India’s Operation Sindoor has sent ripples through the region’s strategic landscape, according to John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute in New York. In a recent video interview, Spencer, who is also a military scholar, combat veteran, and noted security analyst, emphasized that India’s actions during the operation reflect a clear evolution in its military doctrine.
Launched on May 7, Operation Sindoor was India’s measured response to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeting terror infrastructure both in Pakistan Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) and deeper into Pakistan. The operation, according to Spencer, wasn’t just about military retaliation—it was about sending a message. India demonstrated not just the capability to strike with precision, but also the restraint to avoid unnecessary destruction, making this a display of strategic maturity.
Spencer pointed out that India’s approach has changed the rules of engagement in the region. He stressed that military doctrines are often defined not just by words but by actions, and Operation Sindoor showcased India’s proactive, precision-oriented strategy. By involving experts from military, media, and think tanks, India signaled a doctrinal shift that Spencer believes will reshape South Asia’s security landscape.
The operation also tested India’s joint defense architecture, highlighting coordination between services and a focus on strategic foresight. Despite escalating tensions, India maintained control over the situation, even as global powers, including the United States, urged for de-escalation. Spencer noted that the strikes on locations like Noor Khan and Muridke were carefully selected to demonstrate capability rather than cause widespread devastation.
According to Spencer, India showed the world that it possesses both the means and the will to act decisively when national security is at stake. However, the calibrated nature of the strikes made it clear that India’s goal was deterrence, not destruction. This balance between strength and restraint reflects a new era of strategic independence and leadership for India in the global defense arena.
