2016 · GS Paper 3 · Q17 · 12 marks
The terms 'Hot Pursuit' and 'Surgical Strikes' are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions.
In short
Hot pursuit and surgical strikes have moved India from strategic restraint to calibrated deterrence, raising the cost of proxy war, though they carry escalation risks and have not ended state-sponsored terror. Operation Sindoor in May 2025 hit nine terror camps, including Bahawalpur and Muridke.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 272 words
Deterrence by punishment
The strikes after the Uri attack, which killed 19 soldiers, raised the cost of proxy war for Pakistan.
Calling the nuclear bluff
Balakot and Operation Sindoor, which hit nine camps including Bahawalpur and Muridke, showed space for action below the nuclear threshold.
Doctrinal clarity
After Sindoor India declared that future terror attacks would be treated as acts of war.
Legitimacy and morale
Framed as self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, the strikes restored public and troop morale.
Escalation risk
Pakistan's air raid of 27 February 2019 and the four-day exchange of May 2025 show how fast limited strikes can escalate between nuclear neighbours.
Limited deterrence
Pulwama followed Uri and Pahalgam followed Balakot, so strikes punish sponsors but do not by themselves end state-sponsored terror.
Sovereignty and secrecy
Myanmar publicly denied that the 2015 raid occurred on its soil, and political contests over proof and credit can compromise operational secrecy.
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Extremism17 questions
Asked in 11 of 14 sittings since 2013
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.