Art of War in Action

The recent militant attack on tourists in Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, has reignited tensions between India and Pakistan, pushing their fragile relationship to the brink. India’s response swift, calculated, and diplomatic mirrors the timeless wisdom of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War.

Far from being confined to ancient battlefields, Sun Tzu’s strategies offer profound lessons for nations, businesses, and individuals navigating conflict and chaos.

In this post, we explore how India is applying these principles to counter Pakistan’s hostility, while drawing parallels to practical applications in business and daily life. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone seeking wisdom, Sun Tzu’s teachings, as reflected in India’s actions, provide actionable insights for all.

A Strike and a Strategic Response

On a serene day in Pahalgam, Kashmir, gunmen shattered the peace, killing 26 tourists and wounding 17. India swiftly pointed to Pakistan’s alleged role, citing cross-border linkages, though Pakistan denied involvement.

Rather than resorting to military escalation, India unleashed a barrage of diplomatic measures: suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari-Wagah border, expelling Pakistani diplomats, and revoking visas for Pakistani nationals.

These moves, executed with precision, reflect Sun Tzu’s philosophy of winning without fighting, adapting to the terrain, and striking at the opportune moment. Let’s unpack how India’s strategy aligns with Sun Tzu’s core principles and tactics, and how you can apply these in your own life.

Core Rules of Strategy in Action

Sun Tzu’s Wisdom, “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”

Instead of military retaliation, which risks escalating into a nuclear standoff, India chose diplomatic and economic pressure. Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty a lifeline for Pakistan’s agriculture sends a powerful message without firing a shot.

This move leverages Pakistan’s dependency on shared waters, compelling introspection without direct confrontation.

Business Application, Negotiate win-win deals that secure your goals while leaving competitors with something to gain. For example, a startup might partner with a rival on a joint project, gaining market share without a costly price war.

Resolve personal disputes through calm dialogue. If a friend misunderstands you, explain your perspective over coffee rather than escalating into an argument.

Sun Tzu’s Wisdom, “Be like water making its way through cracks adapt to the situation.”

India’s response was fluid, targeting multiple fronts diplomacy, trade, and water rights based on the evolving crisis. By closing the Attari-Wagah border and banning Pakistani films, India disrupted economic and cultural ties, adapting to Pakistan’s vulnerabilities in real-time.

Pivot when market trends shift. If a retail store sees declining foot traffic, it might launch an e-commerce platform to capture online shoppers.

Life Application, Embrace flexibility during setbacks. If a job loss disrupts your plans, upskill or explore a new career path instead of resisting change.

Sun Tzu’s Wisdom: “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war.”

India’s measures suggest meticulous planning. The decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 agreement that survived three wars, indicates a pre-assessed strategy to exploit Pakistan’s reliance on Indus waters (90% of its agriculture depends on it). This was no impulsive reaction but a calculated strike.

Business Application: Anticipate scenarios before launching a product. A tech company might stress-test software for bugs or market shifts to avoid post-launch chaos.

Life Application: Always have a backup plan. If you’re planning a family vacation, research alternative destinations in case of unexpected weather or cancellations.

Sun Tzu’s Wisdom: “All warfare is based on deception.”

India’s public rhetoric, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vow to pursue attackers “to the ends of the earth,” projects strength while keeping specific plans ambiguous. By not disclosing evidence of Pakistan’s involvement, India keeps its adversary guessing, maintaining strategic leverage.

Keep competitors off-balance. A company might hint at a new product launch to deter rivals from rushing their own, without revealing the exact timeline.

Share your goals selectively. If you’re training for a marathon, let your progress surprise others rather than boasting early and inviting pressure.

Five Tactics for Modern Warriors

1. Know Your Battleground

Sun Tzu’s Quote: “If you know the enemy and yourself, victory is certain.”

India’s response reflects deep knowledge of Pakistan’s weaknesses its reliance on Indus waters, trade routes, and diplomatic presence. By targeting these, India exploits vulnerabilities while safeguarding its own interests.

Business Tactic: Audit your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. If you run a café, study a rival’s menu gaps perhaps they lack vegan options and fill that niche.

Life Tactic: Identify personal habits holding you back. If procrastination stalls your studies, track your time to pinpoint distractions and eliminate them.

2. Lead with Respect, Not Fear

Sun Tzu’s Quote: “Treat people as beloved sons; they’ll follow you anywhere.”

India’s diplomatic offensive is paired with domestic unity. Modi’s call for solidarity in his Mann Ki Baat address rallied 1.4 billion Indians, fostering trust and resolve without coercive tactics.

Business Tactic: Inspire your team with empathy. A manager who listens to employees’ concerns and celebrates their wins builds loyalty over fear driven micromanaging.

Life Tactic: Strengthen relationships through kindness. Support a struggling friend with encouragement, not judgment, to deepen your bond.

3. Strike When the Iron’s Hot

Sun Tzu’s Quote: “Opportunities multiply as they’re seized.”

India acted swiftly post-attack, announcing measures within 48 hours. The timing during a high-profile US visit by Vice President JD Vance amplified global attention, pressuring Pakistan diplomatically.

Business Tactic: Launch products when demand peaks. A fashion brand might release a winter collection just as temperatures drop, capitalising on customer need.

Life Tactic: Seize fleeting opportunities. If a dream job posting appears, apply immediately rather than hesitating and missing the deadline.

4. Fight on Your Terms

Sun Tzu’s Quote: “Appear weak when you’re strong.”

India’s measured response avoids military escalation, projecting restraint while wielding economic and diplomatic power.

This underpromising stance allows India to overdeliver if further action is needed.

Underpromise and overdeliver. A freelancer might quote a week for a project but deliver in three days, delighting clients.

Let actions speak louder than words. Instead of boasting about your gym routine, quietly show up and let your fitness results shine.

5. Turn Chaos into Power

Sun Tzu’s Quote: “In chaos, there is opportunity.”

The Kashmir attack disrupted India’s narrative of peace in the region, but India turned the crisis into a chance to assert dominance. By suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, India reframed the narrative, putting Pakistan on the defensive.

Innovate during downturns. A restaurant facing a supply chain crisis might create a new menu with local ingredients, attracting eco-conscious customers.

Use adversity to grow. If a breakup shakes your confidence, channel the pain into self-improvement, like learning a new skill or hobby.

The Ultimate Victory: Strategy Over Force

Sun Tzu’s timeless truth “Strategy beats force” is vividly illustrated in India’s response to the Kashmir attack. By wielding diplomacy over military might, India aims to dominate the geopolitical stage without burning bridges, preserving its global image as a responsible power.

The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of borders, and diplomatic expulsions are not just retaliatory they are strategic moves to compel Pakistan to reconsider its stance on terrorism.

For readers of all ages, Sun Tzu’s principles offer a roadmap to navigate life’s battles, big and small.

In business, they teach you to outsmart competitors without wasteful conflicts.

In life, they empower you to resolve disputes, adapt to change, and seize opportunities with wisdom.

Whether you’re a teenager facing peer pressure, a professional climbing the career ladder, or a retiree seeking purpose, these strategies are universal.

The next time you face a challenge, ask yourself:

How can I win without fighting?

How can I adapt like water?

The answers will guide you to victory, just as they guide India today.