It’s been a day since the ceasefire was announced, however our fight against terrorism still persists. Our armed forces also made it clear that ‘Operation Sindoor’ is still ongoing. Yes, the smoke has barely cleared over the airspace between India and Pakistan. There are so many speculations going on about what happened so far, including geopolitics, fake news and propaganda by Pakistan. Also, some questions have begun to surface. A lot of people are asking, ‘What did India gain from the brave strikes and retaliation?’ or ‘Did we manage to avenge the 26 innocent lives?’
Yes, we did. Also, we have shown the world that whether it is Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian, India is united against terrorism. There is no doubt that this retaliation has changed everything. Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory mission has brought us so many important strategic advantages and we, Corporate Soldiers believe this will alter the nature of South Asian geopolitics for years to come.
Let’s see how!
Our Nation’s New Stance On Cross-Border Terrorism:
We are still mourning the loss and we know we can’t bring back those innocent lives. But we avenged the Pahalgam attack. Operation Sindoor is a response to all those terrorist organizations funded by Pakistan. Yes, this is what happens when you cross India’s red lines.
Operation Sindoor symbolizes how India’s response has been changed when it comes to cross-border terrorism. Not only was our response swift but it was also multifaceted. How? Well, within hours of the attack, New Delhi suspended the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty. Soon after that, on May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, a name chosen to honour the widows of Pahalgam as sindoor (vermilion) is traditionally worn by married Hindu women. The operation also showcased how India is capable of coordinating and launching extensive strikes against Pakistan-based terrorist infrastructure.
Strategic Gain 1. India Showcased Military Precision
From ‘Terror Camps to Airbases’, India has showcased incredible military precision. Yes, 24 missile strikes were executed in just 25 minutes across nine terrorist facilities. Indian forces chose to move forward in 3 phases. In phase one, India targeted five crucial terror hubs in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and four within Pakistan proper. These terror hubs were linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Also Muridke, LeT’s headquarters run by Hafiz Saeed and Bahawalpur, (Jaish-e-Mohammed’s base).
We targeted the terror hubs, but how did Pakistan respond? It launched drone attacks against civilian areas. What can be more evident of Pakistan’s cowardice? But once again, India escalated these with target military installations. During the second phase, Indian forces struck 11 Pakistani air bases, including Nur Khan, Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skaru, Bholari, and Jacobabad.
Now those who constantly asked India for proofs can go through Satellite imagery. Yes, these images confirm substantial damage to radar installations, command centers, and ammunition depots. Later, Air Marshal AK Bharti described this operation as ‘precise and measured,’. Also, he told the world that India ‘showed restraint to avoid escalation’ despite having ‘the ability to target every system in the air bases’.
| Area | Strategic Gain | Details |
| Military | ||
| Phase 1 | Precise Strikes on Terror Targets | 9 terror camps destroyed including high-value targets in Pakistan and PoK |
| Phase 2 | Air Base Neutralization | 11 airbases are destroyed, degrading Pakistan’s air defense |
| Phase 3 | Elimination of Terror Leaderships | Over 100 terrorists were killed, including masterminds of the Pulwama attack and IC- 814 hijacking |
Strategic Gain 2. Indus Water Treaty
This is the most forward move by India. There is a saying, ‘Old Things Need to Go Away’ and it seems perfect for this scenario as India suspended the 1960s Indus Waters Treaty. This long-standing (also way old) agreement had given Pakistan rights over the western rivers (Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum) and also India gained control of the eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi). Now, ever since the treaty is suspended, Indus water is no longer accessible to Pakistan. Yes, not even a single drop of water (as told by Water Resources Minister CR Patil) would be wasted or allowed to flow into Pakistan.
India’s water strategy includes constructing multiple dams on the western rivers. Now, previously it was prohibited under the treaty. But since there is no treaty, plans are underway to develop nearly 12 gigawatts of additional hydropower through projects including Sawalkot (1,856 MW), Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), and several others in Jammu and Kashmir. This way India gets the golden opportunity to fully utilize the water resources of rivers.
| Area | Strategic Gain | Details |
| Water Security | Indus Waters Treaty Suspended | No sharing of river data, new dam construction, full utilization of western rivers |
| Hydropower Expansion | New hydropower projects (Sawalkot, Pakal Dul) in J&K |
Strategic Gain 3. Diplomatic Gains, New War Doctrine
India is changing. We say, ‘No More Tolerance’. This is one of the most important strategic victories for all of us. India declared the new war doctrine that says ‘any future terrorist attack on Indian soil will be treated as an act of war.’ Yes, no more tolerance and peace talks over such a terrible thing. This is a sign of change, a change in our previously restrained responses to cross-border terrorism. It’s like an ultimatum to Pakistan now that it will directly be accountable for any terrorist activities emanating from its territory. This necessary and bold step appears to have gained international acceptance. Yes, the United States has acknowledged India’s new war doctrine, and thus, it’s a strategic gain for India.
| Area | Strategic Gain | Details |
| Diplomatic | International Acceptance of New War Doctrine | USA and other countries accepted India’s right to retaliate against terror attacks as ‘Act of War’ |
| Legal Regulation for Cross-Border Strikes | India’s actions framed under ‘Unwilling or Unable’ doctrine, firms International legal standing | |
| Strategic Doctrine | New War Doctrine | Future terror attacks will be treated as an ‘Act of War’ |
India Shifted Power Dynamics:
Definitely, we have shifted the power dynamics. India has made it quite clear now that we will not tolerate any act of terror silently. It is the time to avenge and retaliate. For the first time in recent memory, Pakistan found itself compelled to seek a ceasefire. It was not from a position of strength or parity, but out of necessity to avoid further devastation. This is the reversal of roles. Reversal of images. By treating terrorist attacks as acts of war and gaining international acceptance for this position, India stands tall and mighty.
The strategic wins from Operation Sindoor extend far beyond the immediate military objectives. They have reshaped water politics, redefined our existing military doctrines, established legal precedents, and ultimately strengthened India’s position in the regional power structure.
While the ceasefire holds for now, the lessons of Operation Sindoor will echo through South Asian geopolitics for years to come. We hope Pakistan learns from its mistakes and atone for its sins! Corporate Soldiers signs out!
