Pulwama Attack: Did India Retaliate Against Pakistan?

The Pulwama attack, a tragic event that shook India in February 2019, saw a convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway targeted by a suicide bomber. This devastating attack resulted in the deaths of at least 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, leading to widespread outrage and calls for retribution within India. Following the attack, the obvious question on everyone's mind was: did India retaliate against Pakistan? The answer is complex, involving both military and diplomatic actions. Let's dive into the details of what happened after the Pulwama attack and explore India's response.

Immediate Reactions and Initial Responses

Following the Pulwama attack, the immediate reaction in India was one of shock and grief, quickly followed by anger and a strong demand for action. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condemned the attack in the strongest terms, vowing to hold those responsible accountable. In the hours and days following the attack, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched an investigation to determine the perpetrators and the extent of the conspiracy. Simultaneously, the Indian government began exploring various response options, including diplomatic, economic, and military measures. Public sentiment overwhelmingly favored a strong response, with many calling for direct military action against Pakistan, which was accused of harboring the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), the group that claimed responsibility for the attack. The government faced immense pressure to act decisively and send a strong message that such acts of terror would not be tolerated. This initial period was characterized by heightened tensions and a flurry of activity as the government weighed its options and prepared its response. The government's immediate actions included heightened security measures across the country, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, and the launch of a diplomatic offensive to isolate Pakistan internationally. India also revoked Pakistan's Most Favored Nation (MFN) trade status and increased customs duties on goods imported from Pakistan. These initial steps were aimed at signaling India's resolve and setting the stage for a more comprehensive response.

The Balakot Airstrike: India's Military Response

The most significant military action taken by India in response to the Pulwama attack was the Balakot airstrike. On February 26, 2019, twelve days after the Pulwama attack, Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and struck a JeM training camp in Balakot, a town in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The airstrike was described by the Indian government as a preemptive strike against a terrorist training camp, intended to prevent further attacks on Indian soil. According to Indian officials, the airstrike resulted in the deaths of a large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, and senior commanders. The operation was executed with precision and secrecy, catching the Pakistani military by surprise. The Indian government presented the airstrike as a necessary act of self-defense, given Pakistan's alleged failure to take action against terrorist groups operating within its borders. The Balakot airstrike was a major escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, marking the first time since the 1971 war that Indian warplanes had crossed the LoC to strike targets inside Pakistan. The airstrike was met with widespread jubilation in India, with many viewing it as a fitting response to the Pulwama attack. However, the Pakistani government denied that the airstrike had caused significant damage or casualties, claiming that the Indian jets had merely struck a forested area. The international community reacted cautiously, urging both sides to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. The Balakot airstrike was a clear signal of India's willingness to use military force against terrorist groups operating from Pakistani soil, and it significantly altered the dynamics of the relationship between the two countries. It demonstrated India's resolve to protect its national security and send a strong message to Pakistan that it would not tolerate cross-border terrorism.

Aftermath and Pakistan's Response

In the aftermath of the Balakot airstrike, tensions between India and Pakistan reached a fever pitch. Pakistan condemned the airstrike as a violation of its sovereignty and vowed to retaliate. The day after the airstrike, Pakistani fighter jets crossed the LoC and engaged in aerial combat with Indian warplanes. During the skirmish, an Indian MiG-21 fighter jet was shot down, and its pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was captured by Pakistani forces. The capture of Abhinandan became a major point of contention between the two countries, with India demanding his immediate and unconditional release. Amidst mounting international pressure, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that Abhinandan would be released as a gesture of peace. Abhinandan's release was widely welcomed as a step towards de-escalation, but tensions remained high. The incident also led to renewed calls for dialogue between India and Pakistan to address the root causes of the conflict. Pakistan's response to the Balakot airstrike was multifaceted. In addition to the military response, Pakistan also launched a diplomatic offensive to condemn India's actions and garner international support. Pakistan argued that India's airstrike was a violation of international law and a threat to regional peace and stability. Pakistan also took steps to crack down on terrorist groups operating within its borders, including arresting several JeM members and seizing their assets. However, India maintained that Pakistan's actions were not enough and that it needed to take concrete and verifiable steps to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure on its soil. The aftermath of the Balakot airstrike was characterized by a delicate balance between de-escalation and the potential for further conflict. While both sides took steps to avoid a full-scale war, the underlying tensions remained, and the relationship between India and Pakistan continued to be strained.

Diplomatic and Economic Measures

Beyond the Balakot airstrike, India also employed a range of diplomatic and economic measures in response to the Pulwama attack. On the diplomatic front, India launched a major offensive to isolate Pakistan internationally, highlighting its alleged support for terrorism and calling on the international community to take action. India successfully lobbied to have JeM chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council, a significant diplomatic victory. India also worked to strengthen its relationships with key countries, including the United States, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, to garner support for its position. Economically, India took steps to increase pressure on Pakistan, including revoking its Most Favored Nation (MFN) trade status and increasing customs duties on goods imported from Pakistan. These measures were aimed at hurting the Pakistani economy and sending a message that supporting terrorism would come at a cost. India also worked to reduce its dependence on Pakistani transit routes for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia, exploring alternative routes through Iran. The diplomatic and economic measures were an important part of India's overall response to the Pulwama attack, complementing the military action and sending a strong message to Pakistan that its behavior was unacceptable. These measures also helped to build international pressure on Pakistan to take action against terrorist groups operating within its borders. India's diplomatic efforts were particularly successful in raising awareness of the issue of cross-border terrorism and garnering support for its position from key countries. The economic measures, while having a limited impact on the Pakistani economy, served as a symbolic gesture of India's resolve and willingness to use all available tools to address the issue of terrorism.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Response

In conclusion, India's response to the Pulwama attack was multifaceted, involving military, diplomatic, and economic measures. The Balakot airstrike was the most visible and impactful military action, sending a strong message that India would not tolerate cross-border terrorism. However, the airstrike was just one part of a broader strategy that also included diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan internationally and economic measures to increase pressure on the Pakistani government. While the immediate crisis following the Pulwama attack and the Balakot airstrike eventually subsided, the underlying tensions between India and Pakistan remain. The Pulwama attack and its aftermath served as a stark reminder of the challenges of dealing with cross-border terrorism and the complex dynamics of the relationship between India and Pakistan. The events also highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach that combines military, diplomatic, and economic tools to address the issue of terrorism and promote regional stability. Ultimately, the Pulwama attack and India's response had a lasting impact on the relationship between the two countries, shaping their interactions and influencing their policies for years to come. The incident underscored the need for continued dialogue and cooperation to address the root causes of the conflict and prevent future acts of terrorism. So, to answer the initial question: yes, India did retaliate after the Pulwama attack, employing a combination of strategies to address the situation.