17. The terms 'Hot Pursuit' and 'Surgical Strikes' are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions.

Hot pursuit refers to tracking and following the enemies(terrorists) beyond the countries borders and neutralizing them. Surgical strikes are small scale precision attacks undertaken on specific intelligence against enemies(terrorists).

The terms were in the spotlight post the claim of hot pursuit of terrorists across Myanmar border and surgical strikes across LOC(Line of Control along Pakistani border). The strategic impact of such actions are numerous and long lasting.

Such strikes have altered Indian narrative of the self imposed 'strategic restraint'. Although similar operations were undertaken earlier they were seldom publicised. The open acknowledgement of the operations and creation of favorable world opinion has sent a strong signal. They've calibrated the power equations to favour India.

Moreover, the inclusion of surgical strikes as a response to terror attacks in the Joint doctrine of Indian armed forces as a non conventional response has displayed Indian will to respond. The willingness to respond is one of the most important component of deterrence. Despite having the capability India has for long eschewed such assertive actions. 

Also, the manner in which India handled the Doklam crisis has displayed Indian desire shed off the weak state image. Not only Pakistan and China but the rest of the world have changed their response to India. These actions have increased Indian deterrence and projected it's big power status in the region and beyond.