India’s New Anti-Terror Doctrine

In a national address, the Prime Minister of India articulated a new strategic and military doctrine against cross-border terrorism, reflecting India’s zero tolerance policy towards terrorism.

Anti-Terror Doctrine

It also embedded India’s fight within the broader global war on terror, directly referencing international attacks and alliances.
India launched Operation Sindoor, following the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22, 2025), a decisive retaliatory strike on nine key terror-linked targets in Pakistan.
This operation marks the most intense military engagement with Pakistan since the Kargil conflict (1999) and represents the evolution of India’s Security Doctrine..

Strategic and International Dimensions

Suspension, Not Cessation of Military Action: India declared a pause in military action, contingent on Pakistan’s behavior. This keeps the strategic window open for future strikes if provocations continue.
Global War on Terror Alignment: India’s anti-terror operations are aligned with global efforts post-9/11 by US and UK attacks against groups like JeM and LeT, underscoring India’s legitimacy on the global counter-terrorism front.

Key Elements of the New Security Doctrine

Element	Details	Significance
Response on India’s Terms	India reserves the right to retaliate at a time, place, and scale of its choosing. Operation Sindoor sets a new threshold for retaliation, lowering the bar for action and projecting offensive capabilities without prior warning.	Shifts India’s stance from strategic restraint to proactive counter-terror operations. Establishes a “new normal” where even lower-intensity attacks can provoke strong military responses. Acts as a deterrent against future cross-border attacks.
No Tolerance for Nuclear Blackmail	India dismisses Pakistan’s traditional use of its nuclear capability as a shield for sponsoring terrorism. India will not be deterred by nuclear threats in defending its national security.	De-legitimizes Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine in the eyes of the international community. Enhances India’s strategic autonomy and confidence in calibrated escalation. Signals political and military resolve to both domestic and global audiences.
No Distinction Between Terrorists and State Sponsors	India will treat terrorists, their masterminds, and the sponsoring state (Pakistan) as a single entity. Evidence of Pakistani Army support to terrorists was cited during Operation Sindoor.	Blurs the line between non-state and state actors in Indian policy. Opens scope for future strikes on state-linked targets, including military infrastructure. Positions India’s policy within the broader global war on terror, enhancing international legitimacy and support.

Additional Reading: India’s National Security Doctrine

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