India’s New Anti-Terror Doctrine

13 May 2025

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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