In a bold and reflective statement, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressed the evolving contours of India’s national security policy in light of Operation Sindoor, asserting that the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks “warranted a response” at the time, but the “times have changed now.”
Speaking at a high-level security summit on Saturday, Jaishankar said that the recent Op Sindoor was a manifestation of India’s new doctrine of “proactive defense and calibrated retaliation.” Without naming Pakistan directly, the minister emphasized that India no longer views cross-border terrorism as something to be “endured” but as an unacceptable provocation demanding accountability.
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“There was a time when restraint was mistaken for weakness,” Jaishankar said. “26/11 was a trauma that shook the nation. It warranted a response then, but the political calculus was different. Today, India is more confident, more capable, and more determined to protect its citizens by all means necessary.”
What Was Op Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor, conducted earlier this month, involved targeted precision strikes against terror infrastructure across the LoC. The classified mission reportedly dismantled three major terror camps believed to be harboring operatives involved in recent attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to official sources, the operation was launched in response to a series of coordinated ambushes on Indian security personnel in Rajouri and Poonch sectors. The operation has been widely praised within the defense establishment for its swiftness, minimal collateral damage, and successful intelligence integration.
A Message Beyond Borders
Jaishankar’s remarks carry strategic weight as they underline a significant shift in India’s posture—from reactive to proactive—especially in dealing with cross-border threats. While the 26/11 attacks in 2008 led to diplomatic isolation of Pakistan but no military retaliation, recent incidents have seen the Indian armed forces respond with calibrated force.
“India has made it clear that it will not be a silent spectator. If you cross a line, there will be consequences,” Jaishankar said.
The minister’s remarks also come amid growing global recognition of India’s right to self-defense in the face of asymmetric warfare. Several foreign governments, while urging restraint, have acknowledged India’s security concerns and called for dismantling of terrorist safe havens.
Political and Strategic Implications
Analysts say Jaishankar’s comments serve both as a historical reckoning and a signal of India’s matured military and diplomatic posture. “This is a clear articulation of India’s red lines. While 26/11 went unanswered militarily, that’s no longer the case today,” said strategic affairs expert Lt. Gen. (Retd.) D. S. Hooda.
Jaishankar, known for his assertive foreign policy approach, has consistently advocated for a national security architecture that prioritizes deterrence through strength. His statement on Operation Sindoor reinforces the message that India will no longer wait for the world’s sympathy before taking action.
Conclusion
As India marks over 16 years since the tragic Mumbai attacks, the country’s foreign policy and military doctrine have undergone a significant transformation. Jaishankar’s remarks on 26/11 and Operation Sindoor underscore a fundamental shift—one that favors strategic clarity, swift retribution, and an unambiguous message to adversaries: India’s patience has limits, and its capabilities now match its resolve.