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PM Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have said India would not spare the perpetrators and their backers in the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
Anantnag: A security personnel during a search operation following a terror attack at Pahalgam, in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Image: PTI)
After the brazen Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken a bevy of decisions to step up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan, while also indicating that there could be more actions in the near future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have said India would not spare the perpetrators and their backers behind the April 22 attack that killed 26 people, a majority of them tourists.
This has sparked speculations about a possible military response, though there has been no official word. If India indeed takes the military route, there could be four options before it. Read on:
Airstrikes Using Advanced Fighter Jets
Airstrikes using advanced fighter jets like Rafale and Mirage 2000 are being considered for precision attacks on key military infrastructure, promising minimal collateral damage. These jets are equipped with high-speed capabilities, advanced radar, and missile systems to effectively penetrate the enemy’s defence. However, risks include potential escalation and international scrutiny over airspace violations, sources said.
Offensive Operations Across the Line of Control (LoC)
India is also contemplating offensive operations across the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan’s suspension of the Simla Agreement reflects a disregard for the sanctity of the LoC, which could justify ground offensives. Recent violations at the LoC provide a pretext for limited incursions targeting militant bases or strategic outposts. Such operations are challenged by rugged terrain, fortified positions, and the necessity for rapid, coordinated assaults to avoid prolonged engagement, which could provoke broader conflict, sources said.
Surgical Strikes
Surgical strikes remain an option, targeting terrorist camps or high-value targets as demonstrated in previous years. Due to heightened Pakistani vigilance, these operations are no longer a surprise tactic, reducing their strategic advantage. Successful execution demands meticulous planning, real-time intelligence, and elite forces.
Targeted Artillery And Sniper Operations
Targeted artillery and sniper operations present a less escalatory alternative, involving heavy mortars, artillery guns, and precision sniping, unused in the last four years. These operations aim to degrade enemy positions, supply lines, or outposts along the LoC. While lower in escalation risk, their strategic impact is limited compared to air or ground operations. Concerted sniping campaigns can disrupt morale and operations without committing to large-scale offensives.
‘Will Track Down And Punish Every Terrorist’
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a clear message to Pakistan and the world that India will “track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and backers.” Speaking on the Pahalgam attack, at a rally in Bihar, while addressing the people in Hindi, PM Modi switched to English as he announced to the world that India will ensure justice is served.
“Today from soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them till the end of the Earth. Terrorism will not go unpunished,” PM Modi said. “We will snatch every bit of land from these terrorists,” the Prime Minister added.
India’s Actions Against Pakistan
India had on Wednesday announced several measures against Pakistan including cancellation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals. Any Pakistani citizen currently in India under this scheme has been asked to leave the country within 48 hours. All the existing valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April. Medical visas would be valid till 29 April. This decision does not apply to the Long Term Visas (LTVs) already issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals, which remain valid.
After a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), it was announced that the overall strength of the Pakistani and Indian high commissions will be brought down to 30 from 55 through further reductions, starting May 1.
India also decided to cut off military-diplomatic ties with Pakistan. Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors posted at the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi have been declared persona non grata and ordered to leave within a week. India will also pull back its military advisors from Islamabad.