Operation Sindoor has had its impact in more ways than one. Whatever spin that may be put on it by various parties for political gain, or – in the case of Pakistan – to retain what remains of its tattered self-respect, everybody knows what happened and, even more, the sophistication involved at every level exhibited by a nation achieving its potential.
This is why it comes as no surprise that the Bangladesh Army Chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, has sought to rein in ‘Chief Advisor’ Mohammed Yunus from making announcements and taking strategic decisions with long-term implications. He has made it clear that these are strictly in the domain of a constitutionally elected government. This is a wise decision because Bangladesh would find something like Operation Sindoor directed against it a most unpleasant and destabilising experience. It reflects the general’s professional acumen as it recognises what the action against Pakistan reveals about India’s present capabilities.
Even the more powerful nations such as China will have got the message – there is much happening in India below the surface that indicates the momentum that is being gathered through countless initiatives taken by its people at every level.
Consider the fact that, all of a sudden, it becomes known that India has constructed a sailing ship, INSV Kaundinya, replicating techniques used in the 5th Century, and inducted it into the Navy on 21 May! It will sail across the world acquainting countries with India’s ancient maritime heritage. So many other such projects of innovation and self-discovery are very likely being undertaken through the length and breadth of India. It is necessary, therefore, for others not to judge India by the crosscurrents visible on the surface – there are stronger, more powerful ones below!
It is obvious that India learned its lessons well from past conflicts and will do so from the most recent one. As such, no nation should plan on the basis of its present capacity – either military or economic. This is especially so in an environment when most nations seem to be intent on isolating themselves from the world. This will lead to even greater lack of understanding of each other’s strengths – US under Donald Trump is an example of this. No leader seems more distanced from reality than he is. As such, initiatives such as the outreach being undertaken by India’s parliamentary delegations will help correct the narrative and provide insight into important issues such as terrorism. India will doubtless have to take on more such responsibilities in the future on several other important matters.
