#OPINION: What Are PM Modi's Options after Pahalgam

The serene Baisaran Valley, often called Kashmir’s “Mini Switzerland,” became a scene of horror yesterday, when a horrendous terrorist attack claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, in one of the regions deadliest assaults since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.

The Resistance Front, a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility, thrusting Prime Minister Narendra Modi into a maelstrom of grief, rage, and strategic calculation.

As global leaders, from U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance to Russia’s foreign ministry, condemn the attack, PM Modi faces intense pressure to respond. Cutting short a Saudi Arabia visit to convene with his national security team, he now weighs military options, each carrying profound risks and rewards in a region where tensions with Pakistan simmer just below the surface.

Also Read: Pahalgam Terror Attack: Government Issues Urgent Advisory to Airlines

PM Modi's military choices are shaped by a delicate balance: assuaging a furious public, deterring future attacks, and avoiding a broader conflict. Here are the four primary paths he might take:

1. Surgical Strikes Across the Line of Control
   India has precedent—after the 2016 Uri and 2019 Pulwama attacks, special forces crossed into Pakistan-administered Kashmir to destroy terrorist camps. Intelligence suggests Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives, including alleged mastermind Saifullah Kasuri, may be hiding in areas like Kishtwar or Kokernag. A precision operation could dismantle infrastructure and signal resolve, aligning with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s vow to target perpetrators. But Pakistan, emboldened by Gen. Asim Munir’s recent provocative rhetoric, could retaliate, risking escalation.

2. Precision Airstrikes
   The 2019 Balakot airstrike showcased India’s ability to hit deep targets with jets. Drones or aircraft could now strike Lashkar-e-Taiba camps, minimizing ground involvement. Advanced surveillance would aim to avoid civilian casualties, but the operation’s audacity could provoke Pakistan’s air defenses. While satisfying domestic calls for action, missteps might strain India’s ties with neutral powers.

3. Covert Operations
   Deploying India’s Research and Analysis Wing or elite units to neutralize key figures like Mr. Kasuri offers a low-profile alternative. Disrupting terror financing or eliminating operatives could weaken networks without public fanfare. Yet, covert missions hinge on flawless intelligence; exposure could spark diplomatic backlash.

4. Enhanced Border Security and Localized Operations
   Fortifying the Line of Control with troops, drones, and surveillance, paired with preemptive strikes in Kashmir’s vulnerable areas like Baisaran, could prevent infiltrations. This measured approach avoids direct confrontation with Pakistan but may underwhelm a public demanding bold retribution.

PM Modi’s likely strategy—blending localized operations with targeted strikes—reflects his calculated style. As India mourns, his decision will ripple across India’s security landscape and its fraught dance with Pakistan.

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