Kashmir Attack: How India Might Strike Pakistan and What History Suggests

The Kashmir conflict has long been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbors with a history of wars and skirmishes. Whenever a major terror attack occurs in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly if there is evidence or suspicion of Pakistani involvement, tensions escalate sharply. India’s response to such attacks has evolved over the years, and historical patterns offer clues about how it might act in the future.

Historical Background

The India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir began shortly after the partition in 1947. Since then, the two countries have fought three major wars (1947, 1965, and 1971), and a limited conflict in 1999 known as the Kargil War. Pakistan has often been accused of supporting terrorist groups operating in Indian-administered Kashmir, such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

India has increasingly moved from a purely defensive stance to a more assertive one, especially after the 2016 Uri attack and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. These attacks, which killed dozens of Indian soldiers, provoked strong military responses from India. In 2016, India carried out "surgical strikes" across the Line of Control (LoC), targeting terrorist launch pads. In 2019, the Indian Air Force conducted airstrikes deep inside Pakistan’s Balakot, targeting a JeM training camp — the first such air operation since the 1971 war.

How India Might Strike Again

If another major Kashmir-related terror attack occurs, India has several strategic options:

Surgical Strikes 2.0: Similar to 2016, India could launch special forces across the LoC to hit terror camps. These are limited in scale but send a strong message.

Airstrikes: India may conduct targeted air operations against terror infrastructure, as it did in Balakot. This carries the risk of escalation but demonstrates technological and strategic superiority.

Cyber Warfare: India could employ cyberattacks to disrupt Pakistan’s military or communication networks, an area of growing strategic importance.

Economic and Diplomatic Pressure: India may push for global isolation of Pakistan through diplomatic channels and economic measures, such as revoking trade ties or lobbying to blacklist Pakistan in global forums like the FATF.

Covert Operations: There is always the possibility of deniable covert actions designed to destabilize terror infrastructure without direct attribution.

Hybrid Warfare: A mix of military, diplomatic, economic, and information operations can be employed for sustained pressure.

Risks of Escalation

Any form of Indian military action carries the risk of retaliation by Pakistan. Both countries possess nuclear weapons, and international powers closely monitor their military movements. The 2019 airstrike episode brought the two nations close to a full-scale conflict, with fighter jets clashing and one Indian pilot captured and later released by Pakistan.

Therefore, while India might opt for strong retaliation, it must balance between punishing the perpetrators and avoiding a full-scale war.

Lessons from History

History shows that India’s strategic doctrine has evolved. Before 2016, India showed restraint even after deadly attacks like the 2008 Mumbai attacks. However, post-Uri and Pulwama, India has signaled a shift towards proactive and punitive responses.

At the same time, international diplomacy, economic stability, and public opinion also shape India's choices. A calculated, restrained, yet resolute response has been India’s pattern in recent years.

Conclusion

India's options in response to a Kashmir terror attack are varied and complex. While military action, including targeted strikes, is on the table, India must weigh these against the potential for escalation. History suggests that India is now more willing to use force — but within limits that avoid catastrophic war. The international community, meanwhile, plays a vital role in preventing the situation from spiraling out of control. Surgical Strikes 2.0: Similar to 2016, India could launch special forces across the LoC to hit terror camps. These are limited in scale but send a strong message.