A resounding success in India’s counter-terrorism strategy – Firstpost

The genesis of Operation Sindoor can be best understood in the many years of terrorist provocation from the failed rogue state of Pakistan but more specifically it is a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack that took place on April 22, 2025, claiming 26 civilian lives. This lethal and barbarous terrorist attack was the deadliest India had seen on civilians since the 2008 Mumbai attacks and it required a very strong response. Operation Sindoor was precisely that response and it has worked superbly.

By targeting the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, and achieving military, political, and psychological objectives with great precision and power, India has sent a very strong message to not just Pakistan but all those powers that enable Pakistan. Its success was the consequence of careful planning, advanced tech, military coordination, and a bold demonstration of India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism. It is this zero-tolerance of terrorism which I have hailed as something the rest of the world should both recognise and support. India is fighting for us all and Western powers should not be afraid to hail Indian success.

I think some people were surprised by Operation Sindoor’s overwhelming military success but they should realise that India is fast becoming a global military superpower and Operation Sindoor has only further underlined that conclusion. The operation targeted nine terrorist camps across Pakistan, wiping out critical infrastructure and eliminating over 100 terrorists. The Indian armed forces, under the leadership of veteran commanders, employed a powerful combination of air strikes, drone warfare, and ground intelligence to ensure maximum impact with minimal collateral damage.

Another thing the world should appreciate is the operation’s non-escalatory approach. India was focused and restrained, neutralising Pakistan’s attempts to target civilian areas with drones and missiles, all of which were intercepted. This demonstrated not only India’s offensive capabilities but also its robust defence systems which played a critical role in thwarting retaliatory strikes. It is the surgical nature of the Indian strikes and the effectiveness of the defence capabilities that struck the biggest blow.

Integrating satellite, drone, and human intelligence was also pivotal in ensuring the operation’s success. Real-time intelligence allowed for rapid target selection, while kamikaze drones, operated remotely, delivered devastating blows to terrorist hideouts. This seamless coordination ensured that Operation Sindoor achieved its primary military objective: the destruction of terrorist infrastructure that posed an immediate threat to Indian security.

India can carry out such a successful operation because of its growing defence industry, which highlights the nation’s technological self-reliance. The operation served as a showcase for homegrown systems instrumental in achieving strategic aims. These systems, developed through decades of investment in defence research and development, demonstrates India’s ability to compete on the global stage while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. This is of great importance because foreign suppliers cannot be relied upon in moments of crisis, in my opinion.

Operation Sindoor also underscored the importance of India’s advancements in satellite and cyber intelligence. These technologies were integrated to allow real-time monitoring of terrorist movements, ensuring that the strikes were both timely and effective. This fantastic technological edge not only contributed to the operation’s immediate success but also sent a clear message to all adversaries about India’s growing capabilities in asymmetric warfare. India demonstrated that it could execute complex operations independently, a factor that enhances its strategic autonomy.

The operation also reflected India’s national resolve to combat terrorism decisively. Operation Sindoor was launched to deliver justice to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and their families. This is how any decent government should behave, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again showed his clear moral courage. His government’s clear mandate to the armed forces—to act swiftly and decisively—galvanised public support, This unity of purpose, from the highest echelons of government to the general public, created an enabling environment for the operation’s success. India united against Pakistan terrorism and taught it a lesson

Operation Sindoor sent the strongest message to Pakistan and the international community that India will not tolerate cross-border terrorism. The operation was described as a “calibrated military response” to an evolving pattern of asymmetric warfare, one that targeted unarmed civilians. By striking terrorist camps directly and killing the terrorists, India has disrupted Pakistan’s ability to sponsor terrorism, forcing Islamabad to confront the consequences of its reckless policies.

Operation Sindoor has also demoralised the Pakistani terrorist networks and their supporters. The destruction of nine terrorist camps, coupled with the elimination of a significant number of operatives, has weakened the operational capabilities of Pakistan-based terror groups. The terrorist potential has been significantly degraded, if not fully removed.

India’s ability to conduct this high-profile operation without escalating into a broader conflict showcased its strategic competency whilst countering Pakistan’s “first to lie” strategy, where exaggerated claims of success were spread to deflect attention from their huge losses. My rule of thumb is that when Pakistan claims India has failed, I then know India has succeeded! Nobody believes the lies that flow from Islamabad.

India has been very transparent on Operation Sindoor providing copious evidence of the strikes’ success, thus ensuring that the narrative remained in its favour. I think this upfront honesty is very important as it shows we can all trust what India claims.

I also think that the operation’s success can be viewed as a template for many counter-terrorism operations, balancing decisive action with the avoidance of civilian casualties. This success strengthens India’s diplomatic leverage, particularly in forums addressing terrorism and regional security.

The long-term implications of Operation Sindoor are profound. By destroying the critical terrorist infrastructure, India has disrupted the operational capabilities of Pakistan-based terror groups, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of future attacks. It’s not the end of the work required but it is a major step forward. Put simply, fewer terrorists means less terrorist attacks.

Operation Sindoor has not only avenged the Pahalgam attack but also redefined the rules of engagement in counter-terrorism. India has shown the world that it will not accept Pakistan terrorism but that it will end it. The world must stand with India.

David Vance is a political commentator and author. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.