Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 26 July 2025

Content

1. Kargil, Pahalgam and a revamp of the security strategy
2. The scientist who made ‘mangroves’ a buzzword

Kargil, Pahalgam and a revamp of the security strategy

Introduction:
India’s journey from the 1999 Kargil War to Operation Sindoor in 2025 reflects a profound transformation in its military doctrine, counterterrorism strategy, and national security architecture. These episodes mark India’s shift from reactive defence to decisive and pre-emptive retaliation against cross-border threats.

Relevance : GS 3 ( Internal Security)

Practice Question : Discuss how the lessons from the Kargil War shaped India’s evolving military and counterterrorism doctrines, culminating in the strategic assertiveness seen during Operation Sindoor (2025). (250 words)

• Kargil War (1999): A Watershed in Conventional Warfare
• Timeline: May 3 – July 26, 1999 (Operation Vijay)
• Nature of Conflict: First full-scale conventional war under the nuclear overhang between two declared nuclear powers (India & Pakistan).
• Geography: High-altitude warfare in the Kargil-Dras-Batalik sectors (avg. altitude ~16,000 ft).
• Pakistan’s Strategy: Infiltration by Northern Light Infantry troops disguised as mujahideen, violating the Lahore Declaration signed in Feb 1999.
• India’s Response:
  • Complete eviction of intruding forces without crossing the LoC.
  • Mobilised ~200,000 troops.
  • Airpower used under Operation Safed Sagar (Mirage-2000 precision bombing).
• Human Cost:
  • India lost 527 soldiers, over 1,100 injured.
  • Pakistan suffered >1,000 casualties (as per Indian estimates).
• Diplomatic Outcome: Global support for India, including from the US; Pakistan was diplomatically isolated.
• Live Media Coverage: First ‘TV war’ in India—shaped public opinion, boosted nationalism.

• Kargil War: Key Lessons and Reforms Triggered

➤ Strategic & Intelligence Shortcomings

• No real-time intelligence or aerial surveillance; both RAW and IB failed to detect build-up.
• Led to Kargil Review Committee (KRC) headed by K. Subrahmanyam.

➤ Institutional Overhaul (Post-Kargil)

• Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) – est. 2002.
• National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) – est. 2004.
• Permanent National Security Adviser (NSA) role introduced.
• Revamp of NSCS, Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC).

➤ Doctrinal Evolution

• Birth of Cold Start Doctrine (2004): Limited war under nuclear threshold; rapid mobilization.
• Creation of Mountain Strike Corps for high-altitude warfare.

➤ Modernisation Push

• CDS position created in 2019 (General Bipin Rawat).
• Emphasis on jointness: Movement towards Integrated Theatre Commands.

• Counterterrorism Timeline: From Restraint to Retaliation

• Operation Sindoor (2025): A New Security Paradigm
• Trigger: April 22, 2025 – Pakistan-based terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir (26 tourists killed).
• India’s Response: Operation Sindoor (May 7–10, 2025)
  • Targeted 9 terror camps across Pakistan (LoC and hinterland).
  • Destroyed 11 Pakistani military airbases, including forward and deep assets.
  • Used BrahMos cruise missiles – notably hit Nur Khan Air Base near Kirana Hills, reportedly crippling a nuclear storage site.
  • Executed within 96 hours – first-of-its-kind strategic blitz by India.
  • Result: Pakistan requested ceasefire unconditionally.

1. India’s Transformation: From 1999 to 2025

➤ Geopolitical Positioning

• 1999: Isolated post-nuclear tests, under sanctions.
• 2025: Key player in QUAD, IMEC, and G20 Presidency (2023); global support base widened.

➤ Military Capability

➤ Make in India & Strategic Autonomy

• Indigenous platforms: Tejas Mk-1A, Arjun Mk-1A, Dhanush artillery, Akash NG, DRDO UAVs.
• Enhanced defence exports: ₹21,000 crore in FY 2023–24 (vs ₹1,940 crore in 2014).

➤ Tech-Enabled Warfare

• Use of AI-enabled surveillance, satellite-based targeting, cyber warfare cells, and net-centric command during Sindoor.
• ISR superiority aided by US-Israel collaboration and domestic satellites (e.g., RISAT series).

• Key Shifts in India’s Counterterrorism Doctrine
• Pre-Uri (2016): Strategic patience, diplomacy-focused, fear of escalation.
• Post-Uri: Shift to proactive, kinetic strikes as legitimate self-defence.
• Post-Pahalgam: Expanded scope – hitting both terror and military assets simultaneously.
• Message: Any future Pakistan-based terror provocation = multi-domain retaliation.

1. India’s National Security Architecture (2025)

• Lessons Institutionalised
• No repeat of intelligence failure: NTRO & DIA coordinate real-time surveillance.
• No tolerance for terror: Pre-emptive, not reactive strikes.
• No international isolation: Pre-emptive diplomacy runs parallel to military action.
• No dependency on foreign systems: Drive toward Aatmanirbharta in Defence.

• Way Forward: Staying Ahead of the Curve
• Vigilance is key – State-sponsored terror will continue to evolve; cyber-terror, drone swarms, proxy fighters.
• Strategic clarity – Maintain doctrine of proportional but unpredictable retaliation.
• Defence tech acceleration – Invest in hypersonics, DEWs, swarm drones, indigenous satellites.
• Integrated Theatre Commands – Ensure operationalisation by 2026 for better synergy.
• Civil-military harmony – Ensure political will continues aligning with military vision.

The scientist who made ‘mangroves’ a buzzword

HISTORICAL CONTEXT & SHIFT IN PERCEPTION

• Pre-1980s Perception: Mangroves were seen as “wastelands” suitable for reclamation and agricultural expansion, especially during British rule (e.g., Sundarbans).
• Local Knowledge: Coastal communities intuitively valued mangroves for livelihoods, fishery resources, and natural storm protection.
• Paradigm Shift: Post-1989, scientific and policy discourse shifted to view mangroves as multi-functional ecosystems critical to:
  • Climate adaptation (carbon sequestration)
  • Cyclone and tsunami risk reduction
  • Salinity control and soil stabilization
  • Biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism

Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology), GS 4(Personalities)

Practice Question : “Mangroves have transitioned from being perceived as wastelands to becoming a central pillar in climate resilience and coastal governance in India.”

Critically examine this transformation with reference to the role played by scientific leadership, policy evolution, and community participation. (250 words)

M.S. SWAMINATHAN’S LEADERSHIP (1989 ONWARD)

• Visionary Intervention at Tokyo Conference (1989)
• Key Insight: Predicted that climate-induced sea-level rise would cause salinisation of coastal agriculture, food insecurity, and loss of livelihoods.
• Proposed Strategy: Sustainable mangrove management rooted in Ecology + Economics + Equity.
• Innovative Research: Advocated for gene transfer from mangroves to crops (e.g., salinity-resistant rice).

• Global Institution Building
• Founded ISME (1990, Japan): International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems; served as its first President.
• Charter for Mangroves: Drafted and included in the World Charter for Nature at UNCED (Rio, 1992).
• Global Outputs:
  • World Mangrove Atlas
  • Manual on Mangrove Restoration
  • Workshops and capacity building for 9+ countries
  • Valuation of ecosystem services (including India)

DATABASE & SCIENTIFIC NETWORKS

• GLOMIS (1992): Global Mangrove Database and Information System
  • Tracks mangrove species, genetic resources, and research.
• Mangrove Genetic Resource Centres (23 sites):
  • Evaluated across South & Southeast Asia + Oceania.
  • Now protected by respective national governments.

REVOLUTIONISING MANGROVE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA

• Colonial Legacy & Policy Gaps
• 1783–1980: Clear-felling and reclamation were dominant.
• Restoration efforts under British and early post-Independence plans failed due to biophysical disruption.

• Participatory Research & Policy Reform
• MSSRF’s Intervention (1993 onward):
  • Scientific evidence showed degraded hydrology, not local overuse, caused failures.
  • Fishbone Canal Method: Innovative hydro-ecological restoration.
    • Pilot-tested in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal.
  • Joint Mangrove Management:
    • Endorsed by MoEF in 2000 for national replication.
    • Led to increased central and state investment.

• DISASTER RISK REDUCTION VALIDATION
• 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone: Mangrove belts reduced storm surge damage, saving lives and property.
• 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami: Further validation of mangroves as natural infrastructure.
• Catalysed international attention and funding for large-scale restoration.

• CURRENT STATUS: INDIA’S MANGROVE COVER (2023)
• Total Mangrove Area: 4,991.68 km²
  • 0.15% of India’s total geographical area.
• Increase since ISFR 2019: +16.68 km²
• Top States by Mangrove Area:
  • West Bengal (Sundarbans) – ~42.45%
  • Gujarat – ~23.66%
  • Andaman & Nicobar Islands – ~12.39%
• ISFR 2023: Notes increase due to plantation and natural regeneration in Odisha, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.

MULTIPLE USE ECOSYSTEM: VALUE ADDITION

•  CHALLENGES AHEAD
• Urban encroachment in Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi.
• Shrimp aquaculture replacing natural mangroves.
• Pollution and invasive species altering ecosystems.
• Climate change may still outpace restoration in some areas.

1. INDIA’S STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
2. Blue Carbon inclusion: Mangroves part of India’s carbon accounting (IPCC/UNFCCC frameworks).
3. State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs): Coastal states include mangrove restoration targets.
4. Eco-DRR (Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction): Recognised in NDMA and MoEFCC planning.

• CONCLUSION: LEGACY OF M.S. SWAMINATHAN
• M.S. Swaminathan transformed mangroves from ignored swamplands to centrepieces of climate resilience.
• He combined policy advocacy, grassroots work, and international collaboration to institutionalise mangrove science and conservation.
• His work laid the groundwork for India’s globally recognised nature-based solutions strategy.