Why in News: 26th anniversary of the Kargil War (1999) coincides with recent developments in India’s security strategy.
Kargil War:
- Background: Fought in 1999 between India and Pakistan in Kashmir; first live-televised Indian war.
Lessons from the Kargil War
1. Limited War under Nuclear Overhang: Proved that localized conflict is possible even between nuclear-armed nations with restrained escalation.
2. Intelligence Gaps: Lack of real-time intelligence and aerial surveillance delayed early detection and response.
3. Operational Shortcomings: Revealed inadequacies in equipment, logistics, and training for high-altitude combat.
4. Civil-Military Coordination: Emphasized the need for better synergy between armed forces and intelligence agencies.
Key Reforms After Kargil War
1. Security Structure Overhaul
- Kargil Review Committee (KRC): Headed by K. Subrahmanyam; highlighted intelligence & defence management lapses.
- Result: Revamp of national security architecture.
2. Creation of CDS
- Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): Single-point military advisor to govt; promotes jointness among Army, Navy, Air Force.
3. Tri-Service Commands
- Andaman & Nicobar Command: First integrated command for future theatre command testing.
4. Intelligence Reforms
- NTRO: Boosts technical intelligence.
- DIA: Coordinates military intelligence.
5. Border Security Enhancements
- Modern surveillance tech: Thermal imaging, sensors, radars.
6. Operational & Technological Reforms
- Upgraded weaponry: e.g., Dhanush, Akash missiles.
7. Improved Coordination
- Real-time intelligence sharing across services.
- Joint exercises institutionalised.
8. Counter-Terrorism Strengthening
- IB given leading role.
9. Indigenous Navigation System
- IRNSS (NavIC): Developed after US denial of GPS during war.
10. Doctrinal Shifts
- Cold Start Doctrine conceptualised.
India’s Long Struggle Against Terrorism
Early Challenges:
- IC-814 hijacking (1999), Parliament attack (2001), and 26/11 (2008) lacked decisive military retaliation.
- Highlighted strategic restraint despite public outrage.
Shift in Strategy:
- Uri (2016): First surgical strikes across LoC.
- Pulwama (2019): Prompted Balakot airstrikes, crossing Pakistan airspace for the first time.
Operation Sindoor (2025):
- After Pahalgam attack killed 26 civilians, India launched deep strikes on terror camps and military bases.
- Disabled nuclear sites; Pakistan sought ceasefire.
- Marked a bold escalation in counter-terror doctrine.
- Clear shift from defensive posture to decisive military retaliation.
Strategic Continuity & Assertiveness
- Kargil taught India the importance of military readiness and institutional reform.
- Pahalgam reflects the culmination of those reforms with assertive, coordinated action.
- India’s security doctrine has evolved—from restraint to retaliation.
Conclusion: If Kargil was a watershed moment for India in its conventional fighting capability, Pahalgam has set the bar against any future terror attack in India.”
UPSC RELEVANCE
GS Paper 3: Internal Security & Defence
- Evolution of India’s national security strategy post-Kargil.
GS Paper 2: International Relations
India-Pakistan relations and the role of cross-border terrorism.
Mains Practice Question
Q. “The Kargil War of 1999 was a turning point in India’s national security architecture. In light of recent cross-border terror incidents and India’s military responses, critically analyses the evolution of India’s security strategy and its implications for regional stability.”