The Indian Army has adopted a tougher, more assertive counter-terrorism doctrine that redraws the country’s red lines. Under what it calls the ‘New Normal’, any terrorist act against India will now be treated as an act of war, demanding a decisive military response rather than a calibrated one.
The new doctrine, unveiled by South Western Army Commander Lt Gen Manjinder Singh during a field interaction in Bikaner, marks one of the most significant shifts in India’s national security posture in years.
‘Every act of terror is now an act of war’
Speaking to reporters, Lt Gen Singh said the military has been formally directed to prepare for scenarios where terror strikes are seen as acts of aggression.
“Any terrorist act against India will be treated as an act of war,” he said, adding that the Army’s preparedness and response mechanisms have been recalibrated accordingly.
He said that the India’s approach now combines speed, precision, and deterrence, powered by modern technology and night-time combat capability. “A lot of new technologies and capabilities have been introduced,” he noted.
Night warfare takes centre stage
The commander revealed a major training overhaul, with the Army now conducting 70 percent of its training at night. The goal is to build a force that can dominate after dark, when most infiltration and terror activity occurs.
“Our focus is on maximum night training, 70 percent of training is now conducted at night and 30 percent during the day,” Lt Gen Singh said.
This operational shift complements a wave of defence procurements designed to enhance the Army’s night-fighting capabilities.
MoD signs Rs 659 crore deal for night vision systems
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently signed a Rs 659.47 crore contract for Night Sight (Image Intensifier) devices for the Army’s 7.62 x 51mm SIG 716 assault rifles.
These systems, classified as a Buy (Indian-IDDM) case, ensuring over 51 perecent indigenous content, represent a major leap in Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing.
The new night sights will allow soldiers to identify and engage targets up to 500 metres away even under starlight, a huge upgrade from the older Passive Night Sights (PNS).
“This will significantly enhance accuracy, situational awareness, and combat readiness during night operations,” an MoD release said.
A doctrine shaped by deterrence and technology
The new approach effectively integrates policy, posture, and procurement, combining political resolve with technological muscle.
Under international law, classifying a terrorist strike as an 'act of war' allows India to invoke Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognizes the inherent right of self-defence.
Strategically, it signals that New Delhi is willing to blur the line between counter-terror operations and conventional warfare — especially in cases linked to Pakistan-based groups.
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