Tandav of indian army in big scale from 2014 to 2025

Tandav of indian army in big scale from 2014 to 2025

India, with one of the world’s largest and most formidable military forces, witnessed a transformative decade in its defense policy and operational assertiveness between 2014 and 2025. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Army evolved from a traditionally reactive force to a more proactive, strategically bold, and technologically modern entity. The period saw a mix of high-profile cross-border operations, counter-insurgency actions, internal security missions, and humanitarian efforts. Here’s a detailed chronicle of key Indian Army operations carried out during this transformative period.

1. Operation All Out (2017 – Present)

One of the most sustained military operations during the Modi era has been Operation All Out, launched in 2017 in Jammu and Kashmir. Its primary aim was to eliminate terrorism and re-establish peace in the valley. This operation marked a shift in policy from a defensive to an aggressive approach toward militants, especially local recruits and foreign infiltrators.

Spearheaded by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, and other security agencies, this operation systematically targeted top commanders of various terrorist organizations like Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed. High-profile eliminations included militant leaders such as Abu Dujana, Sabzar Bhat, and Burhan Wani’s successors.

Between 2017 and 2023, over 900 militants were neutralized. This operation also introduced newer surveillance technologies like drones and night-vision equipment for surgical precision in urban and forest-based encounters. Though militancy remained an ongoing challenge, Operation All Out disrupted terror networks, reduced infiltration levels, and demonstrated India’s resolve to root out terrorism from its soil.

2. Surgical Strikes (2016)

Perhaps the most defining moment in India’s military posture during Modi’s tenure was the 2016 Surgical Strikes, conducted on the night of September 28-29. This retaliatory operation followed the deadly Uri terror attack that killed 19 Indian soldiers.

For the first time, India officially acknowledged conducting surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Special Forces of the Indian Army crossed the LoC and destroyed multiple terrorist launchpads in a well-coordinated strike, inflicting significant casualties on Pakistan-based terror groups.

This operation was a game-changer in India’s strategic doctrine. It signaled a shift from strategic restraint to assertive retaliation. The Modi government’s decision to publicize the operation marked a new era of military transparency and deterrence. It also boosted national morale and showcased India’s Special Forces’ capabilities in executing high-risk cross-border missions with precision.

3. Operation Meghdoot 2.0 (2015 – 2020)

Though Operation Meghdoot originally began in 1984, its intensified version—informally called Meghdoot 2.0—was initiated during Modi’s first term. It involved reinforcing India’s strategic positions on the Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield in the world.

Between 2015 and 2020, India modernized its logistics and infrastructure in Siachen. The Indian Army installed smart camps, solar power systems, and climate-resistant shelters. The deployment of advanced snowmobiles, UAVs, and satellite-based communication significantly improved surveillance and operational endurance in the hostile terrain.

This bolstering of Siachen’s infrastructure was part of a broader strategy to strengthen India’s northern borders amid rising Chinese activities and Pakistani claims over the region.

4. Operation Sadbhavana (Ongoing)

While military operations often focus on combat, the Indian Army’s Operation Sadbhavana (Goodwill) continued to be a critical part of its hearts-and-minds campaign in Jammu and Kashmir. Initiated before Modi’s tenure, it received a major push post-2014.

The operation included building schools, vocational training centers, medical camps, and community development programs. The Modi government emphasized civil-military cooperation in conflict-prone areas to counter radicalization through education and employment. Girls’ education and women’s empowerment became focal points, helping build bridges between the army and local communities.

By 2023, more than 50 Army Goodwill Schools were operational, impacting thousands of students. Operation Sadbhavana exemplified the Indian Army’s humanitarian side amidst conflict.

5. Operation Raahat (2015)

One of the most commendable Indian Army-led humanitarian operations under the Modi government was Operation Raahat, launched in March-April 2015 to evacuate Indian citizens from war-torn Yemen.

In response to the Saudi-led coalition’s airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, over 4,000 Indians were stranded in life-threatening conditions. The Indian Army, along with the Indian Navy and Air Force, coordinated a massive rescue mission involving military and civilian aircraft, destroyers, and transport vehicles.

Operation Raahat successfully evacuated over 4,700 Indians and 2,000 foreign nationals, earning global appreciation. It showcased India’s growing military logistics capacity and the Indian Army’s coordination prowess in international crises.

6. Doklam Standoff (2017)

The Doklam Standoff of 2017 between India and China was a non-combat but strategically critical military face-off in the tri-junction area between India, Bhutan, and China.

Chinese troops attempted to construct a road in the disputed Doklam plateau, prompting the Indian Army to intervene and block the construction. The standoff lasted 73 days and saw high military tension, aggressive diplomacy, and troop mobilization from both sides.

India’s firm stance, backed by the Indian Army’s logistical readiness and diplomatic support from Bhutan, ultimately led to Chinese withdrawal. The standoff elevated India’s image as a regional stabilizer and underscored the Army’s ability to protect national interests in contested zones without direct conflict.

7. Balakot Airstrikes and High Alert Operations (2019)

Following the Pulwama terror attack in February 2019, where 40 CRPF personnel were killed by a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber, India launched Operation Bandar—the Balakot airstrikes. Though the air force executed the strike, the Indian Army played a critical role in mobilizing along the LoC in anticipation of retaliation.

Thousands of troops were put on high alert. Artillery exchanges intensified, and evacuation plans for border villages were put in place. While no ground operation ensued, the military preparedness was a deterrent against Pakistani escalation. The Indian Army’s readiness and control in a volatile situation reflected its strategic maturity.

8. Counter-Insurgency in the Northeast (2014 – 2025)

The Northeast witnessed multiple operations to root out insurgent groups like NSCN-K, ULFA(I), and others. The most significant was the 2015 cross-border strike in Myanmar, where Indian Para Commandos eliminated insurgents responsible for ambushing Indian soldiers in Manipur.

This was the first time India acknowledged a cross-border strike into Myanmar, establishing a new counter-insurgency doctrine. Post-2015, the Army worked with intelligence agencies and Myanmar’s military to carry out joint patrols and intelligence sharing, significantly reducing cross-border militant activity.

In the following years, Operation Sunrise (jointly with Myanmar) further targeted Arakan Army and Rohingya militant hideouts, securing the India-Myanmar border and facilitating economic projects like the Kaladan Corridor.

9. Galwan Valley Clash and Eastern Ladakh Operations (2020 – 2023)

One of the most serious military confrontations between India and China occurred in June 2020 in Galwan Valley, Eastern Ladakh. A brutal hand-to-hand combat led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers and several PLA troops.

In response, the Indian Army launched Operation Snow Leopard, reinforcing its positions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with massive troop and equipment deployments. High-altitude warfare logistics, winter stocking, and infrastructure enhancement became top priorities.

The Indian Army occupied key heights in the Kailash Range, giving it a tactical edge. Talks continued at the military commander level, but India maintained firm control over strategic positions in Eastern Ladakh. These operations marked India’s resolve to match China’s assertiveness with equal might, backed by indigenous weapon systems, drones, and real-time surveillance.

10. Counter-Naxal Operations (2014 – 2025)

Though mainly handled by central paramilitary forces, the Indian Army played a training and logistical support role in counter-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra. With increased training in jungle warfare and real-time intel integration, the insurgency has seen a notable decline.

The Army’s establishment of training camps and use of AI-based surveillance helped the CRPF and state police carry out successful operations in Bastar and Sukma. Naxalite strength has reduced significantly, with their hold now limited to a few pockets.

11. Technological Modernization and Joint Exercises

During the 2014–2025 period, several defense acquisitions, Make-in-India initiatives, and bilateral military exercises strengthened the Army’s combat readiness.

Key programs included induction of:

Apache and Chinook helicopters (shared with Army Aviation)

Upgraded Arjun and T-90 tanks

Drones and loitering munitions

AI-driven battlefield systems

Joint exercises like Yudh Abhyas (with the US), Shakti (France), Indra (Russia), and Hand-in-Hand (China) enhanced inter-operability and showcased India’s growing strategic partnerships.

The launch of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) improved rapid mobilization capabilities, especially near borders.

12. Border Infrastructure and Strategic Roads

While not a combat operation, the Indian Army’s involvement in border infrastructure development deserves mention. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), with Army support, constructed dozens of roads, bridges, and tunnels in strategic zones.

Projects like the Atal Tunnel, Zojila Pass tunnel, and road connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand boosted operational logistics. The focus on dual-use infrastructure under the Modi government has significantly enhanced India’s military readiness in remote regions.

13.Operation Sindoor of 2025

Operation Sindoor was a significant counter-terrorism operation carried out by the Indian Army in the Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir in May 2024. This high-risk mission gained national attention due to the courage and sacrifices displayed by the Indian armed forces while eliminating a serious threat posed by heavily armed terrorists infiltrating from across the Line of Control (LoC). The name “Sindoor” itself evokes the sacred red powder that symbolizes sacrifice, devotion, and martyrdom in Indian culture—apt for an operation where bravery and loss went hand in hand.

The operation began in response to intelligence inputs suggesting the movement of a group of highly trained terrorists near the Line of Control. These infiltrators, believed to be foreign militants backed by Pakistan-based terror outfits, were attempting to enter the Indian side to carry out attacks against military and civilian targets. The Indian Army, equipped with specific intelligence and terrain knowledge, swiftly launched a well-coordinated counter-infiltration mission under the umbrella of Operation Sindoor.

The terrain of Rajouri is notoriously difficult, with thick forests, steep slopes, and limited visibility, making any military maneuver a challenge. Despite this, the Indian soldiers pressed on with precision. During the fierce gunfight that ensued, the soldiers encountered stiff resistance from the militants who were heavily armed and entrenched in tactical positions. The operation lasted for over 48 hours, involving intense close-quarters combat and search operations through dense jungle areas.

Tragically, the operation saw the martyrdom of four Indian Army soldiers, including elite para commandos. These brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice while engaging the terrorists, ensuring that the threat was neutralized before any harm could reach nearby villages or military camps. Their actions prevented a potential large-scale terror attack and saved countless lives.

Operation Sindoor ended with the elimination of all infiltrators, with multiple weapons and ammunition recovered from the site. The success of the operation was a testament to the bravery, tactical expertise, and commitment of the Indian Army, even under the most adverse circumstances. It was a reminder of the constant vigilance and sacrifice made by India’s armed forces to protect national security and maintain peace in the region.

Following the operation, tributes poured in from across the country. The names of the fallen heroes were honored at military installations, schools, and public events. The Indian government, defense leadership, and citizens united in grief and pride, acknowledging the enormous price paid for peace.

Operation Sindoor also reignited the conversation around border security and the need for advanced surveillance infrastructure along the LoC. With increasing incidents of cross-border infiltration, there is a growing call for better intelligence sharing, enhanced use of drones and night vision technology, and more proactive measures to prevent such threats from even approaching Indian soil.

In essence, Operation Sindoor wasn’t just a military maneuver—it was a symbol of India’s resilience, the unwavering spirit of its soldiers, and the heavy burden they bear to keep the nation safe. It showcased that while the cost of freedom is high, it is paid willingly by those who wear the uniform with pride and valor.

Conclusion

The decade from 2014 to 2025 was marked by a decisive transformation in India’s military posture. From bold cross-border operations and hard-hitting counter-insurgency campaigns to humanitarian missions and infrastructure building, the Indian Army emerged not just as a shield but also as a strategic sword of the nation.

Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India shed its long-standing strategic restraint, adopting a more assertive and self-reliant military doctrine. The Army’s role in safeguarding territorial integrity, managing internal conflicts, and projecting soft power globally marked it as a central pillar of India’s rise on the world stage.

As India moves beyond 2025, the lessons learned and the capabilities built during this crucial decade will shape its defense strategies for years to come.

Also read:Weapons and Aircraft Used in Operation Sindoor