Strategic Balance

Operation Sindoor and the military escalation between India and Pakistan have reopened old questions about deterrence, tactical agility, and the role of rationality in conflict between two nuclear-armed neighbours.

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What stands out this time, however, is not just the intensity of engagement, but the degree of control exercised in its execution – and the strategic recalibration that followed early setbacks. Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has confirmed that the Indian Air Force sustained losses in the opening exchanges of the conflict. While numbers and operational details remain classified, what followed reflects a conscious shift in India's approach. The Indian response involved swift tactical corrections, deeper penetration into Pakistani airspace, and the use of precision-guided strikes against military targets – actions that altered the balance of the confrontation in just three days. This episode marks a watershed in several ways. First, it signals a maturing of India's military doctrine in the sub-conventional warfare space. Rather than resorting to indiscriminate escalation or political posturing, the armed forces demonstrated an ability to absorb initial losses, adapt rapidly, and respond in a manner that was both forceful and measured. This shift also places greater responsibility on India's political leadership to communicate clearly with both domestic and international audiences during crises – ensuring that military actions are not misread, while also reinforcing India's commitment to rules-based conduct and regional stability. The choice to target air bases, rather than civilian infrastructure or symbolic sites, also underscores the intent to keep the conflict within rational, professional bounds. Secondly, the absence of nuclear brinkmanship is notable. Despite operations near sensitive Pakistani nuclear infrastructure, both sides maintained a clear distance from strategic thresholds. This reflects a shared, if tacit, understanding that conventional warfare can – and should – be conducted below the nuclear line. As General Chauhan remarked, rationality prevailed, an