ISLAMABAD Following the Pulwama attack in February 2019, which resulted in India’s Balakot bombing within Pakistani territory, tensions between Pakistan and India reached a precipice of war.
In retaliation, Pakistan initiated Operation Swift Retort, bringing down an Indian MiG-21 and apprehending Abhinandan Varthaman, the pilot. Urgent diplomatic efforts assisted in de-escalating the situation as both countries readied themselves for possible missile strikes.
A full-scale conflict between two nuclear-armed neighbors was eventually avoided because to Pakistan’s strategic caution, mature handling, and the release of Abhinandan, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Following the Pulwama incident, a startling series of events is revealed by background briefings, interviews, and a review of public data.
