Operation Sindoor and India-Pakistan Relations

Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, aimed at dismantling terror hideouts in Pakistan but was paused shortly after. The operation signals ongoing hostilities, not a concluded conflict. The India-Pakistan dispute transcends geographical issues such as the control of Kashmir and focuses on fundamental national characteristics and existential ideological differences.

Historical and Ideological Context

• Pakistan considers itself the spiritual successor to historical Islamic invaders and names its missiles after figures like Mahmud of Ghazni and Aurangzeb.
• The Pakistan military's approach is deeply intertwined with religious motives, as reflected in the motto, "iman, taqwa, jihad fi sabilillah," adopted during General Zia-ul-Haq's regime.
• The Objective Resolution of 1949 marked sovereignty as a divine trust, laying a foundation for Pakistan’s strategic posture against India.

Conflict History and Recent Developments

• Pakistan’s actions since its creation, including the 1947 Kashmir incursion, 1965 and 1971 wars, and ongoing support of terrorism, highlight a persistent pattern of conflict.
• The recent attack in Pahalgam, killing 26 people, exemplifies the ongoing threat of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

India’s Strategic Response

• India’s stance under PM Modi emphasizes that dialogue and trade cannot coexist with terrorism, setting a new engagement framework.
• India’s focus is on countering terrorism through a policy of zero tolerance, aiming to educate future generations to transform radicals into moderates.

The Path Forward

• India must maintain vigilance and pressure on Pakistan, emphasizing the high cost of terrorism to potentially influence the Pakistani establishment.
• Eisenhower's philosophy, "We are going to have peace even if we have to fight for it," underscores the need for persistent defense against terrorism for sustained peace.

The article emphasizes the complexity and depth of India-Pakistan relations, underlining the ideological battles that must be addressed for lasting peace.