New boundaries for the new normal

Indian officials repeatedly used the term “new normal” in multiple and separate media briefings on Sunday, describing how New Delhi’s actions after the Pahalgam terror attack, and Operation Sindoor, define a new paradigm in how India will now deal with Pakistan. The briefings came a day after the cessation of hostilities with Pakistan, with the terror attack on Pahalgam being the starting point.

India responded to this by striking at nine terror hubs in Pakistan, which responded with strikes on military and civilian infrastructure. The two countries then traded attacks, with India inflicting significant damage with the last one it carried out on the morning of May 10, damaging key air bases in Pakistan.

Pakistan tried to respond, but also sought a cessation of hostilities, which India agreed to, even as the US claimed it had played mediator.