UPSC Mains 2016 · GS III · Q17 · 12.5 marks · 200 words

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.

हिन्दी में

‘उग्र अनुसरण’ एवं ‘शल्यक प्रहार’ पदों का प्रयोग प्रायः आतंकी हमलों के विरुद्ध सैन्य कार्यवाही के लिए किया जाता है। इस प्रकार की कार्यवाहियों के युद्धनीतिक प्रभाव की विवेचना कीजिए।

TerrorismBorder Management

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “'Operation Sindoor' signals a strategic evolution in India's approach to cross-border terrorism. Analyze.”

Ujjwal PriyankAIR 10 · CSE 2025 · 150 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

The "Operation Sindoor" that was conducted against the terrorist outfits in Pakistan who had role in Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.

It marks a evolution in India's approach to combat terrorism:

Body · points

  1. India plan to provide a retaliation, thus demolishing the attack bases in Bahawalpur in Pakistan.

  2. India provided a non-escalatory approach without damaging any civilian base in Pakistan.

  3. Modiji has provided for a doctrine that makes India resilient to any nuclear blackmail.

  4. No differentiation between a terrorist and a terror sponsor.

  5. Involvement of women officers such as Shofia Qureshi and Vyomika Singh for highlighting changing nature of combat.

  6. India is no more the nation that will remain silent to violent attacks. → Rather, India's involving with the world through global outreach.

Close · a summary

"Operation Sindoor" is not just a military operation, rather a strategic approach of India for precision striking and non-escalatory action against terrorism.

2 more toppers’ answers to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper III, Q17. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.