From Kargil to Pahalgam: India's Two-Decade Strategic Transformation
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Internal Security (Kargil War, Counter-terror operations, Defence reforms), Governance (Chief of Defence Staff - CDS, National Security Adviser - NSA, Defence Intelligence Agency - DIA, National Technical Research Organisation - NTRO), Science & Tech (BrahMos, Rafale).
Mains:
GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas; various Security forces and agencies and their mandate; Linkages of organised crime with terrorism; Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Key Highlights from the News
On the 26th anniversary of the Kargil War in 1999, the article analyzes the changes in India's military and counter-terrorism strategies.
The Kargil War exposed several shortcomings in India's defense system. Primarily, intelligence lapses, shortage of military equipment, and lack of coordination between service branches.
Following the recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee, formed after the Kargil War, several structural changes were made to India's security system.
New agencies like the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) were established. The position of National Security Adviser (NSA) was made permanent.
To ensure better coordination among the service branches, the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was created, and steps were initiated to form integrated theatre commands.
There were also significant changes in India's policy against terrorism. India, which previously practiced restraint, adopted a proactive policy through Surgical Strikes after the Uri attack and Balakot Air Strikes after the Pulwama attack.
"Operation Sindoor," launched after the Pahalgam attack in 2025, is cited by the article as the latest example of India's new strong stance.
The article concludes by stating that India has learned many lessons on its journey from Kargil to Pahalgam, and India's defense capabilities are now very strong.
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