The Kargil War of 1999 and the recent Pahalgam attack have fundamentally reshaped India’s security strategy. 

• These events served as turning points, compelling India to overhaul its intelligence, military preparedness, and approach to cross-border terrorism. 

The Kargil War (1999): A Bitter Awakening

• Deceptive Intrusion by Pakistan: In 1999, Pakistani forces secretly occupied icy peaks in the Kargil region of India.
  • Pakistan initially falsely claimed the intruders were Kashmiri militants, but it was soon exposed that regular Pakistani soldiers were involved.
• India’s First Televised War: The Kargil conflict became India’s first war broadcast live on national television.
  • Real-time footage captured the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers, galvanizing national sentiment.
• Conflict Under the Nuclear Shadow: The war took place after both India and Pakistan had conducted nuclear tests in 1998, raising fears of a possible nuclear escalation.
  • India responded with strategic restraint, choosing to limit operations to the Kargil sector and avoid broader military confrontation.
• Geopolitical and Domestic Challenges for India: India was under economic sanctions due to the 1998 nuclear tests, resulting in financial constraints.
  • The country also faced political instability under a coalition government and ongoing terrorism in Kashmir and the Northeast.
  • Unlike today, international consensus against terrorism was weak, limiting global diplomatic support.
• Betrayal Despite Peace Initiatives: Just months before the conflict, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had taken a major peace initiative via the Lahore bus journey.
  • This goodwill effort was undermined by Pakistan’s betrayal, as they launched the Kargil intrusion shortly after.
• Outcome and Strategic Significance: India successfully reclaimed the occupied peaks through a determined military campaign. The war reaffirmed India’s commitment to territorial integrity and showcased its restraint and maturity in a nuclearized region.

Key Lessons from Kargil

• Major Intelligence Failure: India experienced a significant intelligence failure, as Pakistani soldiers occupied strategic peaks without detection.
• Lack of Equipment: Indian soldiers lacked adequate weapons, clothing, and equipment for high-altitude warfare.
• Limited War under Nuclear Shadow: The war demonstrated that nuclear-armed countries can still engage in limited conflicts even if the escalation is carefully managed.

Post-Kargil Reforms

The Kargil War directly led to significant reforms in India’s security architecture:

• Kargil Review Committee: A committee was established to address India’s failures and recommend improvements.
• New Intelligence Agencies:
  • The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) was set up in 2002.
  • The National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) was established in 2004.
• Improved Coordination: Better coordination began between various intelligence agencies like RAW, IB, and Military Intelligence.
• National Security Advisor (NSA) Post: The position of National Security Advisor was made permanent. The NSA directly advises the Prime Minister.
• Military Modernisation:
  • Self-Reliance: The war underscored that in times of conflict, external help may not materialise, making self-reliance the best strategy.
  • Cold Start Doctrine: India developed the Cold Start Doctrine, allowing for swift, limited attacks to inflict damage on adversaries without crossing the nuclear threshold.
  • Joint Operations: Enhanced synchronisation and joint operations between the Army, Navy, and Air Force were initiated.
  • Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): The Kargil Review Committee recommended the creation of a Chief of Defence Staff post for better coordination, which was later implemented.
  • Weapon Acquisition and Training: India began purchasing modern weapons like Rafale fighter jets, Apache attack helicopters, S-400 missile systems, and BrahMos missiles. Forces also received specialised training for rapid operations in mountainous terrain.

The Shift Towards Assertive Counter-Terrorism: From Uri to Pahalgam

• Despite post-Kargil reforms, India’s initial stance against terrorism remained less aggressive. 
  • Example: After the IC814 flight hijacking, terrorists were released. 
  • Limited action was taken following the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2008 Mumbai attacks (26/11).
• However, this approach changed dramatically:
  • Uri Attack (2016): India responded with surgical strikes, signalling a new resolve.
  • Pulwama Attack (2019): Following the Pulwama attack, India conducted Balakot Air Strikes, demonstrating a willingness to strike deep into enemy territory.
  • Pahalgam Attack: India responded within 96 hours by attacking nine Pakistani airbases, completely destroying their defence infrastructure. This aggressive retaliation forced Pakistan to seek a ceasefire.

India’s Current Security Posture

• Zero Tolerance for Cross-Border Terrorism: India’s current stance is clear and uncompromising:
  • Any terror attack will invite direct retaliation, including targeting Pakistan’s military infrastructure if it’s found complicit.
• No Distinction Between Terrorists and Their Sponsors: India has abandoned the earlier separation between non-state actors and state sponsors.
• Strengthened Military and Defence Preparedness: India’s military capabilities have significantly improved, with greater emphasis on modernisation and readiness.
  • The ‘Make in India’ initiative in defence has boosted self-reliance, reducing dependency on foreign arms suppliers.
• United National Resolve Against Terrorism: The response to terrorism is no longer reactive but resolute and calculated. A strong, united political will and national consensus now back every security decision, reinforcing India’s commitment to protect its sovereignty.

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