LG Rajiv Ghai Details India’s Response to Pahalgam Terror Attack at UN Meet

At the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries' Chiefs' Conclave, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations, detailed the intense dynamics of Operation Sindoor, India's calculated response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. The operation involved precision strikes on terror facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, executed from May 7 onward.

Ghai explained that the Indian Navy deployed forces into the Arabian Sea, positioned for immediate engagement during the four-day standoff. Pakistan initiated contact via DGMO channels to seek de-escalation, recognizing the poised threat. Continuation of hostilities would have led to severe consequences for Pakistan across multiple domains, including naval operations.

From April 22 to the strikes on the night of May 6-7, Indian forces prioritized targets from an extensive list, implemented precautionary border deployments for deterrence, and coordinated efforts among various services and government agencies. A synchronized information warfare effort accompanied these actions.Evidence from Pakistan's August 14 awards list, which included numerous posthumous honors, indicates over 100 military casualties along the Line of Control. Pakistani drone incursions proved ineffective.

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The operation reflects a doctrinal evolution in India's counter-terrorism approach, as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi: terror attacks constitute acts of war warranting decisive response, nuclear threats hold no sway, and no differentiation exists between terrorists and their state sponsors.

In a related development, Home Minister Amit Shah informed Parliament in July that the three perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack were neutralized during Operation Mahadev after 96 days of pursuit. Security forces located and eliminated them in an exhausted state, delivering accountability.Operation Sindoor eliminated over 100 terrorists and destroyed key infrastructure, underscoring India's resolve in addressing cross-border threats through integrated military precision.

The Pahalgam incident involved militants affiliated with The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, targeting tourists in a high-altitude meadow area. This prompted swift intelligence mobilization, leading to the identification of nine terror camps across the border, including sites in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bahawalpur. Strikes utilized BrahMos missiles, Spice-2000 bombs, and drones, minimizing collateral damage while neutralizing high-value assets.

International reactions included concern from the United States and United Nations, which urged restraint. The ceasefire on May 10 followed diplomatic interventions, including calls from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Post-operation assessments by Indian defense analysts highlight enhanced jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with the Indian Air Force conducting over 50 sorties for surveillance and strikes.

Lieutenant General Ghai emphasized the role of real-time intelligence from satellites and human sources in target validation. The operation also integrated cyber elements to disrupt terrorist communications. Pakistan's military acknowledged losses indirectly through internal promotions and awards, revealing vulnerabilities in their border defenses.

This event aligns with India's broader strategy under the Agnipath scheme and theater commands initiative, enhancing rapid response capabilities. Future implications include strengthened border infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, with additional troop deployments and advanced radar systems. The doctrinal shift signals proactive measures against state-sponsored terrorism, potentially influencing regional alliances like the Quad.

Operation Sindoor stands as a benchmark in modern limited conflicts, demonstrating calibrated escalation control while achieving strategic objectives. It reinforces India's position on zero tolerance for terrorism originating from neighboring territories.

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