Pakistan's state-backed terrorism against India: A decades-long playbook
A new NatStrat report breaks down how Pakistan has used terrorism as a tool against India since 1947, with its military and ISI running proxy operations—from the first Kashmir conflict all the way to the 2025 Pahalgam attack.
Five phases, many attacks
The report maps out this campaign, covering everything from early border clashes to major terror strikes like the 1993 Mumbai blasts, Parliament attack in 2001, Mumbai's 26/11 in 2008, and recent hits like Pathankot (2016), Pulwama (2019), and Pahalgam (2025).
Who's behind it?
Groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad—both flagged by the UN—are central players.
The study points out that Pakistan's Army and ISI have steered these groups with little input from civilian leaders.
How India responds
India hasn't just watched—it's called out Pakistan on global platforms, launched cross-border ops, and ramped up counterterror efforts.
The report makes it clear: while threats persist, India keeps pushing back.