India's surgical strike
Operation Sindoor: ‘We are living in a very modern warfare situation’
India's strikes hit terror camps in Pak, PoK. But how did Pakistan respond? Will the conflict escalate further? The Federal's Editor-in-Chief breaks it down
In the wake of India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), tensions have soared at the western border. To understand the rapidly evolving diplomatic, military, and strategic situation, The Federal's Editor-in-Chief S Srinivasan sat down with Nisha P S for a deep dive into where things stand and what comes next.
Excerpts:
Is today effectively Day 2 of Operation Sindoor, and how has the situation evolved since the first night of the strikes?
The developments have been dramatic. India, responding to the Pahalgam attack in which 26 people were killed, launched precise strikes early on May 7. From the start, India clarified it would not target civilians or military installations, focusing solely on terror infrastructure. Since then, Pakistan has shelled border areas like Poonch and Rajouri, displacing many civilians and causing at least 16 reported deaths. In retaliation, India neutralised radar systems near Lahore, showing the situation has indeed escalated beyond Day 1.
India claims to have targeted only terrorist camps, while Pakistan alleges civilian casualties. How confident is India in asserting that only terror infrastructure was hit?
India is highly confident, relying on advanced technology. The military showcased video evidence and pointed out key details: why were funerals attended by Pakistani military personnel, and why were those killed draped in national flags? These indicators suggest those struck were connected to terror outfits. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has even told opposition leaders that around 100 terrorists were eliminated.
How did the Foreign Secretary address Pakistan-generated misinformation, such as the alleged targeting of the Neelum-Jhelum Dam, and what do these rebuttals achieve?
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri directly called such claims fabricated. He clarified that India has long been patient over issues like the Indus Water Treaty and only acted decisively now. Addressing these falsehoods helps India maintain diplomatic credibility, showing global audiences it is acting responsibly and countering Pakistan's narrative.
Where does India currently stand on the escalation spectrum, and what direction does the conflict seem to be heading?
Compared to Day 1, the situation has clearly escalated. After India's initial strikes, Pakistan not only shelled civilians but also targeted Indian military installations. India responded by disabling Pakistan's radar systems. While India maintains that the original escalation was Pakistan's, the reality is that tensions have grown, and all eyes are on what comes next.
What diplomatic measures are currently underway to manage the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and contain further escalation?
Both the External Affairs Ministry and the Prime Minister's Office are in active communication with global leaders. Many heads of state have reached out to express concern, and India is explaining its position, emphasising that the strikes were defensive. Diplomacy is the next logical step after achieving the military objective.
How has the international community responded to India's actions so far?
There has been broad support. Major nations have condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and acknowledged India's right to self-defence. However, they also stress that escalation should be avoided. The global sentiment seems to back India's defensive posture but urges restraint moving forward.
Given the use of advanced missile technology like the Storm Shadow cruise missiles, how does this affect India's confidence in precision targeting?
The use of high-value, precision-guided missiles like the Franco-British Storm Shadow is a game-changer. These systems can follow terrain maps, evade radar, and strike exact locations, allowing India to be surgically precise. This confidence stems from technological superiority, which the Indian military has showcased effectively.
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