PM Modi redraws battlefield: India abandons strategic restraint

Foreign Policy describes in a new article that after a deadly terrorist attack rocked Kashmir, retaliation from India seemed inevitable. But what followed was anything but predictable. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s response shattered decades of strategic restraint, signalling a bold new military doctrine - one that’s willing to cross red lines and redefine the rules of engagement with nuclear-armed Pakistan.

India's response to the Pakistan-backed terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed over two dozen people, was expected. However, the scale of India's retaliation took many by surprise. In the days following the attack, India and Pakistan exchanged missile strikes, drone assaults, and artillery fire, leading to fears of a full-scale war. US President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire, following intense talks.

The escalation marked a significant shift in India's military approach. Traditionally, India had adhered to a policy of "strategic restraint," refraining from direct military retaliation. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, responding to public pressure, progressively escalated the situation. On May 7, India launched a missile strike on Pakistan, targeting nine locations, including Jaish-e-Mohammad's (JeM) headquarters in Bahawalpur.

Experts have dubbed this approach “calculated pressure,” designed to punish Pakistan while avoiding full-scale war. The strike targeted groups that have long been supported by Pakistan, including JeM and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), both linked to major attacks on India. While the retaliation likely appeased Indian public anger, questions remain about its effectiveness in curbing Pakistan’s support for extremists.

Syed Ata Hasnain, a former Indian Army commander, noted that India's attacks sent a strong message that terrorist groups, even in Pakistan’s strongholds, would be targeted. Pakistani journalist Zahid Gishkori reported that the strikes appeared "precise," with local sources indicating that Masood Azhar’s family members may have been among the casualties.

Despite the display of military strength, doubts linger. Analysts worry whether a limited response will truly deter terrorism or simply embolden Pakistan's military. The uncertain outcome raises concerns about the long-term strategy’s success in ending cross - border terrorism.

By Naila Huseynova