• Dr. Ashish Ranjan

The gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, shook the nation. The brutal killing of 26 innocent tourists once again raised serious questions about India's security policy. Following this attack, India launched attacks on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7 under 'Operation Sindoor'. However, this military action appears to be part of an established pattern: attack, counter-attack, public support and then a return to the status quo. This raises the question whether our strategy is leading to a long-term solution?

In 1971, Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi adopted a well thought out strategy against Pakistan. She secured global support, secured the cooperation of the Soviet Union, and then took military action. This led to the creation of Bangladesh and permanently changed the balance of power in South Asia. Smt. Indira Gandhi did not rely on media propaganda or aggressive speeches; she relied on planning, policy and diplomacy. The Congress Party under her leadership kept national interest paramount, did not compromise India's dignity and did not deal with its neighbour at the mercy of any external power. She quietly built strength, took decisive steps and achieved long term goals.

Currently, the Modi government's policy is primarily focused on military response. After the recent conflict, a ceasefire was brokered by the US between India and Pakistan. President Donald Trump claimed that he averted a potential war. This situation shows that India should not depend on third party mediation in its neighbour's affairs. Prime Minister Modi clarified that India's military action was only postponed, and in case of future terrorist attacks, India would respond on its own terms. He warned Pakistan that if support to terrorism continued, India would again take military action. However, this approach does not seem to be a long-term solution. India is today among the fastest growing economies in the world. The country's global position is important. Yet the recent ceasefire with Pakistan happened due to external pressure, especially at the initiative of the US. The US gave priority to trade and stability and gave a clear message to both countries that if trade is to continue, then there has to be a retreat from confrontation. India accepted this ceasefire not on any initiative, but under indirect external pressure. This situation calls for introspection. A global power should not depend on third party opinions in its neighbouring affairs.

Indira Gandhi showed that national pride comes from within. She took decisions in India's interest, not waiting for external approval. Her record is a model of decisive and self-confident leadership. Her only political blemish, the internal Emergency, is part of India's history. Shri Rahul Gandhi, as today's responsible leader, has publicly acknowledged that chapter. His move closes that debate and highlights the need for broad unity on an issue like Pakistan. Leadership requires not just courage but vision. Smt. Indira Gandhi showed both combined. She prepared for war with the world. She ensured peace with India's strength. Today's leadership acts first, then reasons. A strong nation moves forward with preparation, not reaction. India needs a clear strategy, not just surgical strikes. The future belongs to those who learn from history and lead clearly. Smt. Indira Gandhi set that standard. It is time to reach that height again.

Today, when the country has taken bold military action against terror, it is even more important that the government does not limit it to just a reaction. All the national and regional political parties of the country have supported this step of the government and the army. In such a situation, it becomes the responsibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to call a special session of Parliament, in which there is a detailed discussion on Pakistan, cross-border terrorism and India's future security strategies. This will not only strengthen the spirit of democracy, but will also create confidence in the public that policies on national security are being made not only by the ruling party, but by the entire democratic system. This discussion is necessary even after the ceasefire so that we can prepare a solid and integrated approach to future threats, which will not only prevent terrorist attacks but will also make India's defense structure more robust.

(The author is a historian and analyst at Delhi University)