India and Pakistan are on the brink of military conflict following a terrorist attack in Kashmir, which India attributes to Pakistan, escalating tensions to the point where India has threatened to disrupt a major river system flowing into Pakistan. Despite the Indian military's modernization efforts after the 2019 jet downing by Pakistan, over half of its equipment remains outdated, creating concerns about its readiness for conflict. The potential for a protracted standoff is exacerbated by the lack of diplomatic channels and the global distraction from other crises, while India's military constraints may lead Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider limited military actions. The modernization of India's military has faced several challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions due to the Ukraine war, and the need to prepare for potential two-front war scenarios with China. India's military procurement has increasingly involved Western allies, yet concerns remain about the effective deployment and operational readiness of newly acquired systems like the Rafale jets and S-400 missile defense systems.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a terrorist attack in Kashmir, prompting India to threaten to disrupt a major river system flowing into Pakistan, a move that Pakistan considers an 'act of war.'

The Indian military's modernization efforts, initiated after the 2019 downing of an Indian jet by Pakistan, have seen billions invested in new equipment and international partnerships, yet over half of its arsenal remains outdated.

India's military modernization is hindered by bureaucratic and geopolitical challenges, including the need to streamline defense procurement and improve inter-force coordination amid ongoing turf battles.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi may opt for limited military actions, such as airstrikes or special forces raids, to manage public pressure for retaliation while avoiding a full-scale conflict that could expose military vulnerabilities.

India's military strategy is complicated by the necessity to prepare for a potential two-front conflict with China, a significant concern following the 2020 Himalayan border clash and ongoing Chinese incursions.

Despite being the second-largest importer of military equipment, India's defense spending remains less than 2 percent of its GDP, which is seen as insufficient given its geopolitical challenges and the needs of its vast population.

The effective deployment of newly acquired systems, like the Rafale fighter jets and S-400 missile defense systems, remains a concern, as analysts emphasize the importance of operational readiness to demonstrate 'functional deterrence.'