In the stillness of the early hours, as the nation slept in comfort, India through its Armed Forces exercised its right to respond and struck at terrorist targets inside Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir. These targets, clearly chosen by the Armed Forces in conjunction with intelligence agencies, housed terror camps and facilities linked to banned terrorist outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e- Mohammad.
The precision strikes, codenamed Operation Sindoor, are in response to the brutal civilian massacre of 26 innocent citizens from across India, in front of their families after ascertaining their religious faiths in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the inhuman provocation by Pakistan State backed terrorists and widespread anger prevailing across India, Indian Government and the Armed Forces in true Indian traditions choose restraint, and did not target any civilian or military facilities. This shows stark contrast between the barbarous attitude of Pakistan’s military elite and sheer professionalism of Indian Armed Forces and its political elite. While the Pakistani Armed Forces fired missiles, issued statements and cobbled with the world leaders, Indian Armed Forces backed by national resolve, prepared quietly.
The Strike: A Message Delivered Again
The Indian Armed Forces executed a well-calibrated, swift, and lethal strike on Pakistan-based terrorist infrastructure. The operation, meticulously planned and flawlessly executed, underscores India’s evolving security doctrine: swift, targeted, and politically unflinching response to asymmetric threats.
No more can Pakistan hide behind the shroud of international pressures and the veiled threats of nuclear retaliations! No more can it feel safe in its house after carrying out carnage in the neighbouring countries! And this is not the first time India has risen to deliver a firm riposte. The surgical strikes of 2016 and the Balakot airstrikes of 2019 serve as precedents. It demonstrates the resolve and unwavering commitment of India’s leadership and the doggedness of the Armed Forces to safeguard its sovereignty and citizens.
The Indian Armed Forces executed a well-calibrated, swift, and lethal strike on Pakistan-based terrorist infrastructure. The operation, meticulously planned and flawlessly executed, underscores India’s evolving security doctrine: swift, targeted, and politically unflinching response to asymmetric threats
As per foreign secretary in the press briefing on May 07, 2025, the killings of the tourists had the clear objective of undermining the normalcy that was surely and steadily returning back to Jammu and Kashmir. As 23 million tourists thronged Jammu and Kashmir during the past year, the act by Pakistani state sponsored terrorists was not only to impact this mainstay of J&K economy, but had a larger aim of creating communal discord within India. The precision strike and all round condemnation of the dastardly act by terrorists, cutting across party and religious lines, has once again foiled the efforts of Pakistan to foment trouble in the Indian Heartland.
Insights from the Recent Press Briefing
During the recent press briefing on Operation Sindoor, India’s Foreign Secretary, flanked by the two lady officers from Ministry of Defence provided detailed insights into the operation:
- Targets: Nine sites were struck, including locations in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, and Muzaffarabad, known strongholds of terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
- Execution: The operation involved 24 precision missile strikes over a 23-minute duration, utilising advanced weaponry such as SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs deployed from Rafale jets.
- Outcome: The strikes resulted in the elimination of over 70 terrorists and injuries to more than 60, significantly degrading the operational capabilities of these groups.
- Civilian Impact: The Indian government emphasised that the operation was “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” with efforts made to minimise civilian casualties.
Apart from the strikes in the wee hours of May 07, 2025, Pakistan Army has been resorting to unprovoked firing along the Indo-Pak border which is being replied to by the Indian Army in equal measure.
The precision strike and all round condemnation of the dastardly act by terrorists, cutting across party and religious lines, has once again foiled the efforts of Pakistan to foment trouble in the Indian Heartland
A Prepared Force for Unpredictable Odds
The Indian Armed Forces today are not merely reactive but proactive, backed by cutting-edge surveillance, satellite intelligence, real-time coordination, and a spirit of jointness between the services. The days of hesitancy are behind us. Be it counter-insurgency in Kashmir, stand-offs in Ladakh, or trans-border strikes, the preparedness is absolute. The recent strike was a joint effort of the air and ground assets working in synchrony, intelligence agencies working round the clock, and decision-making circles moving at combat speed. It was a display of what a modern military force should be: lethal yet lawful, swift yet strategic.
Our deterrence capability now goes beyond tanks and missiles, it lies in credible willpower, in swift and repeatable response mechanisms, and in a leadership that is politically backed, decisive and professionally sound.
Leadership that Commands Respect
The transformation in India’s military posture is also the result of strong leadership both at the military and political level. The 2016 and 2019 operations were made possible because of a clear political mandate, seamless operational freedom, and a deep trust in the Armed Forces.
Today, our Chiefs do not merely represent their services; they embody a joint will to secure the nation under a tri-services framework. The formation of the Department of Military Affairs, the appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff, and greater investments in indigenous defence infrastructure, all feed into the same goal: strategic autonomy with operational clarity.
The Indian Armed Forces today are not merely reactive but proactive, backed by cutting-edge surveillance, satellite intelligence, real-time coordination, and a spirit of jointness between the services. The days of hesitancy are behind us
Motivation Beyond the Uniform
The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have always functioned beyond the call of duty. From the high-altitude sentries at Siachen to the submarine crews submerged for weeks, and the fighter pilots who soar into enemy territory with nerves of steel, these strikes are not exceptions, they are examples. They reflect the constant, burning motivation and patriotism that drives the Soldiers.
In response to the commitment that, those responsible for the attack will be held accountable, Indian Armed Forces delivered and struck with precision and lethality. Ask any soldier why he chooses to walk into danger, and you’ll never hear of money or medals. It’s always about ‘The Tiranga’. It’s about the motherland. It’s about that oath that he takes to defend every citizen, every border, every inch of its Motherland over Land, Sea and Air.
The transformation in India’s military posture is also the result of strong leadership both at the military and political level. The 2016 and 2019 operations were made possible because of a clear political mandate, seamless operational freedom, and a deep trust in the Armed Forces
Before I conclude this episode it may not be out of place to add as to what fuels this spirit of an Indian soldier. Is it the face of his child or love of his family back home; is it money and emoluments or; is it prestige? All these aspects do matter but, the true spirit is embodied in the Chetwode Motto at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun that states, “The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next. Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time.”
The Indian soldier stands firm on India’s borders as he knows that the nation is with him in his endeavour to safeguard the borders and the well-being of its citizens. He knows when he remains awake and vigilant at the border, the nation, the organisations and the authorities back home will take care of his nears and dears. It is this emotional connect, this national unity, that empowers a soldier to give in his best against all odds. And this feeling of the safety net of fellow citizens and the authorities is a huge force multiplier.
We must continue to honour not just victories, but sacrifices. For every successful strike, there are sleepless nights at command posts, families waiting with bated breath, and comrades who never return. Patriotism is not about war cries alone, it’s about respect, remembrance, and readiness.
The Josh Will Never Die
As a veteran, one has watched this force evolve through decades. One has seen the heartbreaks of wars, bloody operations, fervent hope of peace and longing for the loved ones. But one thing has remained unchanged, the Josh or the Spirit of an Indian Soldier.
From surgical strikes to Balakot, and now this most recent operation, the Armed Forces backed by strong political will, have demonstrated that India’s security is in steady, seasoned hands. These are not just missions of retribution, they are declarations of a New India. One that does not bow, does not blink, and does not back down.
To every citizen asking, “How is the Josh”? Let me assure you – It is high. Always has been. Always will be.
The writer, Kirti Chakra, AVSM, VSM, is an Indian Army veteran. He has also served as the Indian Military Attaché in Moscow. He is the Founding Director and CEO of ThorSec Global. An accomplished scholar, he specialises in Geopolitics with a focus on Russian Studies and is currently pursuing his PhD in the field, further enriching his depth of knowledge and global perspective.
