With Operation Sindoor, India has carved out a space between helpless inaction and a full-scale war between nuclear-armed states. The precise, measured, non-escalatory yet effective response to the dastardly act of terrorism in Pahalgam should act as a deterrent to the Pakistani establishment. Indian armed forces demonstrated that the sponsors of terrorism will have a heavy price to pay if they continue on this ruinous and self-destructive path.

A heinous act of terrorism and wanton killing of innocent, unarmed civilians, that too with deliberate religious profiling, naturally evoke great anger and emotion. It is, therefore, understandable that some of our citizens want a full-scale war with Pakistan and total victory over the adversary.

But angry, impulsive reactions to terrorism will be counter-productive and make us less safe. The United States after 9/11 reacted like a wounded tiger and invaded Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003). Both countries were conquered relatively easily. But neither peace and order were established, nor did terrorism end.

Precise, calibrated action, global cooperation to end funding and to share intelligence, and coordinated counter-terrorism actions have been more effective in containing and minimising terrorism. Long-term, coordinated strategy is vital for success in dealing with this decades-long challenge. There are no instant solutions.

Pakistan is a large country (255 million population; fifth largest) with........

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