In the last decade, two major terrorist attacks—Uri in 2016 and Pulwama in 2019—marked turning points in India’s national security and foreign policy. These attacks, orchestrated by Pakistan-backed terror groups, did not just claim the lives of Indian soldiers—they triggered historic military responses, reshaping India’s counter-terrorism doctrine and sending strong diplomatic signals across the globe.
1. The Uri Attack (September 18, 2016)
What Happened?
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Four heavily armed terrorists attacked an Indian Army brigade headquarters near Uri, in Jammu and Kashmir.
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19 Indian soldiers were killed—making it the deadliest attack on the Indian Army in nearly two decades.
Who Was Behind It?
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The attackers were linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror group based in Pakistan.
India’s Response: Surgical Strikes (September 28, 2016)
For the first time in recent history, India publicly acknowledged cross-border retaliation.
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Indian Army’s Para Special Forces carried out surgical strikes on terror launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC).
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Precision strikes were carried out in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) using night-vision equipment and drones.
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Resulted in the elimination of dozens of terrorists and their handlers.
Global Reaction
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India gained significant diplomatic support from countries like the United States, France, and Israel.
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Pakistan denied the strikes took place, while India released evidence.
2. The Pulwama Attack (February 14, 2019)
What Happened?
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A suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.
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40 CRPF personnel were martyred.
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The attack was again claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, operating from Pakistani soil.
India’s Response: Balakot Air Strikes (February 26, 2019)
India crossed a major strategic threshold by striking deep into Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
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Indian Air Force deployed Mirage 2000 jets to target the terror training camp in Balakot.
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The strike was non-military and pre-emptive, specifically targeting JeM infrastructure.
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Marked India’s first air strike on Pakistani territory since the 1971 war.
Impact on India’s Counter-Terrorism Doctrine
Both attacks and India’s military responses ushered in a new era of proactive defense:
| Aspect | Pre-Uri/Pulwama | Post-Uri/Pulwama |
|---|---|---|
| Doctrine | Strategic restraint | Proactive retaliation |
| Targeting | Within borders | Across LoC & deep strikes |
| Diplomatic Strategy | Reactive | Aggressive international lobbying |
| Public Narrative | Controlled | Transparent and assertive |
Political and Public Sentiment
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The attacks united the nation, triggering massive public outrage and calls for justice.
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The government’s swift and decisive response gained widespread support.
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These events also influenced political narratives and electoral momentum during general elections.
International Diplomatic Fallout
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India intensified diplomatic pressure on Pakistan in global forums like the UN and FATF (Financial Action Task Force).
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Pakistan was grey-listed and faced increasing scrutiny over terror financing.
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Many global powers supported India’s right to self-defense.
Pakistan’s Reaction
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Pakistan denied both the surgical and air strikes.
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Following Balakot, Pakistan Air Force retaliated, leading to aerial combat over the LoC.
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Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured after his MiG-21 was shot down but was returned within 60 hours—garnering praise for Indian diplomacy and military decorum.
Conclusion: A Shift in India’s Security Posture
The Uri and Pulwama attacks were not just isolated acts of terrorism—they were inflection points in India’s security and military policy. From covert diplomacy to high-precision military operations, India demonstrated a zero-tolerance policy toward state-sponsored terror.
“India will not forgive. India will not forget.”
— Narendra Modi, 2019
As threats evolve, the legacy of Uri and Pulwama continues to shape India’s strategic thinking—a nation more prepared, more assertive, and more unified than ever befor
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