Firstly, Pulwama needed a strong response and not a full fledged war. Our retaliation was commensurate with the provocation. And in the process we called off their nuke bluff and have told them that next time it will be even bigger. The onus is on Pakistan to either escalate or back off. Given their present economic status, they have very few choices or rather none. Just a three day border skirmish will set us back by say about USd3B, but what about Pakistan? Just taking out few electricity plants and few bridges will ruin them and make them bankrupt.I don't know if I've mentioned this before. But every 4 wheeler driver in Gujarat carrries a tire iron or a lathi or a cosh. Every time he gets into a fracas, he draws out the weapon and proceeds to attempt to assault his opponent with it. Except, a large crowd assembles and separate the two warring parties before a blow is exchanged. However, in the interim plenty of abusive language and threats are exchanged.
This is standard staple of Surat. From the days of Shivaji, who mounted spectacular raids into Surat ( which was then held by the Mughals) , when asked, how did the Surtis ( ppl of Surat ) respond? We abused him too - is their retort.
You can check this behavior with any of the native Gujarati members here.
This is Modi's modus operandi. He will retaliate hard and stop there. There won't be any escalation. Just bluster and bluff. Like the Qatl ki Raat episode. In many ways he's pulling a Pakistan on Pakistan. Just as they used to threaten us with unleashing N weapons on our initiation of hostilities.
In a way there's a perverse logic in his plan too. He's interested in bettering the economy and other socio economic indicators. Not in being bogged down in an endless circle and cycle of retaliation with Pakistan.
You can check the veracity of my statements in the light of any similar outrage in the future.