Operation Sindoor and the Political Storm: A Shift in India's Security Paradigm
- MGMMTeam
- Aug 5
- 4 min read
From Mumbai 26/11 to Sindoor 2025: A Tale of Two Doctrines
India’s security posture has witnessed a profound transformation over the past 15 years. Following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which left over 170 people dead, the Congress-led UPA government was heavily criticized for its restrained response. Despite national outrage, the government refrained from military retaliation, focusing instead on diplomatic engagement and internal counterterrorism reform—much of which, like the proposed National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), never materialized.
The advent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in 2014 brought with it a radical shift in India’s defense doctrine. From the 2016 surgical strikes after the Uri attack, to the Balakot airstrike in 2019 following Pulwama, India signaled a new strategy—marked by swift retributive action beyond the border. This transformation culminated in Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025, in response to the devastating Pahalgam terror attack which killed 26 civilians. Operation Sindoor, India’s largest cross-border military retaliation in decades, not only demonstrated tactical precision but also reinforced India's commitment to preemptive security and regional dominance.
The Monsoon Session Showdown: Debate over Valor and Credibility
The Monsoon Session of Parliament in July 2025 was overshadowed by fierce confrontations over the conduct and outcome of Operation Sindoor. While the government held detailed briefings showcasing the operation’s success, Congress launched a blistering attack on the government’s handling of intelligence and its failure to prevent the Pahalgam incident.
Leading the charge was Rahul Gandhi, who accused the Modi government of prioritizing posturing over preparation. He repeatedly questioned the number of casualties, both civilian and military, and demanded an independent inquiry into what he termed as "an avoidable tragedy." The debate intensified when Gandhi challenged PM Modi to publicly refute former US President Donald Trump’s claims of having brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
The Trump Controversy: Mediation or Misrepresentation?
The narrative took an international turn when Donald Trump, who had previously served as US President and was then a prominent political figure, claimed that he had played a key role in mediating the ceasefire following Operation Sindoor. Backed by Pakistani officials, Trump went as far as stating that his diplomatic outreach prevented a full-scale war and even linked his mediation efforts to progress in trade negotiations.
India's response was swift and stern. Prime Minister Modi, speaking in Parliament, categorically denied any third-party involvement in the ceasefire. He asserted that India’s actions were self-contained and that the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan had formally requested the ceasefire—proving that India had the upper hand. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed this sentiment, emphasizing India’s strategic autonomy and rejecting any claims of foreign mediation. Modiji mocked the Congress for its silence in the face of Trump’s comments, saying the Opposition could not even call out misinformation when it involved national pride.
Voices Silenced: Congress’s Inner Conflict Unmasked
While Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were at the forefront of Congress's critique, an unusual silence prevailed among some of its most seasoned leaders. Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari, both experienced voices in foreign and defense affairs and part of India’s diplomatic delegation to Washington during Operation Sindoor, were conspicuously absent from the Lok Sabha debate.
Prime Minister Modi seized the opportunity to point out this omission, accusing the Congress high command of “gagging” its intellectuals. Sources close to Tharoor suggested he opted out of speaking to avoid contradicting the party’s narrative. Tewari, on the other hand, reportedly requested to speak in Parliament but was denied a slot by the party leadership. In a cryptic post on social media, Tewari wrote: “Bharat ka rehne waala hoon, Bharat ki baat sunata hoon”, signaling his discomfort with the internal dynamics of his own party.
This internal tension revealed a growing schism within Congress—between younger leaders intent on aggressive opposition and elder statesmen committed to measured engagement. The party’s decision to sideline its best-informed voices in foreign policy raised questions about its unity and strategic coherence.
Global Support and Domestic Politics: Modiji’s Counterattack
In stark contrast to Congress’s position, Prime Minister Modi portrayed Operation Sindoor as a moment of national assertion, not just militarily but diplomatically. He underscored that nearly 1,000 missiles and drones were intercepted, with most being neutralized by India’s indigenous defense systems. Modiji declared that the global community stood with India during the operation, praising leaders from France, Australia, and Japan for their unequivocal support. He emphasized how the global narrative had shifted—from balancing both sides to openly backing India’s right to self-defense.
In an emotionally charged address, Modiji stated:
“When the world stood with India, Congress stayed silent. When our soldiers were fighting, Congress was finding faults. This is not just disrespect—it is a betrayal of national unity.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted how Operation Sindoor was executed without relying on foreign powers, unlike in the past when India waited for global approval. He said this was the true essence of “Atmanirbharta”—self-reliance—and that India had moved beyond the legacy of passive diplomacy under previous governments.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Indian Security and Politics
Operation Sindoor marked not only a significant military achievement but also a defining moment in India’s political discourse. It brought to light deep divisions in how different parties interpret national security, sovereignty, and international diplomacy.
While the Modi government showcased it as an example of bold leadership and international credibility, the Opposition sought to expose intelligence gaps, civilian losses, and the dangers of centralizing foreign policy around one personality. However, internal contradictions and strategic missteps—like excluding Tharoor and Tewari—diluted Congress’s impact.
What emerged from the Monsoon Session was a clear dichotomy: a ruling party with a coherent doctrine of assertiveness, and an Opposition still searching for a cohesive narrative. Operation Sindoor, regardless of its critics, reinforced India's posture as a decisive regional power—and for now, the Modi government has managed to hold the high ground, both militarily and politically.
(Sources: Economic Times, India Today, Times of India, NDTV, Hindustan Times)
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