By Satish Aparajit
Beyond Celebration, Towards Strategic Clarity
The decisive victory of Operation Sindoor has justifiably sparked a wave of celebration across India. Political leaders have seized the moment, rallying public sentiment in what is also a clear effort to harness electoral advantage. The operation’s success—defined by seamless coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force—showcased India’s growing military prowess and strategic synergy.
However, beyond the drumbeats of victory, this article seeks to ask deeper, perhaps uncomfortable, questions about what comes after Op Sindoor.
From Conventional Warfare to Modern Deterrence
India’s execution of a coordinated strike highlighted not only our capabilities but also the limitations of traditional warfare in the current geopolitical climate. The future of conflict lies increasingly in non-contact warfare—drones, cyber-attacks, AI-assisted surveillance, and long-range precision missile strikes. Recent conflicts worldwide have shown that military might can now be projected without ever crossing borders. India must accelerate its shift towards such asymmetrical capabilities, with an emphasis on indigenous development.
Consider this: while India has made strides through programmes like DRDO and the Make in India initiative, we still import approximately 60% of our defence equipment. This reliance hampers our autonomy in strategic decision-making.
Why the Diplomatic Overdrive?
In the wake of the operation, India dispatched multiple diplomatic delegations across the globe to explain its position. The natural question arises—why?
Did India breach international norms? Clearly not. Were we guilty of aggression? Again, no. Then why the sudden scramble to justify our stance?
Contrast this with Israel, which has faced global condemnation for its Gaza operations, yet shows no signs of conducting an international PR tour. China asserts itself aggressively in the South China Sea and Taiwan, with minimal diplomatic fallout. The US routinely intervenes in sovereign affairs and yet remains largely unchallenged. Russia, despite ongoing sanctions for its Ukraine invasion, continues its campaign with defiance.
So, why does India feel the need to explain itself?
The Fragility of Dependence
The answer lies partly in our defence dependence. India’s military inventory is a patchwork: Russian Sukhois, Migs, IL 76, French Rafales, Mirages, American Chinooks, Israeli drones, British Jaguars, radars, and more. This mix makes us vulnerable—not in combat, but in diplomacy.
Until India becomes truly Atmanirbhar, a goal currently projected around 2047, we will be forced to tiptoe diplomatically, lest we upset the very countries we rely on for spare parts, technology transfers, or ammunition.
The Hypocrisy of Global Politics
Despite broad acceptance of India’s actions post-Sindoor, not a single global power directly condemned Pakistan. More disturbingly, Pakistan—long seen as a state sponsor of terrorism—was recently given Chairmanship of the UN Committee on Counter-Terrorism. If that’s not a paradox, what is?
Time to Match Words with Will
India speaks of strong leadership, and indeed, domestically, our leaders are vocal and self-congratulatory. But international strength is measured not by speeches, but by resolve and independence.
Economic might and military autonomy go hand in hand. As our GDP edges closer to $4 trillion, India has the potential to assert itself confidently on the world stage—not defensively. The moment demands not more diplomatic briefings, but strategic clarity and self-respect.
Let’s not forget—this is the land of lions, not lambs. Diplomacy doesn’t mean submission and strength doesn’t require explanation.
It’s time to stop behaving like a country seeking approval and start acting like a nation that commands respect.
(The author is a retired Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force and a Shaurya Chakra Awardee.)
