The Kargil War marks the start of a new era for India's international relations. Never before has a third world government been quoted so widely by the world press on the facts and figures of a war in which the government itself was involved. This is partly a consequence of India's democracy, which makes it easy for independent observers to verify the government's pronouncements, thereby making it costly for the government to deviate too much from the truth. But it is also in part a reflection of improving Indo–US relations.

During John F. Kennedy's tenure the US had moved to make India its ally in the region. The compulsions of world politics and a succession of hawkish regimes in the US prevented this from happpening. Now, with the Cold War over, the US concern shifting from war to terrorism, and increasing reports of terrorist groups operating out of Pakistan, America's new India tilt is not surprising. This presents an opportunity for India not just in regional politics, but in shaping a more dynamic economy.

Kargil also shows us that conventional wars between India and Pakistan will never be the same again. The knowledge that both countries possess the nuclear bomb has changed the rules of the game. One reason why India could not retaliate with more air power across the Line of Control (which would mean smaller casualties) was the fear that Pakistan would respond with a nuclear attack.