The key to fighting a war successfully, or even launching it, is a clear objective. That’s an entirely political call. It isn’t emotional or purely military.
There is a good reason behind the oldest wisdom that war is too serious a business to be left to generals. Operation Sindoor had a limited objective, destroying nine Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba centres by the IAF and Army. This done, a truce was offered on the morning of 7 May. Because Pakistan fought on, their bases were attacked, imagery secured, and it was time to call it a day, in victory. Knowing when and how to stop fighting is as important as starting it.
Watch this week’s National Interest with Shekhar Gupta.