In politics, words outweigh actions, as they form narratives and are intelligently deployed to influence people's perception for greater gains. In May 2025, a limited conflict was instigated between India and Pakistan over the issue of the Pahalgam terror attack in Indian held Kashmir. India framed its action as counterterrorism, countering terrorist infrastructure and terror launchpads, and linked the Pahalgam attack to cross-border militancy originating in Pakistan. India relied on such rhetoric and launched Operation Sindhoor against Pakistan.
