In the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has steered India’s bold and calculated military response through Operation Sindoor, earning praise for combining decisive action with strategic restraint, according to official sources.
Despite being on a scheduled foreign visit to Saudi Arabia during the attack, PM Modi quickly assumed command of the situation and crafted a methodical and intelligence-driven response, resisting calls for immediate retaliation. On May 7, the Indian Armed Forces targeted nine key terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
What stood out was the precision of the strike, which avoided civilian and non-military infrastructure — a point acknowledged even by opposition leader P. Chidambaram, who lauded Modi’s restraint and tactical clarity. This careful calibration ensured that India’s message was unmistakably strong, yet firmly within the bounds of international law and moral responsibility.
Modi’s leadership also drew appreciation for India’s measured response to subsequent provocations, including cross-border shelling and drone attacks. Between May 9 and 10, Indian forces responded conditionally with targeted actions such as destroying air defences in Lahore and striking 11 Pakistani air bases, including those in Bholari and Jacobabad — actions designed to neutralize threats, not escalate conflict.
In a move with long-term strategic implications, the Modi government suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, addressing India’s longstanding concerns about the treaty’s asymmetry. This step not only imposes economic pressure on Pakistan but also empowers India to strengthen irrigation and hydropower infrastructure.
Furthermore, PM Modi introduced a new security doctrine, declaring that any future terrorist attack would be treated as an act of war. This effectively erases the distinction between terrorist actors and their state backers, setting a clear precedent for zero-tolerance against cross-border terror.
Throughout Operation Sindoor, India has garnered widespread global support for its measured yet forceful approach, reinforcing PM Modi’s image as a leader who balances military strength with diplomatic sensibility.
This episode is likely to be remembered as a turning point in India’s counterterrorism strategy, driven by principled leadership and national resolve.