New Delhi: India has given a befitting reply to the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir on 22 April through 'Operation Sindoor'. There was pressure on the Indian government to take revenge. But, the possibility of war between India and Pakistan was less. In fact, Prime Minister Modi had said during the Russia-Ukraine war, 'This is not the era of war.' This statement was appreciated all over the world. India took military action thoughtfully and targeted terrorist hideouts in Pakistan.
Amidst the ceasefire with Pakistan, PM Modi's policies are now being praised a lot. Congress leader and former Finance Minister of the country P Chidambaram has also praised PM Modi's war policy. In his article in the Indian Express, Chidambaram wrote, 'After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India faced a big challenge, how to respond? Some people wanted India to immediately attack Pakistan, they wanted to take 'revenge'. But, very few people realized that there can be no war between India and Pakistan.
Prime Minister Modi had already intervened during the Russia-Ukraine war. On September 16, 2022, he told Russian President Putin, 'This is not the era of war.' This statement of Modi was praised all over the world. In India, he was considered a great leader and peacemaker. Many countries advised India to avoid war. There were many reasons for not going to war.
First, unlike the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas war, both India and Pakistan have nuclear weapons. Second, the world can no longer afford war. 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine and 50,000 in Gaza. Hundreds of people have also died in Russia and Israel. A war between two nuclear powers could ruin the world economy.
Praise for PM Modi
Chidambaram wrote that Prime Minister Modi understood these things. He thoughtfully decided on limited military action. On May 7, 2025, the Indian Army attacked 9 targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) with missiles and drones. It is believed that the infrastructure of terrorist groups was destroyed in these attacks. This action was limited and its purpose was accomplished. It was a proper response from a suffering country.
'If Pakistan had started a war...'
India did not harm civilians and their property. India did not even target the Pakistani army. Pakistan responded by firing on the LoC. If Pakistan had started a war, it would have faced criticism from many countries, including the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC).
'It would be wrong to think that the Pakistan Army will sit quiet'
It would be wrong to think that the Pakistan Army will sit quiet. They can carry out more attacks in the coming days. It is also wrong to believe that all terrorist organizations were finished in the May 7 attack. The leaders of TRF, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed are still alive. They can prepare new leaders. There are many youths in Pakistan who are ready to carry out terrorist attacks in India. As long as the Pakistan Army and ISI remain in control, the threat to India will remain.
'India may have lost some military equipment'
Losses are inevitable in any war. The Indian government has admitted that some Indian civilians have been killed in the firing on the border. It is also possible that India has lost some military equipment. Pakistan has claimed to have shot down planes, but Pakistan's Defense Minister could not provide any evidence to the BBC. If the firing on the border increases, India may suffer even more losses. War is very cruel. There have been three major terror attacks in Kashmir during Narendra Modi's tenure - Uri, Pulwama and Pahalgam. After each attack, the government responded cautiously. Now the government is talking openly. After the May 7 attack, the government released maps and videos. The government sent two young women officers of the Army and Air Force to talk to the media.
'...he did not even meet the families of the victims'
But, the Prime Minister did not attend the all-party meetings held on April 24 and May 7. He did not even visit Kashmir after the Pahalgam attack. He did not even meet the families of the victims. People have compared it to the incident in Manipur, where he has not visited since May 3, 2023. On May 8, Pakistan also attacked with missiles, drones and aircraft, India retaliated and targeted Pakistan's air defense system. India said that this action was limited, but Pakistan saw it differently.
Who takes the decision in Pakistan?
India has put Pakistan in trouble. India has indicated that if Pakistan wants war, it is ready. It would be better for Pakistan to forget the Pahalgam incident, stop the terrorists and maintain peace with India. But, the question is who takes the decision in Pakistan? Is it the government of Shahbaz Sharif or the Pakistan Army and ISI?
The coming days may be difficult. Tensions may increase on the border, war warnings may be issued, firing may increase and soldiers and civilians may be killed.
