Phase 1: The Vow
Following the attack, India's leadership swiftly articulated a new, unyielding doctrine of zero tolerance for terrorism, broadcasting a message of unshakable resolve to both domestic and international audiences.
"Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice... they will not be spared! Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable."- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
"If any country provides direct or indirect support to terrorism, it must pay the price for it."- PM Modi at BRICS Summit
Phase 2: The Squeeze
The government's strong rhetoric was immediately backed by a series of tangible measures designed to impose costs on Pakistan and prepare the nation for all eventualities.
Imposing Costs Without Firing a Shot
- Indus Waters Treaty Suspended: A significant move with profound economic implications, sending the message "blood and water cannot flow together."
- Diplomatic Isolation: Expelled Pakistani military advisers and reduced staff at the High Commission in Islamabad.
- Economic Strangulation: Closed the Attari-Wagah border for trade, suspended bilateral commerce, and revoked all visas for Pakistani nationals.
Phase 3: The Strike
After a fortnight of Pakistani inaction and with intelligence indicating further impending attacks, India's leadership determined that a military response was a "compulsion both to deter and to pre-empt." The promise made on April 22 was delivered.
Operation Sindoor Launched
On the night of May 7, India launched a "punitive and targeted campaign to dismantle the terror infrastructure."
- 🎯 Focused: Specifically targeted 9 terrorist infrastructure sites.
- ⚖️ Measured: Avoided Pakistani military installations to control escalation.
- 🛡️ Decisive: Established a new, credible threshold for India's response to state-sponsored terrorism.