Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message during a public gathering in Bihar on April 24, emphasizing India’s commitment to target terrorists and their sponsors, particularly in the wake of the horrific Pahalgam attack on April 22. A fortnight later, India launched 'Operation Sindoor' on May 6-7, striking nine terrorist locations in Pakistan, notably targeting groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. This military response marked a shift in India’s strategy towards counter-terrorism and the India-Pakistan relationship, signaling a new era of assertiveness.

Key Points:

• Prime Minister's Address: Modi stressed India's resolve to pursue terrorists globally, marking a significant shift in communication by addressing the international audience in English.

• Operation Sindoor: Conducted in response to the Pahalgam attack, India targeted nine sites associated with UN-proscribed terrorist organizations in Pakistan, including five in Pakistani Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

• Response Clarity: India described its military response as "focused", "measured", and "non-escalatory", assuring that military facilities in Pakistan would not be targeted unless attacked first from there.

• Increased Escalation: Following the attacks from Pakistan, India defended itself against drone and missile threats and undertook precision strikes on Pakistani military air defense systems.

• Ceasefire and Conditions: After India targeted multiple Pakistani military bases, Pakistan called for a ceasefire, which India accepted, hinting at a tactical pause post-strike.

• New Doctrine for Counter-terrorism: Modi articulated a new doctrine which asserts that India will not tolerate terrorist acts from Pakistan; any terrorist incident would have consequences for Pakistan.

• Detaching Escalation Levels: India's military strategy has diverged from reliance on nuclear deterrents, aiming to disconnect conventional military responses from nuclear threats from Pakistan.

• Accountability for Terrorism: The Prime Minister emphasized that the Pakistani state would be held accountable for terrorist actions, contradicting previous excuses of "non-state actors".

• International Recognition of Terrorism: India will no longer gather evidence of terrorist activities for international entities; if credible evidence exists of an attack being planned from Pakistani soil, India will act accordingly.

• Advanced Warfare Strategy: The reliance on improved intelligence, weaponry, and military technology underscores a modern approach to warfare and counter-terrorism, evidenced by 'Made in India' weapons performing effectively during 'Operation Sindoor'.

• Future Relations with Pakistan: Modi underscored that any future dialogue or cooperation between India and Pakistan hinges on Pakistan renouncing terrorism and returning territories like POJK, indicating a hardened stance against negotiations without substantial progress on security matters.

• Self-reliance in Counter-terrorism: Emphasizing self-dependence, the article suggests that India must forge its path in the battle against terrorism and not solely depend on international support.

• Unified National Stance: There’s a call for national unity in combating terrorism, indicating that domestic policies will focus on internal resilience.

This recalibrated response to terrorism by India under Modi’s leadership denotes a significant shift in the approach to national security and international relations, marking a pivotal change in how India views and addresses threats from Pakistan, with an assurance to uphold its sovereignty and integrity unequivocally.

The article discusses India’s recent military operation, Operation Sindoor (OS), in the context of national interest, regional stability, and international relations. It highlights varying perceptions of the operation’s success, critiques of government communication, and the implications of actions taken by both India and Pakistan. Here’s a summary of the key points:

• Definition of National Interest: The concept of national interest is complex, raising questions about who defines it and how it is pursued. This assessment focuses on defending the Modi government against criticisms while exploring the implications of OS.

• Criticism of Government Actions: The leadership and armed forces should not be blamed for not pursuing the operation to an extreme "logical conclusion," as extending military engagement between nuclear powers would be ill-advised. Instead, a ceasefire should be welcomed to avoid escalation.

• Consequences of a Divided Pakistan: There is a perception among some that India should aim to weaken Pakistan significantly, but the article argues for a stable, democratic Pakistan as being in India's true national interest. A politically unstable Pakistan could lead to further regional turmoil.

• Terrorism and Kashmir: Military action, such as OS, was deemed a legitimate response to terrorism from Pakistan, although it doesn't resolve the underlying issues related to the Kashmir conflict. Democratic engagement with the Kashmiri people must accompany any military response.

• Assessment of OS: A comprehensive evaluation of OS includes three key questions: its effectiveness in deterring terrorism, its ability to unify the country internally, and its impact on India’s global standing. The author suggests that OS may have fallen short in all these areas.

• Government Claims: Prime Minister Modi's statements post-operation claim that Punjab has made assurances against future terrorist activities, but the lack of concrete details raises doubts about the actual deterrence achieved.

• Domestic Response: Post-Pahalgam massacre, there was a nationwide, unified outrage against terrorism, demonstrating an opportunity for the government to rally national resolve. However, minority communities and dissenters faced intense backlash.

• International Standing: India's position on the global stage has been undermined, with no major power backing India's stance against Pakistan regarding terrorism or its positions on international financial support to Pakistan.

• Failure of Coercive Diplomacy: The article critiques the lack of international support for India’s attempts to link the Indus Waters Treaty to national security concerns, indicating that domestic posturing might be overshadowing more strategic diplomatic efforts.

• US Involvement: The ceasefire announcement was first communicated through the US, leading to perceptions that America had a significant role in mediating between India and Pakistan, contrary to the Indian government's official stance. This raises concerns about India's ability to manage its own foreign relations independently.

• Final Thoughts: The author concludes that the manner in which the ceasefire was negotiated and communicated indicates a setback for India's national interest, suggesting that the ruling party's aggressive nationalist rhetoric does not align with the realities of international diplomacy.

Key Points:

• National interest in this context is debated and not easily defined.
• Criticism of the government must be balanced with an understanding of the operational context.
• A stable Pakistan is necessary for regional peace, as a disintegrated Pakistan would pose a greater risk.
• Military operations should go hand-in-hand with addressing underlying political grievances in Kashmir.
• Lack of international support post-Operation Sindoor reflects poorly on diplomatic efforts.
• The US's role in announcing the ceasefire complicates perceptions of India's sovereignty over its foreign policy.
• Internal national unity, while momentarily bolstered by grief over attacks, faces challenges from divisive political actions.

Summary:

Recent geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated, with both nations expelling diplomatic staff citing espionage activities. India's Ministry of External Affairs declared a Pakistani High Commission official as persona non grata, demanding his departure, which was reciprocated by Pakistan with a declaration against an Indian diplomat for engaging in incompatible activities.

India reiterated its views on the Kashmir issue, maintaining it as a bilateral matter to be settled between the two nations. Simultaneously, significant legal developments took place in India, where nine individuals were convicted in the Pollachi sexual assault case, noted for its heinous nature. Investigators revealed that various locations, particularly the residence of one convict, were used for the crimes.

In international relations, the United States made headlines by announcing the lifting of sanctions on Syria and securing a staggering $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia during President Trump’s visit. Additionally, the U.S. planned to sell a historic arms package worth nearly $142 billion to Saudi Arabia, marking it as the largest defense cooperation agreement to date.

Domestically, the Indian Election Commission resolved a long-standing issue regarding voter ID duplication, issuing new elector photo identity cards to affected individuals. The UN's humanitarian chief criticized Israel for its treatment of Palestinians amidst the Gaza conflict, possibly inciting further international concern.

In Goa, a stampede during a local festival prompted a committee's recommendation for the dissolution of the Shree Lairai temple management committee, raising inquiries into event management. Moreover, the India Meteorological Department announced the advance of the southwest monsoon into several regions, signaling changes in weather dynamics.

In Bangladesh, the Indian government expressed concern over the banning of the Awami League, the oldest political party, urging for inclusive elections. Finally, in West Bengal, ongoing investigations into the Murshidabad father-son murder case revealed that most suspects were locals, with the police making multiple arrests, including a significant apprehension from the area.

Key Points:

• India expelled a Pakistani High Commission official for espionage, reciprocated by Pakistan expelling an Indian diplomat.
• India's stance on Kashmir remains that it is a bilateral issue to be addressed between India and Pakistan.
• Nine individuals were convicted for their role in the Pollachi sexual assault case, a significant legal verdict in India.
• The U.S. lifted sanctions on Syria and announced a $600 billion investment from Saudi Arabia along with a $142 billion arms package.
• The Indian Election Commission resolved issues of voter ID duplication, issuing new identity cards.
• The UN criticized Israel for its actions in Gaza, indicating deepening international concerns.
• A stampede during the Lairai Jatra festival in Goa led to recommendations for changes in local temple management.
• The Southwest monsoon has advanced into parts of Southern India, indicating shifts in regional climate.
• India's growing concern regarding the political climate in Bangladesh after the banning of the Awami League.
• Ongoing investigations in West Bengal into the Murshidabad murder case with additional arrests made.