India Declares Future Terror Attacks by Pakistan an Act of War

 In a significant escalation of its counter-terrorism stance, India issued a unequivocal warning to Pakistan on Saturday, stating that any future terrorist attack on Indian soil will be treated as an Act of War, according to official sources. This declaration, articulated in response to Pakistan’s persistent aggression, including drone and missile strikes targeting Indian military and civilian infrastructure, establishes a firm boundary amid heightened bilateral tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor.

An Act of War, as defined, encompasses any armed assault or use of force that jeopardizes a nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, or the safety of its citizens. This policy shift signals that India will view any Pakistan-sponsored terrorist activity as tantamount to waging war, regardless of Islamabad’s public calls for de-escalation. The stance reflects a marked evolution in New Delhi’s counter-terror doctrine, with the government underscoring its readiness to respond militarily to any attack across Indian territory.

The warning follows reports that Pakistan, reeling from India’s robust military response to its provocations, is seeking to reduce tensions. Since May 7, Pakistan has launched drone and missile attacks over three consecutive nights, prompting India to execute precision strikes deep within Pakistan. On Friday night, Pakistan initiated ‘Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos,’ which was swiftly neutralized through coordinated Indian military operations targeting major cities and airbases, including Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, Rafiqi Airbase in Shorkot, and Murid Airbase in Chakwal.

Despite Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s statement on Saturday expressing a willingness to pause hostilities if India reciprocates, and his call for dialogue amid international appeals for restraint, Indian intelligence indicates continued Pakistani support for proxy terrorism. Sources report signals sent to terror groups in Kashmir to orchestrate fresh attacks, potentially to divert Indian forces engaged along the northern and western borders. There are also concerns of a possible fidayeen attack aimed at distracting Indian security apparatus.

The current crisis traces back to India’s launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7, a retaliatory operation following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. Pakistan’s subsequent drone and missile strikes, including a Fatah-II missile aimed at New Delhi but intercepted in Sirsa, Haryana, on May 9, prompted India’s decisive counterstrikes, significantly degrading Pakistan’s military capabilities.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amplified Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve on X, posting a video with the caption: “No room for fear, only action! Because now the time has come to grind the remaining ground of the terrorists into dust.” This rhetoric underscores India’s unyielding posture as it navigates this volatile phase of cross-border hostilities.