What’s in Today’s Article?

• A Doctrinal Shift in India’s Security Strategy Latest News
• Background - Genesis of the ‘Thousand Cuts’ Doctrine
• Implementation of the Doctrine
• Recent Flashpoint - Pahalgam Massacre (2025)
• India’s Strategic Posture Before 2016
• Doctrinal Shift - Post-Uri and Beyond
• Operation Sindoon (2025), Pakistan’s Response and Escalation Risks
• Strategic Implications and the ‘New Normal’
• Key Challenges and Outlook
• Conclusion
• A Doctrinal Shift in India’s Security Strategy FAQs

A Doctrinal Shift in India’s Security Strategy Latest News

• India and Pakistan have shared a history of conflict since partition, with Pakistan adopting a strategy of proxy warfare to challenge India’s territorial integrity, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. 
• The evolution of Pakistan’s 'Thousand Cuts' doctrine and India’s calibrated responses have shaped a volatile and high-stakes security environment in South Asia.
• However, a doctrinal shift in India's security strategy (after 2016) has established a new normal, one where it directly targets terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan in response to attacks. 

Background - Genesis of the ‘Thousand Cuts’ Doctrine

• Bhutto’s 1965 UN speech and legacy:
  • Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s declaration at the UN Security Council in 1965: "Will wage war for 1,000 years".
  • This sentiment laid the ideological foundation for Pakistan’s long-term hostile posture toward India.
• Zia-ul-Haq and the strategic shift:
  • General Zia-ul-Haq institutionalized Bhutto’s rhetoric into the ‘Bleed India Through a Thousand Cuts’ doctrine.
  • Focus shifted to sub-conventional and proxy warfare, especially through militancy and infiltration.

Implementation of the Doctrine

• Lessons from Afghanistan:
  • Post-Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan (1989) inspired Pakistan.
  • US and Saudi-backed mujahideen became a template for low-cost insurgency warfare.
• Escalation in Kashmir and beyond:
  • 1989: Surge in Kashmir militancy.
  • Expansion to other Indian cities: 2001 Parliament attack, 2008 Mumbai attacks.
• Institutional support: Rise of terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), with alleged support from Pakistan’s security establishment.

Recent Flashpoint - Pahalgam Massacre (2025)

• April 22, 2025: 26 civilians brutally gunned down by terrorists in Pahalgam (J&K). 
• This was the latest sign that the ‘Thousand Cuts’ doctrine remains alive in Rawalpindi’s strategic thinking. 
• The attack came days after Pakistan’s military chief Gen. Asim Munir said “Kashmir is our jugular vein”.
• The Resistance Front (a front of LeT), initially claimed responsibility for the attack, but later denied any role.

India’s Strategic Posture Before 2016

• Traditional Indian response:
  • Diplomatic isolation of Pakistan.
  • Economic pressure (e.g., Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey-listing).
  • Reluctance for military retaliation due to:
    • Nuclear deterrence
    • International pressure
• Limited impact: Pakistan continued proxy war with low cost and high strategic gain.

Doctrinal Shift - Post-Uri and Beyond

• Surgical strikes (2016):
  • Following the JeM attack at the Indian Army Brigade headquarters in Uri (J&K), which killed 19 soldiers, India conducted a cross-border operation targeting terror launchpads and safe houses in PoK.
  • This was India’s first direct cross-border operation in PoK targeting terror infrastructure across the Line of Control in response to attacks.
• Balakot airstrike (2019):
  • Retaliation for the deadly suicide bombing in Pulwama. 
  • Strikes extended into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan (not limited to PoK).
• Impact:
  • This strategic shift did not immediately establish a strong deterrent. 
  • For example, the Uri response did not prevent the deadly suicide bombing in Pulwama. 
  • Similarly, the Balakot airstrike that followed Pulwama did not deter the attack on civilians in Pahalgam.

Operation Sindoon (2025), Pakistan’s Response and Escalation Risks

• Operation Sindoor (2025): In a response to the Pahalgam massacre, India struck 9 locations, including Pakistan’s heartland Bahawalpur and Muridke in Punjab, marking its largest aerial operation on Pakistani soil since 1971.
• Escalation post-Balakot:
  • Pakistan responded with aerial dogfight.
  • An Indian pilot was captured and later returned.
• Operation Sindoor fallout:
  • Pakistan chose to escalate by targeting military stations at Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur with drones and missiles, which were “swiftly neutralised”. 
  • India launched its counterattacks in the same domain and same intensity as Pakistan.
  • In essence, the killing of 26 Indians in Pahalgam by terrorists has brought India and Pakistan dangerously close to the brink of an all-out war.

Strategic Implications and the ‘New Normal’

• India’s new posture:
  • Emphasis on military retaliation alongside diplomatic and economic tools.
  • Sends a clear signal that sub-conventional war under nuclear cover is no longer tolerable.
• Changing rules of engagement:
  • India’s doctrine now includes cross-border operations.
  • Raised costs for Pakistan’s continued proxy war.

Key Challenges and Outlook

• Risks of escalation:
  • Every terror attack may now demand a military response from India, raising stakes.
  • Future governments may face domestic pressure to retaliate forcefully.
• Pakistan’s strategic dilemma:
  • Domestic instability:
    • Islamist militancy,
    • Baloch insurgency,
    • Political crisis,
    • Economic dependence on the IMF.
    • Raises doubts about Pakistan's capacity to sustain long-term hostility.

Conclusion

• India’s post-2016 doctrinal shift signals its resolve to respond militarily to terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil, redefining the terms of engagement between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. 
• While this strategic assertiveness aims to deter proxy war, it also increases the risks of escalation, demanding careful long-term calibration and diplomatic balancing.

A Doctrinal Shift in India’s Security Strategy FAQs

Q1. What is the 'Thousand Cuts' doctrine and how has it influenced Pakistan's strategic approach toward India?

Ans. The ‘Thousand Cuts’ doctrine is Pakistan’s strategy of using low-intensity, proxy warfare—including cross-border terrorism—to weaken India without engaging in full-scale war.

Q2. How did the 2016 Uri attack mark a doctrinal shift in India's counter-terrorism strategy?

Ans. Post-Uri, India shifted from a defensive diplomatic stance to a proactive strategy involving direct military retaliation through cross-border surgical strikes.

Q3. Explain the significance of the 2019 Balakot airstrike in the context of India-Pakistan relations.

Ans. The Balakot strike marked India’s expansion of military response beyond PoK into mainland Pakistan, signaling a new normal in India’s counter-terror doctrine.

Q4. What are the risks associated with India’s evolving military response to Pakistan-based terrorism?

Ans. The new strategy increases the risk of rapid escalation into conventional war, especially given the nuclear capabilities of both nations.

Q5. Why is Pakistan’s capacity to continue its long-term proxy war against India being questioned in recent years?

Ans. Pakistan faces internal instability, economic crisis, and multiple insurgencies, making it increasingly difficult to sustain its 'Thousand Cuts' campaign.

Source: TH

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Turkey Pakistan Military Cooperation Latest News
• Turkey’s Interests in Pakistan
• Pakistan’s Interests in Turkey
• Turkey–Pakistan Relationship and India
• Turkey Pakistan Military Cooperation FAQs

Turkey Pakistan Military Cooperation Latest News

• India thwarted a large-scale drone attack by Pakistan, targeting 36 sites along the western border. Over 300 drones, likely Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models, were used. 
• The attack raises concerns about Turkey’s growing military support for Pakistan, evidenced by recent Turkish military activity in Karachi. While Turkey denies sending arms, it remains Pakistan’s staunchest ally in West Asia and the only country to condemn India’s Operation Sindoor. 
• In contrast, India has developed strong relations with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who have shown neutrality and greater alignment with India on regional issues, including Kashmir.

Turkey’s Interests in Pakistan

• Historical and Ideological Bond
  • Shared Islamic identity has historically underpinned the Turkey–Pakistan relationship.
  • During the Cold War, both were part of Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) and the Regional Cooperation Development (RCD).
  • Pakistan supported Turkey in the Cyprus conflicts (1964, 1971) and pledged early recognition of Turkish Cyprus in 1983.
  • The rise of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his political Islamism deepened the ideological alignment with Pakistan post-2000.
• High-Level Political Engagement
  • Erdoğan has visited Pakistan at least 10 times since 2003.
  • He co-chaired the 7th Pakistan-Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in February 2025, reflecting close bilateral ties.
• Strategic Balancing Against Gulf Powers
  • Turkey, alongside Qatar, competes with Saudi Arabia and the UAE for influence in the Muslim world.
  • It seeks alternative alliances with non-Gulf states like Pakistan and Malaysia.
  • The 2019 Kuala Lumpur Summit, supported by Pakistan and Turkey, was viewed as an attempt to challenge Saudi leadership.
• Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Engagement
  • Turkey is expanding its presence in the IOR:
    • Established its largest overseas military base in Somalia (2017).
    • Sold Baykar TB2 drones to Maldives (2024).
  • Turkey has held numerous naval exercises with Pakistan’s Navy, the second-largest in the IOR, while avoiding similar engagement with India.

Pakistan’s Interests in Turkey

• Diplomatic Support on Kashmir
  • Turkey has consistently supported Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir.
  • In February 2025, President Erdoğan reiterated solidarity with “Kashmiri brothers,” prompting a diplomatic protest from India.
  • Pakistan acknowledges Turkey, along with China and Azerbaijan, as its key international supporters during crises.
• Deepening Defence Cooperation
  • Turkey has become Pakistan’s second-largest arms supplier (after China) as of 2020.
  • Defence ties trace back to 1988 via the Military Consultative Group framework.
  • Recent acquisitions from Turkey include:
    • Bayraktar drones
    • Kemankes cruise missiles
    • Asisguard Songar drones
• Naval Modernisation and Strategic Collaboration
  • Turkey plays a critical role in modernizing Pakistan’s naval capabilities, in line with Ankara’s Indian Ocean strategy.
    • $1 billion deal in 2018 for four advanced corvettes by STM Defence Technologies.
    • Mid-life upgrades of Agosta 90B submarines by Turkey’s STM — replacing French firm DCNS.

Turkey–Pakistan Relationship and India

• Turkey’s Consistent Support to Pakistan on Kashmir
  • Turkey’s repeated support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue has long strained India-Turkey ties.
  • In 2013, the then Indian Foreign Minister criticized Turkey’s actions, urging it not to forge friendships “at India’s expense.”
  • Turkey’s pro-Pakistan stance continues despite India’s gestures, such as humanitarian aid after the 2023 earthquake.
• India’s Strategic Counters to the Turkey-Pakistan Nexus
  • Eastern Europe: Support to Cyprus and Greece
    • India backs the Greece-supported Republic of Cyprus, in opposition to Turkey and Pakistan’s support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
    • Greece reciprocates by supporting India’s stance on Kashmir.
  • South Caucasus: Military Alliance with Armenia
    • India has become Armenia’s top arms supplier, surpassing even Russia by 2024.
    • This aligns India against Azerbaijan, which is militarily backed by Turkey and Pakistan.
    • In 2024, Pakistan signed a $1.6 billion arms deal with Azerbaijan, and held a trilateral summit with Turkey and Azerbaijan.
• Divergence in Global Strategic Alignments
  • Pakistan is increasingly isolated in US foreign policy, with no mention in the 2022 Indo-Pacific Strategy, while India featured prominently.
  • India's growing ties with the US reflect its rise as a strategic Indo-Pacific partner, further distancing Islamabad.
• Competing Infrastructure Visions
  • India’s IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) bypasses Turkey, weakening Ankara’s historical role as a bridge between Asia and Europe.
  • Turkey has criticized IMEC and is now pushing its own “Iraq Development Road” project as a rival.

Turkey Pakistan Military Cooperation FAQs

Q1. Why is Turkey important to Pakistan’s military strategy?

Ans. Turkey supplies advanced drones and naval assets, helping Pakistan modernize defence and counterbalance India’s regional influence.

Q2. How has India responded to the Turkey-Pakistan nexus?

Ans. India counters via strategic ties with Greece, Armenia, and Gulf nations, while isolating Turkey from key regional projects.

Q3. What is Turkey’s stance on Kashmir?

Ans. Turkey consistently supports Pakistan’s position on Kashmir, drawing strong diplomatic protests from India.

Q4. What drones were used in the recent Pakistan drone attack?

Ans. Over 300 Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones were deployed by Pakistan to target Indian border posts.

Q5. Why does Turkey support Pakistan geopolitically?

Ans. Shared Islamic identity, ideological alignment, and competition with Gulf powers drive Turkey’s strategic support for Pakistan.

Source: IE | IE

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India IMF Abstention Pakistan Latest News
• Extended Fund Facility (EFF)
• Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF)
• India’s Abstention at IMF Executive Board
• India’s Key Objections to IMF Assistance for Pakistan
• India IMF Abstention Pakistan FAQs

India IMF Abstention Pakistan Latest News

• India raised concerns at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the effectiveness of its financial support to Pakistan, citing the latter’s poor track record. 
• India abstained from voting on the IMF’s decision to disburse $1 billion under a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility and an additional $1.3 billion under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, emphasizing that the IMF must adhere to procedural and technical norms.

Extended Fund Facility (EFF)

• EEF provides financial assistance to countries facing serious medium-term balance of payments problems because of structural impediments or slow growth.
• It helps countries implement medium-term structural reforms and offers longer program engagement and a longer repayment period.

Eligibility

• Available to all IMF member countries facing actual or potential external financing needs.
• Typically used by advanced and emerging economies; low-income countries may use EFF alongside the Extended Credit Facility (ECF).
  • ECF is a loan program offered by the IMF to low-income countries facing persistent balance of payments difficulties.

Conditionality

• Countries must commit to structural reforms and policies that maintain macroeconomic stability.
• Disbursements depend on meeting quantitative performance criteria and structural benchmarks assessed holistically.

Disbursement Process

• Timing
• Disbursement can begin immediately after IMF Executive Board approval.
• Phasing
• Funds are not disbursed in full at once; released in phases (tranches).

Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF)

• RSF provides affordable, longer-term financing to low-income and vulnerable middle-income countries.
• It aims to strengthen macroeconomic resilience and sustainability by:
  • Supporting reforms that address balance of payments (BoP) risks from climate change and pandemic preparedness.
  • Enhancing policy space and building financial buffers against long-term structural challenges.

Eligibility

• Eligible countries include:
  • PRGT-eligible low-income countries (PRGT-eligible low-income countries (LICs) are those that qualify for concessional financing from the IMF's Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT)).
  • Small states (population < 1.5 million) with GNI per capita < 25x 2021 IDA cutoff.
  • Middle-income countries with GNI per capita < 10x 2021 IDA cutoff.

Conditionality

• Each disbursement is tied to a specific reform measure.
• A measure may include one or more closely related policy actions.
• All parts of a reform must be completed to trigger disbursement.

India’s Abstention at IMF Executive Board

• India abstained from voting on the IMF loan package for Pakistan during a recent Executive Board meeting.
  • The abstention was not due to lack of opposition but because the IMF does not allow formal “no” votes—only “yes” or abstention are permitted.
• Abstaining allowed India to register strong dissent within IMF rules.

IMF Voting System Explained

• The IMF Executive Board has 25 directors, representing countries or groups of countries.
• Voting power is based on economic size, not one country–one vote as in the UN.
• The IMF typically makes decisions by consensus.
• In rare formal votes, members can only vote in favor or abstain—no vote against is allowed.

India’s Key Objections to IMF Assistance for Pakistan

• Prolonged Dependency and Poor Track Record
  • Pakistan has been a frequent IMF borrower, with assistance provided in 28 of the past 35 years, including four programs in the last five years.
  • India noted Pakistan’s poor implementation of IMF conditions and lack of lasting reform.
• Debt Sustainability Concerns
  • Continued bailouts have led to unsustainable debt, making Pakistan a "too big to fail" debtor and creating long-term risks for the IMF.
• Military Dominance and Economic Mismanagement
  • India criticized the Pakistani military’s role in economic affairs, citing lack of transparency and accountability that undermines reforms.
• Use of Funds and Terrorism
  • India strongly objected to funding a country that sponsors cross-border terrorism, warning it poses reputational risks to global institutions and violates international norms.

India IMF Abstention Pakistan FAQs

Q1. Why did India abstain from the IMF vote on Pakistan?

Ans. India cited concerns over Pakistan’s poor reform record, misuse of funds, and support for cross-border terrorism.

Q2. What is the IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF)?

Ans. EFF offers medium-term financial aid to countries needing structural reforms and balance of payments support.

Q3. What does the IMF Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) do?

Ans. RSF provides long-term affordable financing to countries facing macroeconomic risks from climate or pandemics.

Q4. How did India register its dissent at the IMF?

Ans. India abstained, as “no” votes aren’t allowed at IMF; abstention signals disagreement under IMF rules.

Q5. What are India’s objections to IMF aid for Pakistan?

Ans. India cited Pakistan’s economic mismanagement, terrorism links, unsustainable debt, and military’s opaque control over finances.

Source: TH | ToI | IMF | IMF

What’s in Today’s Article?

• South Asia Press Freedom Latest News
• Introduction
• India’s Declining Press Freedom
• Press Freedom in Neighbouring Countries
• Economic and Structural Challenges for Media
• Reform Efforts and The Road Ahead
• South Asia Press Freedom FAQs

South Asia Press Freedom Latest News

• Indian media “has been shackled and subjected to a systemic strategy to cripple it”, according to the 23rd Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024-25.

Introduction

• The state of press freedom in South Asia has witnessed a significant erosion over the past year. 
• The Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024-25, titled “Frontline Democracy: Media and Political Churn,” paints a troubling picture of increasing restrictions, state-sponsored suppression, and growing dangers faced by journalists. 
• India, once hailed for its vibrant democracy, is now grappling with unprecedented challenges that threaten the independence of its media landscape.

India’s Declining Press Freedom

• The report devotes a specific section to India, titled “India: Propaganda and the Press,” highlighting the systematic efforts to control media narratives. Key factors include:
• Legal Suppression of Media Freedom:
  • Increasing use of sedition laws, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against media organizations and journalists.
  • Frequent defamation lawsuits and state-sponsored raids on media houses using the Income Tax Department and Enforcement Directorate.
• Rise in Self-Censorship:
  • A “chilling effect” has led many media outlets to avoid reporting critically on the government.
  • Government advertisements are routinely withheld from critical media outlets as a method of financial coercion.
• Manipulation of Information:
  • Political IT cells actively spread misinformation and hate speech, making it difficult for independent journalism to thrive.
  • According to the Global Risks Report 2024, India is identified as the country with the highest global risk of misinformation and disinformation.

Press Freedom in Neighbouring Countries

• Pakistan:
  • Marked as “the most violent year for journalists in two decades,” with eight journalists killed.
  • The government continues to operate under an authoritarian framework, severely curbing media rights.
• Bangladesh:
  • Transitioned from the ICT Act to the Cyber Security Act, but concerns remain over its transparency and misuse.
  • The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists reported nearly 300 attacks on journalists during political protests.
• Afghanistan:
  • At least 172 media rights violations were recorded, highlighting the continued assault on press freedom under Taliban rule.
• Bhutan and Maldives:
  • Bhutan fell from the 33rd position in press freedom rankings in 2021 to 152nd in 2025.
  • Maldives faces regulatory challenges with its Information Commissioner’s Office, undermining press freedom.

Economic and Structural Challenges for Media

• Shrinking Job Market and Rising Precarity:
  • Across South Asia, media organizations are grappling with layoffs, job insecurity, and a decline in advertisement revenue.
  • Gig and freelance journalists face worsening working conditions and limited legal protections.
• Impact of AI and Digital Media:
  • Increased reliance on AI for content creation has led to a decline in professional journalism standards.
  • Digital platforms such as YouTube and podcasts are rising but lack adequate regulation to maintain journalistic ethics.

Reform Efforts and The Road Ahead

• Despite the bleak scenario, some efforts toward reform have begun:
  • India’s Proposed Media Transparency Bill 2024 aims to regulate media monopolies and promote fair editorial practices.
  • Bangladesh’s Interim Government has committed to improving access to public information.
  • Nepal’s Media Consolidation Efforts under the National Broadcasting Corporation are seen as steps toward accountable public media.
• However, the report cautions that without stronger institutional protections and reduced government interference, the downward spiral in press freedom will likely continue.

South Asia Press Freedom FAQs

Q1. What is the key finding of the South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024-25?
Ans. The report highlights a steep decline in press freedom across South Asia, particularly in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Q2. Why is India’s press freedom under threat?
Ans. India faces rising government interference, legal crackdowns, and a high prevalence of misinformation, severely affecting media independence.

Q3. What legal tools are being misused to curb media freedom in India?
Ans. Sedition laws, UAPA, PMLA, and defamation lawsuits are frequently used against journalists and media houses.

Q4. Which country reported the highest number of journalist deaths in 2024-25?

Ans. Pakistan witnessed the highest journalist casualties, marking the most violent year for journalists in two decades.

Q5. Are there any ongoing reforms to improve press freedom in India?
Ans. India has proposed the Media Transparency Bill 2024 to address media monopolies and improve editorial independence.

Source: TH | AN