated a strong message and support to India. This step to pull out from SAARC Summit has been also welcomed by the people in both political as well as the business fraternity.

6. The International Community suggested that India should keep their response low and avoid any major counter-action against the attacks in Uri including China. Post the Counter-Terrorist operation and the official press conference by India, no nation has commented on the activity nor Pakistan has escalated the matter which in itself shows the strong support of International community.

7. No doubt before planning this strike, the Armed Forces and the Government must have evaluated all the possible retaliation steps by Pakistan Army via any ceasefire violations or via their supported terrorist groups. As a precautionary step, many villages near the International border in the State of Punjab have been vacated for around 10 km radius.

The one major point which sets apart this surgical strike by Indian Army is the political will and support which has been shown this time.

India has been known in International fraternity as a peaceful and sober nation which has avoided any counter activity even post major terrorist strikes and chose diplomatic routes than military routes but NDA government led by Narendra Modi has decided to take a strong stand against such activities. The next few days would be critical to observe and evaluate any specific detailing about this operation and also to see response of Pakistan-Both Diplomatic and Military.