Today marks the sombre fifth anniversary of the Pulwama terror attack, a tragic incident that claimed the lives of 40 Indian security personnel. The attack, attributed to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) led by the internationally proscribed terrorist Masood Azhar, triggered a series of events that had significant geopolitical implications.
In response to the Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force (IAF) executed a punitive strike on a terrorist training facility in Pakistan, termed ‘Operation Bandar,’ on February 26, 2019. This operation, kept confidential until execution, garnered international support as a just response to terrorism. However, it also escalated tensions, leading to a subsequent retaliation by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), resulting in the downing of an IAF MiG-21 and the capture of its pilot.
Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan deteriorated rapidly post-Pulwama. India withdrew Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan, and the two nations suspended bilateral trade. Consulates were closed, and staff withdrawn, with little hope for reconciliation given the complex political landscape.
Two days after the Pulwama attack, the IAF showcased its firepower in Exercise Vayushakti, a demonstration involving 140 fighters displaying precision targeting capabilities. This display was a prelude to the subsequent Operation Bandar and served to exhibit India’s military strength.
On the fifth anniversary of Pulwama, the upcoming Vayushakti exercise, scheduled for February 17, 2024, will feature 121 aircraft, including indigenous Tejas, Prachand, and Dhruv, along with the Rafale, making its debut. The exercise aims not only to highlight military capabilities but also to focus on interoperability and synergy between different branches of the armed forces.
In the aftermath of Pulwama, Pakistan has faced challenges on the international front, losing strategic significance with the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Economic struggles, electoral uncertainties, and IMF bailouts further diminish its prospects. In contrast, India continues on a trajectory of growth and responsible global engagement.
While India has demonstrated political will and military capabilities in recent conflicts, challenges persist, especially in the face of the border dispute with China. The need to bolster indigenous defence production and prioritise inter-service requirements is emphasised. The military-industrial complex must evolve to meet contemporary demands, shedding outdated practices for the nation’s benefit.
As we reflect on the Pulwama attack’s fifth anniversary, the tribute to the martyred soldiers is intertwined with a call for a robust military preparedness and a forward-looking defence strategy in an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape. The Exercise Vayushakti serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its interests amid uncertainty and potential conflicts.
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