Indian armed forces carried our limited surgical strikes across the LOC with Pakistan on September 29 between 0030 hrs to 0430 hrs. Special forces infiltrated LOC to destroy as many as 7 terror camps being run close to LOC on the Pakistan occuped Kashmir side. As many as 38 terrorists and 2 Pakistan army soldiers were reported killed in the operations. Director General Military Operations India (DGMO) Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh in a joint press conference with Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup briefed media on these operations.
The key takeaways from this operation:
- The present Indian government has shown the countrymen and the world that they can walk the talk. This indicates complete change in stance of India’s foreign policy towards issues of national security and fighting terrorism.
- It shows to everyone the ability and preparedness of Indian armed forces. It also exhibits Indian armed forces offensive ability contrary to the defensive posture they are known for.
- The joint press conference of DGMO and spokesperson from MEA indicates that the political leadership, civilian government and military are in strong unison. It sends a clear message to Pakistan as well as the international community, the changed stance in India’s foreign policy includes use of military.
- This surgical strike is also an attempt to probe Pakistan’s threshold for escalation. How Pakistan may respond will give India an idea about their true capabilities, threshold levels and intentions.
These surgical strikes while on one side will increase the morale of citizens and armed forces, they would also change India’s image from a country with diplomatic foreign policy to an active foreign policy which includes the use of military. These developments proved Narender Modi could live up to his words “Uri attackers would not go unpunished..” to prove he indeed is a trong leader and strengthen the support for his government.
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