Author: Rachel R Gomba Vishwakarma University
Terrorism is the exercise of aggression and fear to accomplish political goals. India is the biggest country and has made a verdict to never face any attacks from any terrorists.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave a strong message which shows that India’s movement towards ending terrorism model. After the attack a declaration was made by Singh which emphasized on the fact that India has get over its non responding way and is going to engage in responding in all the attacks which are going to be made to ensure safety of the nation. Operation Sindoor which was launched in revenge against the Pahalgam attack hit the terror base across Pakistan occupied Kashmir sending a clear message that India is going to implement its right of self-defence with quality control and purpose. This constitutes a critical change in the interior safety and security paradigm of India reassuring its resolution to displace terrorism at its origin.
To the point
Later on the April 22 attack on Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives of civilians, India launched the Operation Sindoor on May 6th 7th. The strikes wanted to destroy structures connected with outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed and were termed as pinpoint, non-combat and preventive. Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh declared that the action was not only a response but a strong message to Pakistan that India is not going to tolerate the attacks on the borders.He expressed that the movement is far from over and threatened exploding consequences for future attacks. Terrorists attacks instills fright and attain political and religious objectives. It target areas are civilians, interrupt national order and undermines national security.
Use of Legal Jargon
Under the UN Charter the Article 51 gave the nations the right to self defence so India utilized this right to protect its people and retaliate.By exercising this right India had to retaliate to the attack Pakistan had did to them which wasn’t a crime but they used it in self defence. The attack was in attachment with the natural law of jus ad bellum and jus in bello in protection of international humanitarian law by abstaining from causing damage to military and non-military objectives. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh represented the activity as a strategic preventive and a lawful reaction to an armed attack by non-state actors, thus strengthening India’s when it comes to not tolerating border attacks ensuring safety of the nation and state sovereignty.
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) defines a terrorist act under Section 15 and permits for deterrent punishment, loss of material possession and designation of individuals as terrorists. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 under Section 113, systematize terrorism as an offense skeptic to sovereignty and integrity of India. Worldwide, Article 51 of the UN Charter give the legal foundation for a nations right to self-defence against armed attacks including those that are non states.
The proof
A posteriori proof of terrorism’s effects is widespread. The Global Terrorism Index 2025 puts India on the top 15 most affected states. Highly noted incidents such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the Pulwama bombing (2019),Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s formal message and different news reports demonstrate the action and intention of Operation Sindoor. Singh termed the operation a strong and important move against the April 22 Pahalgam terror strike. He went on to declare that India is no longer going to be a victim of terrorist attacks. He clarified that the operation was not only for revenge but a warning to other terrorists and their attackers. This showed how India is serious about ending the issue of terrorism as it is affecting it political status, economic status and social lives of people.
Abstract
Terrorism continues to be one of the bigger worldwide issues sitting a danger to peace, stability and human rights. Terrorists attacks comes in various forms which include religious extremism, cyber terrorism and is mostly driven by socio-political bitterness, radical ideologies and geopolitical competition. Legal frameworks such as UAPA and international precepts such as the “unwilling or unable” principle try to accommodate national security with civil liberties. This article discusses terrorism’s legal, strategic and humanitarian views and focusing specifically on India’s ever-changing counter-terrorism doctrine.
Case Laws
Article 51 of the UN Charter
This article is the foundation for the state’s constitutional right to self-defense in case of a militarized attack. India used this framework to retaliate attacks which were done by Pakistan on 22 April.
ICJ’s Nicaragua v. United States (1986)
The case explained that an “Equipped attack” should be serious so as to raise self-defence. Besides that it is historically used against state entities ever-changing understanding, nowadays it encompasses non-state territories such as terror organizations.
UNSC Resolutions 1368 & 1373 (Post-9/11)
These resolutions supported the right of states to respond to violent acts caused by terrorists with coercion even if the attackers are non-state territories, giving a precedence to such acts evidenced by Sindoor.
Conclusion
Terrorism is not only a safety interest but a legal, moral and humanitarian situation.As states have the duty to respond swiftly in defensive to their citizens, but their way of acting should be in line with the constitutional and international law.The change from strategic control to precise ways deterrence in operations such as Sindoor by India shows a maturing doctrine.
FAQS
What is the Indian legal definition of terrorism
Terrorism under Section 15 of UAPA encompasses actions designed at causing danger to the integrity, unity, security and sovereignty of India.
What is Operation Sindoor
It was military terrorist retaliation made by India to Pakistan on the 6th 7th of May.
Was it legal under international law
Its very much legal because the United Nations Charter offers every nation the right to self defence under the Article 51 of the Charter.This shows that the doctrine of UN gives significance to sovereignty and nation safety.
Can individuals be declared terrorists
The 2019 amendment to UAPA permits the authorities to announce that individuals not only organisations as terrorists.
