Why India Must Stay the Course in the Old Contest With Pakistan

We're clearly winning the long battle as each terror strike pushes Pakistan further into a corner

- NITIN PAI

At this time, when there is widespread anticipation of a military retaliation by India in response to the atrocious terrorist attack in Pahalgam, it is useful to take a step back and look at the scoreboard. In the decades-old conflict with Pakistan, India is winning. Recognizing this is important, for then we can reinforce success factors and avoid mistakes.

At the outset, let me be clear: The use of military force against targets in Pakistan is called for and well-justified. If India's political leadership assesses that the risk of war is acceptable, then a sharp operation that hurts without humiliating the Pakistani army will ensure that the cost of cross-border terrorism remains high. The political objective would be to cause enough damage on the other side and absorb the ensuing retaliation by Pakistan. This will reinforce the message that the Pakistani establishment does not enjoy impunity regardless of its geopolitical alliances or nuclear weapons.

Why do I say India is winning? The Pakistani establishment has clearly not changed its stripes since the 1980s, when it ramped up its investment in terrorism and a proxy war against India. What has changed is the world's response to it.