Physical altering has geopolitical consequences. Which will directly affect economy, military budget etc. Rajnath singh in my opinion is one of the best DM so far.
This is why GoI fears escalation as of now.
Which is also why after Balakot they were screeching about WE 100% DIDNT HIT ANY PAKI CIVILIAN OR MILITARY STRUCTURES, ONLY TERRORIST MADARSAS YO!.
The fact that Porkis were allowed to “win” the perception war viz 4 trees 1 crow also supports this argument.
They could have been humiliated optics wise, but GoI chose not to inorder to prevent ” escalation “.
The Pizza chefs also don’t want escalation/a proper war after Kargil,71,65 etc