India considered using its military might against terrorists operating from Pakistani soil as the year -- which also saw the Navy flexing its muscles in the international waters to check piracy -- came to a close.
Though Prime Minister Manmohan Singh categorically stated that India did not want a war with Pakistan, the government had looked at the military option in the wake of the November 26 Mumbai terror attacks.
As the armed forces geared up along the western borders and the Line of Control, the Navy projected its strength when it went pro-active against the audacious pirates off Somali coast in November.
The Navy's sinking of a pirate vessel sent out a strong message to the world of India's resolve to root out the menace that has threatened sea lanes vital for global trade.
Image: An IAF SU-30 MKI takes off in full afterburner.
Photograph: Sagar Pathak
Also read: India can hurt Pakistan without waging war
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