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Pulwama Attack Sparks Retaliatory Airstrike and Tense Standoff

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. ks-retaliatory-airstrike-and-tense-standoff.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 23:12 GMT by RepublicWorld
      Locales: Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA

The Attack and Immediate Aftermath:

The Pulwama attack was particularly devastating due to its scale and the deliberate targeting of a large contingent of security personnel. The method - a vehicle-borne suicide attack - mirrored tactics employed by terrorist organizations in other regions, raising concerns about the increasing sophistication and reach of these groups. The immediate aftermath was one of national outrage and grief, swiftly followed by a strong call for action.

Within days of the attack, India launched Operation Balakot - a non-military airstrike targeting a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) training camp in Balakot, Pakistan. While Operation Balakot aimed to send a clear message that India would no longer tolerate cross-border terrorism, it also triggered a brief but tense standoff between India and Pakistan, bringing the two nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of conflict. The subsequent aerial skirmish saw the downing of an Indian MiG-21 fighter jet and the capture of its pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was later released by Pakistan as a gesture of de-escalation.

India's Counter-Terrorism Evolution Since Pulwama:

The Pulwama attack and its aftermath have fundamentally reshaped India's counter-terrorism strategy. Prior to 2019, the focus was largely on containment and managing the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the scale of the Pulwama attack demanded a more proactive and comprehensive approach. Here's how India has adapted:

• Enhanced Intelligence Gathering: Significant investments have been made in bolstering intelligence gathering capabilities, both domestically and through international cooperation. This includes advanced surveillance technologies, human intelligence networks, and improved data analysis.
• Strengthened Border Security: Efforts have been intensified to fortify border security along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border with Pakistan. This has involved deploying advanced surveillance equipment, increasing troop presence, and constructing additional fencing and barriers.
• Increased Focus on Counter-Terror Financing: India has actively worked with international organizations to disrupt the flow of funds to terrorist groups operating within the country and across the border. This includes implementing stricter financial regulations and collaborating with global partners to identify and sanction terrorist financiers.
• Proactive Counter-Terror Operations: Security forces have been given greater latitude to conduct proactive counter-terror operations, targeting known terrorist hideouts and disrupting their networks. This has resulted in a significant number of successful operations in Jammu and Kashmir, and also in various other parts of the country.
• Diplomatic Efforts: India has actively pursued diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan internationally and build a global consensus against terrorism. This has involved raising the issue of Pakistan's support for terrorism at international forums and seeking international cooperation in designating terrorist groups and individuals.

The Current Landscape and Future Challenges:

While India has made significant strides in strengthening its counter-terrorism capabilities, the threat remains very real. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the subsequent reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir have led to a noticeable decline in terrorist activity in the region, but sporadic attacks continue to occur. Furthermore, the rise of new terrorist groups and the increasing use of technology for recruitment and radicalization pose new challenges.

The evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly the situation in Afghanistan, also presents potential risks. India needs to remain vigilant and adapt its counter-terrorism strategy to address these emerging threats. Continued international cooperation, robust intelligence gathering, and a proactive security posture will be crucial to ensure the safety and security of the nation. Remembering the sacrifice of the 40 CRPF personnel on this day serves as a solemn reminder of the constant vigilance required to safeguard India from the scourge of terrorism.