Pulwama marked a shift in war against terror

On a winding stretch of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying 2,500 CRPF personnel was making its way to Srinagar on February 14, 2019. Among them were 40 bravehearts of the 76th CRPF Battalion. Unnoticed by the troops, a Mahindra Scorpio packed with 200 kg of explosives, driven by 22-year-old Adil Ahmad Dar — a suicide bomber from the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) — rammed into one of the buses. The explosion killed 40 soldiers, marking one of the deadliest attacks on Indian security forces in decades.

This was not the first time that India faced such brutality. The 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, the 2018 Uri terror strike and the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks were all grim reminders of Pakistan's proxy war against India.

However, Pulwama became the inflection point that tested India’s strategic patience. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement after the attack reflected the nation’s resolve: “Security forces have been given full freedom to choose the time and place for the future course of action. Terrorists have made a big mistake and will pay a heavy price.”

The Pulwama attack forced India to rethink its counterterrorism strategy. For decades, Pakistan had waged a proxy war, bleeding India with “a thousand cuts.”

While diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan globally were initiated, the national leadership, including the military, believed a stronger response was necessary. The challenge was to act decisively despite the nuclear dynamics between the two nations.

India had to move beyond reactive approaches, overcoming bureaucratic inertia, intelligence gaps and predictable military response.

Addressing the root causes of radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir and transforming governance in the region became critical.

The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019 was a watershed moment. It revoked J&K’s special status, extended the jurisdiction of Central agencies, and allowed them to target terror funding, money-laundering and other activities that fuelled terrorism. The state was also bifurcated into two union territories — Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh — further integrating the region with the rest of the country.

India’s desire for a proactive counterterrorism strategy has often been hindered by several barriers.

First, geopolitical constraints, including Pakistan’s alleged support for militant groups and the nuclear deterrence dynamics, have historically limited India’s options.

Second, intelligence gaps — due to inadequate human intelligence, poor coordination and technological limitations — have made pre-empting attacks difficult.

Third, legal and institutional hurdles, such as delays in implementing counterterrorism laws and reforms, have slowed progress. For instance, the proposal for a National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) after the 26/11 attacks remains stuck in bureaucratic red-tape.

Finally, anti-India propaganda fuelled by Pakistan and supported by internal actors, like the Hurriyat Conference, and overground workers has complicated efforts to balance public demand for swift retaliation with long-term strategic goals.

Post 2014, India began to adopt a more assertive approach. Surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) in 2016 and 2019 demonstrated India’s willingness to use military force.

Diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan and designate terrorists gained momentum.

However, Pulwama demanded an even stronger response.

On February 26, 2019, the Indian Air Force conducted airstrikes on a JeM training camp in Balakot, Pakistan. This marked the first use of air power against Pakistan since 1971 and signalled a significant shift in India’s strategy.

The strikes, which killed hundreds of terrorists, effectively called Pakistan’s nuclear bluff and raised the threshold for India’s response to terrorism.

Pakistan retaliated with airstrikes on Indian military targets, leading to a dogfight in which India lost a MiG-21 Bison and its pilot. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured, but not before he had shot down a much superior aircraft in terms of capability, the F-16 of the Pakistani Air Force.

However, combined pressure from India and the international community forced Pakistan to release him.

While India achieved strategic surprise and deterred Pakistan from major terror attacks since Pulwama, the operation also highlighted the need for better perception management.

India must transform its information operations to counter Pakistan's propaganda effectively.

Despite moving down the global terrorism index, India’s challenges are far from over. With two hostile neighbours who act in a collusive manner against India and the evolving terror tactics, the threat persists. Groups like the LeT and the JeM have rebranded as “The Resistance Front”, while lone-wolf attacks, fuelled by social media radicalisation, are on the rise.

To counter these threats, India must invest in advanced intelligence technologies, improve inter-agency coordination and strengthen regional cooperation with countries like Afghanistan and Central Asian states. Hard power options, including punitive actions akin to those taken by Israel or the US, must remain on the table.

At the same time, India must balance counterterrorism measures with respect for human rights and civil liberties.

The Pulwama attack was a turning point in India’s fight against terrorism. It shattered old mindsets and forced India to adopt a more proactive and multi-dimensional approach. The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, the Balakot airstrikes, and the integration of J&K into the Union Territory framework, were bold steps that redefined India’s counterterrorism strategy.

While significant progress has been made, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. India’s ability to adapt, innovate and respond decisively will determine its success in securing its future from the menace of terrorism.