India’s recent precision strikes under Operation Sindoor mark a decisive break from its traditional ‘strategic restraint’ posture. The message is clear: India will retaliate with precision and purpose when provoked. What began as a national tragedy in Pahalgam has now reshaped India’s deterrence framework into a doctrine of unflinching resolve.
“We Will Strike When and Where We Choose”
Speaking to BharatShakti, Lt Col Manoj K Channan (Retd), a veteran of the 65 Armoured Regiment, says:
“After the Pahalgam massacre — where civilians were separated by religion and executed — the nation grieved. But India’s response wasn’t loud or impulsive. It was cold, calm, and coordinated.”
He notes how intelligence gathering and the NIA’s probe were kept tightly under wraps, denying Pakistan any advance signal.
“Even if some assets were moved, India hit where it mattered. The real message: we will strike on our terms — not in anger, but with intent.”
Lt Col Channan dismisses Pakistan’s predictable attempts to downplay the damage — the old line about “only a crow or a cat” being killed.
“It’s not about body counts. It’s about shattering the myth of invincibility around terror infrastructure. The era of India’s silence after 26/11 is over. This strike speaks not just to our enemies but to 140 crore Indians and the world: India will not be bullied.”
Why ‘Operation Sindoor’?
The operation’s name carries deep symbolism. In Indian tradition, Sindoor signifies marital commitment and familial continuity — ideals terrorists sought to destroy by targeting men who were fathers, husbands, sons.
“By naming it Operation Sindoor, India reclaimed what the terrorists tried to erase — our collective identity, our pride, our resolve,” Channan explains.
A New Face of National Defence
Equally striking was the presence of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh at the official press briefing, standing beside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Their inclusion wasn’t incidental.
“Their presence delivered a deliberate message — that India’s response is not merely masculine power. It is inclusive, united, and drawn from every segment of society,” says Channan. “Women in uniform are not just participants — they are strategic leaders in our defence narrative.”
Pakistan’s Dilemma: Between Symbolism and Strategy
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s response reflects growing internal contradictions. Defence Minister Khwaja Asif’s statement — that Pakistan will not escalate if India doesn’t — appears to be a calculated rollback under pressure.
But analysts warn against complacency
“Intentions can change quickly in Pakistan’s fragile civil-military structure,” says Channan.
He also highlights the role of Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, who many believe is driven more by religious symbolism than strategic realism.
“He’s reportedly eyeing an extension in November. That could make him lean into domestic sentiment — a dangerous temptation if he lacks a clear endgame.”
India’s New Model: Precision Without Theatrics
In contrast, Operation Sindoor was a model of jointness and discipline. The armed forces, intelligence agencies, and political leadership acted in seamless coordination.
“India showed it can hit hard — without chest-thumping, without drama, and without losing strategic clarity. As the saying goes, revenge is best served cold — and that’s exactly what Operation Sindoor was: cold, calculated, and unforgettable,” Lt Col Channan concludes.
Huma Siddiqui
