The surgical strike by India was a meticulously planned and executed military operation that aimed to eliminate terrorist threats across the border. This bold move displayed India's commitment to protecting its citizens and sending a strong message to its enemies. Read on to learn more about this historic event.

1. What is a Surgical Strike?

A surgical strike is a military attack that is swift, precise, and targeted at a specific enemy position or target. It is designed to cause minimal collateral damage and achieve a specific military objective with minimal risk to the attacking forces. Surgical strikes are often carried out by special forces units or precision-guided weapons, and are typically used in situations where a full-scale military operation is not feasible or would be too risky. These strikes are meant to send a strong message to the enemy while minimizing the loss of civilian lives and infrastructure.

History of Surgical Strikes by India

India has a history of conducting surgical strikes as a response to terrorist attacks or threats from across the border. The first recorded surgical strike by India took place in 2000 during the Kargil War, when Indian forces crossed the Line of Control to target enemy positions. In 2016, India conducted a surgical strike in response to a terrorist attack on an army base in Uri, which resulted in significant casualties on the terrorist side. This was followed by another surgical strike in 2019 in response to a terrorist attack on Indian security personnel in Pulwama. These surgical strikes have been seen as a strong message to Pakistan and other adversaries that India will not hesitate to take decisive action to protect its citizens and territory.

Objectives of Surgical Strikes by India

The primary objective of surgical strikes conducted by India is to target and neutralize terrorist groups operating in neighboring countries, particularly in Pakistan. These strikes aim to send a strong message to these groups and their supporters that India will not tolerate cross-border terrorism and will take proactive measures to protect its citizens and interests. Additionally, surgical strikes are intended to demonstrate India's military capabilities and resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Overall, the goal of these operations is to disrupt and degrade the activities of terrorist organizations and prevent them from carrying out attacks on Indian soil.

Key Features of Indian Surgical Strikes

The Indian surgical strikes conducted on September 29, 2016, were a significant military operation carried out by the Indian Army in response to a terrorist attack on an Indian military base in Uri. The key features of the surgical strikes included the precise and targeted nature of the operation, with Indian forces conducting strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strikes were carried out with stealth and surprise, resulting in minimal casualties on both sides. The operation demonstrated India's resolve to take proactive measures against cross-border terrorism and sent a strong message to Pakistan that such attacks would not be tolerated.

Impact of Surgical Strikes on India-Pakistan Relations

The surgical strikes carried out by India on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2016 had a significant impact on India-Pakistan relations. The strikes were seen as a bold and decisive move by India to retaliate against cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. While India maintained that the strikes were a pre-emptive measure to protect its security interests, Pakistan denied the existence of any such strikes and called it a violation of its sovereignty. The strikes escalated tensions between the two countries and led to a deterioration in diplomatic relations, with both sides engaging in heated rhetoric and military posturing. The surgical strikes further strained the already fragile relationship between India and Pakistan, highlighting the deep-rooted animosity and mistrust between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

International Community's Response to Indian Surgical Strikes

The international community responded to India's surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir with a mix of support and concern. While countries like the United States, France, and Russia expressed understanding of India's actions in self-defense against terrorism, others, including Pakistan and China, condemned the strikes as a violation of their sovereignty. The United Nations called for restraint and urged both countries to engage in dialogue to de-escalate tensions in the region. Overall, the response highlighted the complex diplomatic and security challenges facing South Asia in the aftermath of the surgical strikes.

Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding Indian Surgical Strikes

The Indian surgical strikes conducted in September 2016 against alleged terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have faced criticism and controversy from various quarters. Some have questioned the veracity of India's claims regarding the success and impact of the strikes, with Pakistan denying that any such strikes took place. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the escalation of tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors following the strikes, as well as the potential for further violence and instability in the region. Some critics have also accused India of using the surgical strikes for political purposes, to bolster its image and distract from domestic issues.

Comparison of Indian Surgical Strikes with Other Countries

Indian Surgical Strikes carried out in 2016 and 2019 against terrorist groups operating in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have been widely compared to similar military operations conducted by other countries. The United States has conducted numerous targeted strikes against terrorist groups in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, using drones and special forces to eliminate high-value targets. Israel has also carried out surgical strikes against terrorist organizations in Gaza and Lebanon, using precision airstrikes and ground operations to neutralize threats to its national security. While the scale and intensity of these operations may vary, the underlying objective of eliminating terrorist threats remains consistent across countries conducting surgical strikes.

Success Stories of Indian Surgical Strikes

One of the most notable success stories of Indian surgical strikes took place in September 2016, when Indian Special Forces conducted a cross-border operation in response to a terrorist attack on an army base in Uri, Kashmir. The surgical strikes targeted terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, resulting in significant casualties among militants and effectively sending a strong message to Pakistan about India's willingness to take decisive action against cross-border terrorism. The operation was hailed as a successful and bold move by the Indian government and military, showcasing India's capability to carry out precision strikes against terrorist threats.

Future Prospects of Surgical Strikes by India

As India continues to face security threats from its neighbors, the future prospects of surgical strikes remain a viable option for the Indian military to combat terrorism and protect its borders. With advancements in technology and intelligence gathering, surgical strikes have proven to be an effective and precise method of targeting enemy forces without escalating into a full-scale war. The success of past surgical strikes, such as the ones conducted in 2016 and 2019, have demonstrated India's ability to retaliate against terrorist activities and maintain its sovereignty. As India continues to modernize its military capabilities, surgical strikes are likely to remain a key strategy in its defense and security operations.