Operation Sindoor: Any prolonged conflict is best avoided

Militarily, strategically and politically, Operation Sindoor was undoubtedly a thumping success for the nation.

- HARDAYAL SINGH

But it will also be remembered for the deft planning that preceded it as well as the flawless manner in which it was implemented.

The whole operation, points out Walter Ladwig, a leading expert on South Asian security studies at King's College London, was a lesson in restraint, precision and professional competence. International security scholars, he pointed out, will be studying the results of this three-day conflict between the two nuclear powers for years to come.

The facts speak for themselves: the operation may have been formally launched only on the night of 6-7 May. Preparations for it, in actual fact, started on 22 April itself after four terrorists—with the backing of Pakistan—brutally killed 26 tourists in cold blood in front of their families. Prime Minister Modi cut short his state visit to Saudi Arabia and GOI took a slew of measures immediately: it downgraded the status of diplomatic ties with Pakistan, suspended visas of all Pakistani nationals in India (23 April) and sought the support of key ambassadors and high commissioners (24 April).