Subject: Internal Security

India's strategic response to cross-border terrorism through 'Hot Pursuit' and 'Surgical Strikes' demonstrates its evolving military doctrine and commitment to protecting national security against asymmetric threats.

Strategic Benefits

• Deterrence Effect: These operations serve as a powerful deterrent by demonstrating India's capability and willingness to respond decisively to terrorist threats (e.g., 2016 Uri surgical strikes).

• Intelligence Capabilities: Such operations enhance intelligence gathering mechanisms and strengthen coordination between various security agencies like RAW, IB, and Military Intelligence.

• Operational Readiness: Regular conduct of such operations improves the combat preparedness of special forces units like Para SF and MARCOS.

• Diplomatic Leverage: Success in counter-terrorism operations strengthens India's position in international forums like the FATF and UNSC in addressing terrorism.

Strategic Challenges

• Escalation Risk: Military actions across borders carry the risk of escalating into larger conflicts, especially in nuclear-armed regions.

• International Relations: Cross-border operations can strain diplomatic ties, as evidenced by India's suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty and reduction in diplomatic staff following terror incidents.

• Legal Framework: Operations must align with international law and UN Charter Article 51 on self-defense while respecting territorial sovereignty.

Impact Assessment

• Operational Success: Data shows a significant reduction in terrorism-related incidents from 457 in 2022 to 267 in 2023, indicating the effectiveness of such strategic responses.

• Regional Security: These operations have contributed to improved border security and reduced cross-border infiltration, achieving "zero infiltration" in certain periods of 2023.

• Public Opinion: Successful operations boost national morale and demonstrate the government's commitment to national security.

The strategic impact of 'Hot Pursuit' and 'Surgical Strikes' has been transformative in India's counter-terrorism approach, exemplified by operations like Operation All Out and Operation Clean Sweep, while maintaining the delicate balance between national security and international stability.