Context:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation amid heightened India–Pakistan tensions, asserted that India will not succumb to nuclear blackmail.
- The statement comes in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Indian counter-terror actions under Operation Sindoor.
- The remarks signal a continuity and hardening of India’s post-2016 counter-terrorism posture.
Key Highlights:
Operation Sindoor – Strategic Context
- Operation Sindoor is described as an ongoing counter-terror operation, continuing despite a temporary pause in hostilities.
- It is positioned as a doctrinal benchmark, similar in strategic intent to:
- 2016 Surgical Strikes
- 2019 Balakot Air Strikes
Zero Tolerance for Terrorism
- PM Modi reiterated zero tolerance towards terrorism and cross-border infiltration.
- Asserted that peace talks and trade with Pakistan will remain suspended until terrorism ends.
Rejection of Nuclear Blackmail
- Strongly rejected Pakistan’s use of nuclear deterrence rhetoric to deter India’s conventional responses.
- Dismissed claims by U.S. President Donald Trump of mediating or halting a potential nuclear escalation.
Strategic Coercion Measures
- India is employing strategic coercion, including:
- Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty-related cooperation
- Curtailment of bilateral trade and diplomatic engagement
- Pakistan’s future actions will be closely monitored before further Indian responses.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Nuclear Blackmail:
- A strategy where a nuclear-armed state threatens escalation to deter conventional military retaliation.
- Doctrine of Proactive Counter-Terrorism:
- Allows pre-emptive or retaliatory strikes, including cross-border operations, against non-state actors.
- India–Pakistan Context:
- Long-standing issues: Cross-border terrorism, infiltration, Kashmir.
- Government Initiatives:
- Shift from strategic restraint to credible deterrence.
- Impact:
- Enhances India’s deterrence credibility.
- Raises risks of regional escalation, requiring calibrated diplomacy.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Conceptual Shift in Strategic Culture:
- India moving from reactive defence to deterrence through punishment.
- Key Terms & Institutions:
- Deterrence, Strategic Coercion, Nuclear Doctrine, FATF, UN, SCO.
- International Relations Dimension (GS 2):
- India’s effort to internationalise terrorism concerns while rejecting third-party mediation.
- Internal Security Dimension (GS 3):
- Emphasis on state-sponsored terrorism as a core internal security challenge.
- Concerns:
- Risk of miscalculation between two nuclear-armed neighbours.
- Diplomatic pressure from global powers advocating de-escalation.
- Way Forward:
- Maintain credible deterrence with strategic restraint.
- Strengthen counter-terror intelligence and border management.
- Use multilateral platforms to sustain pressure on terror financing and safe havens.