The Morning Brief

Battle Beyond Borders

May 10, 2025

Manu Pubby, a senior editor and defense expert at The Economic Times, dives into the escalating military tensions in Kashmir. He unpacks India’s recent precision strikes on Pakistan-based terror groups and the ensuing retaliatory actions. The discussion reveals a significant shift in India’s military strategy towards preemptive warfare. Pubby examines the dire conditions in Kashmir, the complexities of modern warfare, and the psychological toll on civilians, raising crucial questions about the future of security in the region.

22:58

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Manu Pubby

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Quick takeaways

India's military strategy has shifted towards pre-emptive strikes against terrorist targets in Pakistan, significantly altering its operational approach.

The escalating conflict raises concerns about regional stability, with the potential for routine military operations and increased risks of miscalculation.

Deep dives

Escalating Tensions in Kashmir

The situation in Kashmir is characterized by a significant rise in hostilities and uncertainty, with fears of an impending escalation of violence. Recent military actions have seen India conducting precision strikes against targets in Pakistan, specifically aimed at notorious terrorist organizations responsible for attacks on Indian soil. This escalation has been marked by heavy shelling along the line of control, blackouts in the region, and the loss of civilian lives, contributing to an atmosphere of fear and hopelessness. The locals, once enjoying a period of normalcy, now find themselves facing the resurgence of conditions reminiscent of the late 1990s.

Intro

4min

Isolation and Struggle in Kashmir Amidst Conflict

2min

Escalating Tensions and Surveillance in Kashmir

4min

Evolving Military Strategies: India and Cross-Border Operations

7min

Tensions and Tactical Strategies in Regional Conflicts

6min

In the early hours of Wednesday, May 7—well past midnight—India launched a precise, 23-minute military operation targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. These locations were reportedly strongholds of two of the world’s most notorious terror groups: Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Indian Rafale jets deployed SCALP and HAMMER missiles in the strikes, in what appeared to be a retaliatory act not only against the recent Pahalgam attack, but against a long history of terror incidents—Red Fort, Parliament, Mumbai train blasts, Pathankot, Uri, Pulwama—stretching back to the Kargil conflict.

According to Indian government sources, over 100 militants were killed in the strikes. Pakistan launched a retaliatory attack using drones and missiles, reportedly aimed at as many as 15 cities across northern India. The Indian government stated that all incoming threats were intercepted, primarily using its S-400 air defence systems.

India then escalated further, crossing deeper into Pakistani territory than ever before. It neutralized an air defence radar installation in Lahore and conducted operations in sites at Sialkot and even near Islamabad.

This marks a significant shift in India’s military posture—from punitive strikes to potentially pre-emptive warfare. As the lines blur between militants, soldiers, and civilians, critical questions emerge: Is this the new normal in India’s security doctrine? How long can Pakistan withstand a prolonged conflict, economically and militarily? Will China’s support to Pakistan—currently limited to weapons supply—expand into something more direct? And, crucially, what diplomatic or military paths remain open for de-escalation before the region tips into broader instability?

Host Anirban Chowdhury discusses with ET’s Manu Pubby and Hakim Irfan Rashid

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Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more.

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