From Kargil to Pahalgam India Reinvents Its Security Doctrine

Source: The post From Kargil to Pahalgam India Reinvents Its Security Doctrine has been created, based on the article “Kargil, Pahalgam and a revamp of the security strategy” published in “The Hindu” on 26th July 2025.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Security challenges.

Context: Marking the 26th anniversary of the Kargil War, the article reflects on India’s evolving military and counter-terrorism strategies. Recent events, including the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s swift retaliation through Operation Sindoor, demonstrate how lessons from Kargil have shaped a stronger, more assertive national security posture.

Kargil War: A Turning Point in Indian Defence Strategy

1. War Amid Nuclear Tensions: The 1999 Kargil war was fought in a complex backdrop—India had just declared itself a nuclear state, followed by Pakistan’s nuclear tests. The presence of nuclear weapons raised fears of escalation, making it the first war under a nuclear overhang.
2. Political and Military Vulnerability: At the time, India faced economic sanctions, political instability, and neglected defence modernisation. Military preparedness was weak due to prolonged focus on insurgencies in Kashmir and the North-East.
3. Lessons from Tactical Gaps: Kargil revealed severe intelligence lapses and operational unpreparedness. Lack of real-time aerial surveillance, inadequate artillery, poor logistical support, and absence of high-altitude gear caused early setbacks and highlighted urgent needs for reform.
4. Wake-Up Call for Policy Reforms: The war became a foundational event for change, leading to institutional reforms, a push for military modernisation, and deeper focus on joint operational capability.

Structural and Strategic Reforms Post-Kargil

1. Strengthening Intelligence Architecture: Post-Kargil, new agencies like the Defence Intelligence Agency (2002) and NTRO (2004) were created. Intelligence coordination between RAW, IB, and military wings improved, and the NSA became central to strategic decision-making.
2. Military Modernisation and Doctrinal Shift: The war catalysed reforms in equipment, strategy, and readiness. The “Cold Start Doctrine” enabled quick and limited mobilisations. Mountain warfare capabilities were enhanced, including the creation of a dedicated Mountain Corps.
3. Integrated Defence Command and Leadership: The shortcomings prompted greater synergy among armed forces, resulting in the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 2019 and steps toward integrated theatre commands for unified warfighting.
4. Focus on Indigenous Defence Capabilities: India emphasised self-reliance and acquisition of cutting-edge platforms: Rafale jets, Apache and Chinook helicopters, S-400 systems, and indigenous weapons like BrahMos missiles and advanced artillery systems.

India’s Long Battle Against Terrorism

1. Initial Years of Restraint: Despite Kargil’s impact, India showed restraint during major terror events like the IC-814 hijacking (1999), Parliament attack (2001), and 26/11 Mumbai attacks (2008), where no significant counteraction was taken.
2. Turning Point: Surgical and Air Strikes: The 2016 Uri attack prompted surgical strikes across the LoC, marking a strategic shift. This was reinforced after the 2019 Pulwama attack, when the IAF struck a JeM camp in Balakot—India’s first cross-border air strike since 1971.
3. New Threshold After Pahalgam: The 2025 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 tourists, led to Operation Sindoor. Over four days, India struck 9 terror bases and 11 military airfields in Pakistan, including a key nuclear facility. Pakistan quickly requested a ceasefire.

From Restraint to Deterrence: India’s New Security Posture

1. Assertive Response as a New Norm: India’s shift from restraint to proactive deterrence is now evident. The rapid and effective execution of Operation Sindoor showcased its upgraded conventional and strategic capabilities.
2. Clarity in Strategic Messaging: India’s recent actions send a firm signal to Pakistan and the global community: terrorism will meet decisive retaliation. Future misadventures will face overwhelming force.
3. Preparedness and Vigilance Going Forward: Despite major gains, the article warns that India must remain alert. The transformation from Kargil to Pahalgam proves progress, but also underscores that complacency is not an option.

Question for practice:

Examine how the lessons from the Kargil War have shaped India’s current military and counter-terrorism strategy.