February 14, 2024, marks the fifth anniversary of the Pulwama terror attack, where 40 Indian security personnel lost their lives.
The attack was attributed to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terror organisation led by the internationally proscribed terrorist Masood Azhar.
In response, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a punitive strike on a non-military target in Pakistan. This event triggered a series of escalations, including a retaliation by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and subsequent strained diplomatic relations.
Since the Pulwama attack, Indo-Pak relations have deteriorated, leading to the withdrawal of Most Favoured Nation status and suspension of bilateral trade.
Despite ongoing tensions, the IAF conducted Exercise Vayushakti, showcasing its firepower capabilities.
The upcoming edition of the exercise on February 17 will involve 121 aircraft, including indigenous Tejas, Prachand, Dhruv, and the Rafale.
In the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, Pakistan has faced international isolation, particularly with the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban's return to power.
The IMF bailouts, a faltering electoral democracy, and geopolitical shifts further challenge Pakistan's trajectory.
Meanwhile, India faces challenges in the military standoff with China and the border dispute along the Line of Actual Control.
The article emphasises the need for India to strengthen its military capacity, focus on indigenous production, and enhance inter-service coordination.
