India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed nations, recently engaged in unprecedented sustained military exchanges, marking a historic first in global conflict dynamics, said Dr. Walter Ladwig of King’s College London. His analysis, Calibrated Force: Operation Sindoor and the Future of Indian Deterrence, was published by the Royal United Services Institute.
India launched Operation Sindoor following the April 22 Pahalgam terror strike, which claimed 26 tourist lives. The campaign targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and PoK, linked to The Resistance Front, a proxy of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba group.
Dr. Ladwig emphasized that the operation aimed at punishing terrorist actors, not inciting full-scale war. He pointed out this is uncharted territory, as nuclear powers have rarely exchanged aerial strikes. He referenced the 2019 Balakot airstrikes as a turning point, noting India’s growing confidence and evolving strategy.
The Indian Air Force’s precision and coordination underscored its improved capabilities, reflecting a decade of military enhancements. The shift from covert to overt action, beginning with 2016’s surgical strikes, highlights a significant change in India’s posture.
After three nights of back-and-forth air engagements, both nations agreed to cease hostilities by May 10. According to Ladwig, India’s doctrine now places responsibility on the adversary to prevent terrorist activity—shifting the burden of proof.
He cautioned, however, that terrorists will adapt, making future targeting harder. While India gained international support, it must continue building credibility globally.
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