India has officially declared its four-day military confrontation with Pakistan a complete strategic success, according to top government sources speaking to India Today TV. The operation, which began on May 7 as retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, was meticulously planned and executed with three clear objectives: military retaliation, political signaling, and psychological dominance.
Military Success
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly gave a clear directive to eliminate terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan—his objective encapsulated by the phrase "mitti me mila denge" (reduce to dust). India struck nine major terror launch pads operated by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen, deep within Pakistani territory. These strikes destroyed training camps, logistics hubs, and key operational centers.
Among the most significant hits:
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Jaish-e-Mohammed's headquarters in Bahawalpur, roughly 100 km from the Line of Control (LoC).
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Lashkar-e-Taiba's training base in Muridke, near Lahore, which is closely linked to the ISI.
This offensive was consistent with Modi’s "ghus ke maarenge" (we will hit them in their own backyard) doctrine, a marked escalation from previous responses to terror attacks. Sources said the mission was accomplished with precision, minimizing collateral damage while maximizing symbolic impact.
Psychological and Political Impact
The strikes have delivered a powerful psychological victory. India demonstrated that terrorist groups and their patrons are no longer safe inside Pakistan, shattering any perceived safe havens. The public sentiment in India has shifted toward confidence in the country’s ability to defend itself with decisive force.
Politically, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty—a landmark agreement dating back to 1960 that had endured through three wars. Delhi has now tied the treaty’s fate to Pakistan’s stance on terrorism, dramatically raising the diplomatic stakes.
Diplomatic Messaging
During de-escalation talks, Prime Minister Modi reportedly issued a stern warning to US Vice President JD Vance, saying:
“If they attack, we will attack stronger.”This firm stance underscored India’s refusal to tolerate provocations or external pressure to show restraint.
Meanwhile, the government dismissed Pakistan’s attempts to raise the nuclear threat, calling it a habitual tactic. Contrary to Pakistani claims, no discussions about nuclear risks occurred between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, sources confirmed.
Summary
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Military: All targeted terror sites destroyed; India struck deep inside Pakistan, including Bahawalpur and Muridke.
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Political: Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty marks a serious diplomatic escalation.
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Psychological: Sent a message that India will not only defend itself but strike at the core of terror operations.
This series of actions has redefined India’s approach to national security, moving from defensive posture to assertive deterrence.
