February 14, 2023, remains one of the darkest days in the history of India. The Pulwama attack not only rattled the whole country but also had fatal repercussions for the counter-terrorist strategy of India. In the aftermath, India did some important work, which changed the way national security was approached.
The Attack That Changed Everything
On that fateful day, a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying CRPF personnel was traveling on National Highway 44 in Jammu and Kashmir when a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into one of the buses. The massive explosion killed 40 jawans, making it one of the deadliest terror attacks in the region. Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility, triggering outrage across India.
The attack not only led to nationwide mourning but also fueled strong demands for justice. What followed was an unprecedented shift in India’s counter-terrorism policy—one that redefined its stance on cross-border terrorism.
The Balakot Airstrikes: India’s Direct Response
In retaliation, just 12 days after the Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out airstrikes on terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan, on February 26, 2019. The operation, named Operation Bandar, marked a significant shift in India’s military response. For the first time since the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Indian fighter jets crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and conducted strikes deep inside Pakistan.
The Balakot airstrikes sent a clear message: India would no longer tolerate cross-border terrorism and would take direct action when needed. The global community took notice, with several countries supporting India’s right to self-defense.
Changes in Counter-Terrorism Strategies
The Pulwama attack and its aftermath led to several critical changes in India’s counter-terrorism policies:
- Revoking Article 370: In August 2019, the Indian government scrapped Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. This move was aimed at tightening security and reducing terrorist activities in the region.
- Intensified Crackdown on Terror Networks: Security forces ramped up anti-terror operations, eliminating top JeM commanders and dismantling sleeper cells. Intelligence-sharing among agencies improved significantly.
- Economic and Diplomatic Measures: India withdrew Pakistan’s Most Favored Nation (MFN) status, imposed trade restrictions, and intensified diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan globally. International pressure mounted on Pakistan to take action against terror groups operating from its soil.
- Increased Border Security: The government sanctioned additional funds to strengthen border security, including enhanced surveillance systems, drone monitoring, and advanced weaponry for security forces.
A New Era in India’s Security Policy
The Pulwama attack forced India to rethink its defensive approach to terrorism. The Balakot airstrikes established a new doctrine of proactive retaliation rather than mere condemnation. The attack also led to greater international cooperation in fighting terrorism, with India calling for stricter global action against terror financing.
As the nation remembers the martyrs of Pulwama, their sacrifice serves as a reminder of the price paid for national security. While much has changed since 2019, one thing remains constant—India’s unwavering commitment to fighting terrorism.
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