Indo-Pak tensions escalate- is war next? The world's eyes now fixed on South Asia

National News: The terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir shook India, but the Indian Army gave a befitting reply to Pakistan through 'Operation Sindoor'. In this operation, nine terrorist bases of Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) were destroyed.

This action brought tension to the India-Pakistan border to its peak. Fulfilling on the Line of Control (LOC) and military preparations of both countries are calling for war. Do nuclear power -rich India and Pakistan stand at the mouth of war? And if there is a war, how will it be announced in India? Come, let's investigate it.

Pakistan's nefarious conspiracy, India's crushing retaliation

Pakistan conspired for drone and missile attacks in Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur, but the Indian Army and Air Force prompts thwarted these attacks. India carried out accurate attacks in many cities of Pakistan including Lahore in retaliation. 'Operation Sindoor' not only avenged the Pahalgam attack, but also gave a clear message to Pakistan that India's silence should not be considered weak. After this action, tension in the border areas increased further.

Declaration of war in India: What does the constitutional process say?

The declaration of war in India is a complex process, including constitutional and executive machinery. There is no clear provision for the formal announcement of war in the Indian Constitution, but the following mechanisms decide its outline:

• Role of President: Under Article 53 (2) of the Constitution, the President is the highest commander of the armed forces. They can declare war or peace, but according to Article 74, they have to accept the advice of the Union Council of Ministers.
• Union Cabinet: The decision of the war actually takes the cabinet under the leadership of the Prime Minister. Decisions are taken on the basis of advice of Defense, Ministry of External Affairs and National Security Council. Under the 44th Amendment of 1978, a written recommendation of the Cabinet is necessary for the announcement of the National Emergency.
• Role of Parliament: Precaution of Parliament is not necessary for the declaration of war, but in the event of a national emergency, it has to be approved in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha within a month. The Emergency remains valid for six months, which can be extended by a special majority.

Lesson of history: War without announcement

India fought many wars in the past, but never formally announced war:

• 1947–48 (First Kashmir War): India took action in response to Pakistani infiltration, without declaration of war.
• 1962 (India-China War): India replied after China's attack, no formal announcement.
• 1965 (Indo-Pak War): India crossed the border in response to Pakistan's 'Operation Grand Slam'.
• 1971 (Bangladesh Liberation War): India took action after Pakistani attacks, without declaration of war.
• 1999 (Kargil War): India thwarted Pakistani infiltration under 'Operation Vijay'.

What next? War or diplomacy?

'Operation Sindoor' and the latest movements of Pakistan have brought both countries to the brink of war. Will these neighbors equipped with nuclear weapons really choose the path of war? There is no strict rule to declare war in India, but under Article 352, national emergency can become its way. The global community is eyeing this stress. Will diplomacy be able to cool this fire, or will the story of another war be written on the Line of Control? Time will answer this.