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Home / UPSC Editorials / India’s New Counter-Terrorism Doctrine

India’s New Counter-Terrorism Doctrine

Last Updated on May 28, 2025
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In May 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a bold new chapter in India's fight against terrorism. This came after Operation Sindoor, one of India’s most intense military operations since the 1999 Kargil conflict. The new counter-terrorism doctrine sends a strong message not only to terrorist groups but also to the nations that support them. It marks a clear change in how India plans to deal with future threats.

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Analysis based on 

Editorial published on PM unveils new doctrine, frames it part of global war on terror in The Indian Express on May 17th, 2025

Topics for UPSC Prelims

India’s Military Doctrine, India-Pakistan Relations, Terrorism

Topics for UPSC Mains

India and its neighborhood, Role of Armed Forces in National Security

What is India’s New Counter-Terrorism Doctrine?

India’s new counter-terrorism doctrine is a clear and aggressive policy designed to fight terrorism in a stronger way. It focuses on:

  • Responding to terror attacks on India’s own terms
  • Not accepting any excuses or threats related to nuclear weapons used by other countries
  • Treating terrorist groups, their leaders, and the governments supporting them as one and the same

Prime Minister Modi also stated that India will no longer wait or stay silent when terrorists attack. Instead, India will strike back immediately and forcefully, not just on its border but also deep inside enemy territory if needed. The aim is not only to stop terrorists but also to dismantle their entire support system, including the countries that shelter or sponsor them.

Evolution of India’s Counter-Terrorism Doctrine

India's counter-terrorism policy has changed over the years based on events and experiences:

Before 2016

India mostly followed a defensive strategy. Even after major terror attacks like the 2001 Indian Parliament attack or the 2008 Mumbai attacks, India did not cross the border in response. Instead, it used diplomacy and intelligence to respond.

2016 – Surgical Strikes (After Uri Attack)

After terrorists killed 19 Indian soldiers in Uri (Jammu and Kashmir), India launched surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) to destroy terrorist camps. This was the first time India carried out a direct military response to terrorism inside Pakistan-occupied territory.

2019 – Balakot Air Strikes (After Pulwama Attack)

In February 2019, a suicide bomber killed 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama. India responded by carrying out air strikes on a terrorist training camp in Balakot, Pakistan. This marked another bold move in India’s growing offensive strategy.

2025 – Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor is the biggest and most serious action taken by India since Kargil. It shows that India has moved from just responding to terror attacks to actively setting new rules of engagement.

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Primary Focus of India’s New Counter-Terrorism Doctrine

India’s current doctrine puts its focus on strong, fast, and targeted action. The core idea is simple:

  • No tolerance for terrorism of any kind, from any source
  • No space for excuses like nuclear threats
  • No difference between the terrorist and the state supporting them

This means that India will now see terrorist attacks as acts of war, especially if they are supported by another country. It also means that if needed, India will not hesitate to cross borders to protect its citizens.

Read the article on the India-Pakistan Conflict!

Core Principles of the New Doctrine

The doctrine is built around a few key principles:

Zero Tolerance for Terrorism

India will no longer ignore threats or wait for attacks to happen. Any hint of terrorism will be met with strong and early action.

No Fear of Nuclear Blackmail

In the past, countries like Pakistan have used their nuclear weapons as a threat to stop India from taking strong action. The new policy makes it clear: India will not be scared by such threats. It will act as needed to keep its people safe.

Equal Responsibility for Terrorists and their Sponsors

If a government supports terrorists—by giving them money, weapons, or safe shelter—India will hold that government just as guilty as the terrorists.

India’s Right to Decide its Response

India will choose how, when, and where it wants to strike. No outside pressure or diplomacy will decide India’s actions.

Focus on Global Unity Against Terrorism

India sees terrorism as a global problem, not just a local one. It wants to work with other countries to build a safer world and end terrorism everywhere.

Read the article on the Indian Foreign Policy!

Significance of Operation Sindoor in India’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy

Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025, is a major turning point for several reasons:

  • It was a direct military response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025.
  • It targeted nine high-value locations in Pakistan, including key terror camps and military bases.
  • India used precision weapons—drones and missiles—that avoided civilian harm but caused major damage to terror infrastructure.
  • It was the first time India openly named terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, linking them to past global attacks in the US and UK.
  • India destroyed drone and missile bases used by Pakistan, showing the strength of Indian air defence systems.

Most importantly, India showed that it can now respond fast and effectively—not just defensively but also offensively—with strong intelligence and military power.

Operation Sindoor’s Role in Shaping India’s Approach Towards State-Sponsored Terrorism

This operation also changed how India views state-sponsored terrorism:

  • Pakistan’s involvement was openly exposed when top army officers were seen paying respects to dead terrorists.
  • India made it clear that the Pakistani government and military are not separate from the terrorists.
  • If future attacks happen, India may treat them as acts of war, even if they are done by non-state actors.

Through Operation Sindoor, India told the world that terrorism can no longer hide behind political or nuclear excuses. If a country shelters or supports terrorists, it will face consequences.

Read the article on the Foreign Policy Making in India!

Conclusion

India’s new counter-terrorism doctrine marks a serious and historic shift in how the country plans to protect itself. From being patient and defensive, India has now become bold, quick, and clear in its actions. Operation Sindoor has not only changed India’s security policy but also set a new standard in the global war on terror. India has shown that it will not stay silent against terrorism, no matter who supports it or where it comes from. This doctrine could shape peace and security in South Asia and influence how other countries deal with terrorism too.

Read the article on the Achievements of India's Foreign Policy!

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