During the last two weeks, in this series, we discussed the perceptual aspects of the recent Indo-Pak standoff, India’s doctrinal collapse, the redefined deterrence and the ‘Exterior’ and ‘Interior Maneuvers’ by both sides, before and during the hostilities. We continue the debate…

This was the first time that India under its supposed ‘new normal’ used ‘cruise’ missiles, both the BrahMos version (PJ-10 co-developed with Russia) as well as the European SCALP-EG targeting Pakistan proper. Pakistan also retaliated for the first time, employing its conventionally armed short-range Fatah-I and Fatah-II series of ‘ballistic’ missiles and other types. This was also the first time that RPVs (drones) were used with the intent of causing damage to the other side, in addition to reconnaissance and intelligence-collection roles. This was also the first time that strategic instability in South Asia was linked internationally to the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute and not terrorism per se.

Let us quickly recapture the timelines from April 22 to May 22, 2025. In run up to the crisis, on April 22, five militants killed 26 civilian tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, including one Nepali national, leading to Indian finger pointing towards Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) groups. On April 23, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, closed Attari–Wagah border crossing, expelled Pakistan’s military diplomats, reduced Pakistan’s diplomatic staff and cancelled SAARC visas for Pakistani nationals. From April 23–30 border skirmishes took place.

On April 24, Pakistan condemned the Pahalgam attack and termed........

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