Would you agree with the contention that India's inclination to lean on a 'more aggressive hyper-realist posture' has gained a new momentum in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist strike? Comment.
The Pahalgam terrorist strike reinvigorated debates about India’s strategic posture, with many arguing that the country increasingly embraces a hyper-realist approach. Hyper-realism emphasizes raw power, national interest, and coercive tools, often downplaying diplomatic consensus when core security concerns are at stake. The attack intensified India’s perception of terrorism as an existential threat, requiring visible, punitive responses rather than prolonged restraint.
India’s actions following such strikes illustrate this trend: cross-border surgical strikes, precision air operations, and strong diplomatic campaigns to isolate perceived sponsors of terrorism. These responses, framed as deterrence, reflect a willingness to accept higher risks to signal resolve. At the same time, official rhetoric stresses “zero tolerance” against terrorism, reinforcing the hyper-realist mindset.
However, this shift does not mean diplomacy is abandoned. Instead, it integrates coercive diplomacy with credible force projection. India’s evolving posture combines proactive military measures with selective international engagement to strengthen deterrence and national security.
Answered By:
Sakshi Negi
Sakshi Negi is a Delhi-based journalist and content specialist with expertise in educational content and digital media, focusing particularly on government exam preparation and career guidance. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from NRAI School of Mass Communication and her background as a Kendriya Vidyalaya alumna, she brings unique insights into the Indian education system and government sector opportunities.
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