“Weaknesses can only be overcome if you accept the strategy…If you don’t accept the strategy, then you will let your weaknesses limit you.”
–Bipin Rawat- Indian Army Chief
During 2001-2002 India-Pakistan standoff, after the terrorist attack on Indian Parliament in which 11 people died, Indian leadership decided to launch a massive surprise military action against Pakistan to punish Pakistan for providing safe havens to the militant outfits like Lashkar-i-Taiba and Jaish-i-Muhammad. Indian military was given 48 to 72 hours to mobilise its offensive corps or strike corps as they are known to Indian border with Pakistan in desert and Punjab region. However, the time consumed by the military to mobilise completely took around three weeks, and the element of surprise ended because Pakistan was not only able to mobilise its defensive forces but also tried to bring the international community for the resolution of the conflict. It was an apt failure of Indian military strategists.
Indian authorities developed a military strategy called ‘Cold Start Doctrine’ to punish Pakistan in any future terrorist attack on the Indian soil. “Cold Start is the Indian operational plan for rapidly mobilising infantry and armour to launch lightning strikes across the plains and deserts of Pakistan. The aim is to break into Pakistan before its defensive formations can prepare and occupy defensive positions along the border.” Pakistan developed tactical ballistic missiles such as Nasr to counter the Indian doctrine. Previously, the Indian authorities had denied any such plan called the ‘Cold Start.’ However, the present Indian Army Chief calling the Pakistani nuclear umbrella a bluff has accepted that there exists such a doctrine. The presence of such a doctrine is a security concern for Pakistan.