Non-kinetic warfare is playing a significant role in current hybrid war fighting strategies. In South Asia the recent 2025 India–Pakistan confrontation has implemented numerous non-kinetic measures that do not involve direct military force to exert pressure on the adversary. These measures encompass cyberattacks, electronic warfare, information warfare and disinformation campaigns, psychological operations, diplomatic pressure, infrastructural, and civil defence strategies.

Traditionally, strategies without the use of direct physical force or conventional military engagement were employed in   Pehlgam conflict. At present, the adoption of non-kinetic tools has significantly increased the importance of modern, hybrid, and information warfare because of its  disruptive nature, deception, influence, and controll. Moreover, the subtle manipulation or AI-driven influence campaigns alter public perception, perceive truth, and make decisions and focuses on controlling narratives and perception management.

Recently, non-kinetic measures used in the post-Pehlgam period prior to the onset of full-scale conflict including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the reduction of water flow through the Chenab River—resulting in a 80% decrease in water supply to Pakistan. This move served as a form of diplomatic and psychological coercion, signalling India’s non-military leverage in the conflict. In order to show strategic purpose, India also started psychological operations known as “Abhyaas” and national civil defense drills. Pakistan responded to this act of deterrence without escalation by threatening to consider any interruption of the flow of shared rivers as an act of war.

India’s hybrid steategies to exert pressure on Pakistan Include, withdrawal of envoy from Islamabad and dismissing Pakistani diplomats, extending the diplomatic........

© Eurasia Review