Operation Sindoor: Bharat’s Military Might Shines, Opposition Still Finds Fault

Paromita Das

New Delhi, 15th August: In recent months, Bharat’s armed forces have showcased their formidable strength and operational excellence through Operation Sindoor — a strategic mission that has not only cemented the Indian Army’s reputation as one of the most capable in the world but also compelled international powers to acknowledge the country’s defence capabilities. Yet, even as the global stage recognizes and respects this achievement, parts of the Bharatiyan opposition remain steadfast in their criticism — targeting both the Narendra Modi government and, by implication, the Bhartiya Army itself.

The paradox is striking: while foreign leaders praise Bharat’s military professionalism and strength, some domestic political voices seem intent on framing the narrative through a lens of cynicism and partisanship.

Global Recognition After Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor was not just another military exercise — it was a decisive, high-risk, and high-precision mission that demanded flawless coordination, rapid decision-making, and unshakable discipline. Military analysts across the globe have pointed to the operation as a case study in modern warfare execution, blending intelligence, technology, and boots-on-the-ground courage in perfect harmony.

Defence experts from nations traditionally critical of Bharat have admitted, albeit reluctantly, that the Indian Army’s operational sophistication rivals — and in some cases surpasses — that of other leading global forces. This kind of acknowledgment is rare, and it matters. It elevates Bharat’s standing in international security dialogues and strengthens New Delhi’s leverage in global strategic negotiations.

The UNGA Factor and the Strategic Balancing Act

As Bharat basks in the afterglow of military success, speculation has been mounting over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s possible participation in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September. His name appears on the UN’s provisional list of speakers for September 26, but New Delhi has made it clear that the final decision will be taken closer to the date.

The suspense intensified when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted at a planned meeting with Modi on the sidelines of the UNGA. Yet, sources suggest the visit is “very unlikely” at present — a reminder that diplomacy is often about careful timing and calculated moves.

Bharat’s cautious approach also stems from current trade disputes with the United States, where President Donald Trump has imposed reciprocal tariffs and criticized Bharat’s Russian oil purchases. Balancing military credibility, economic diplomacy, and global positioning is no small task, and the government appears intent on avoiding any missteps.

Opposition Criticism: Political Strategy or Misguided Targeting?

In the face of such a monumental achievement as Operation Sindoor, one might expect a unified voice of national pride. Instead, parts of the INDI alliance opposition have chosen to frame their rhetoric around criticism of the Modi government, often blurring the lines between holding the executive accountable and inadvertently undermining the morale of the armed forces.

Criticism of government policy is the lifeblood of a healthy democracy, but when the tone and timing appear to diminish the sacrifices and successes of soldiers, it risks sending the wrong message — both to the men and women in uniform and to the world watching Bharat closely.

By continuously portraying the Modi government’s strategic decisions as flawed without recognizing operational successes, these political actors risk being perceived as out of step with the national mood and tone-deaf to Bharat’s global gains.

Why Global Praise Matters for Bharat’s Defence Position

The international recognition that follows operations like Sindoor is not merely symbolic. It translates into tangible advantages:

• Stronger defence partnerships with like-minded countries.
• Higher credibility in regional security dialogues.
• Better deterrence against adversaries who may think twice before testing Bharat’s resolve.

Such gains feed into Bharat’s broader diplomatic capital — especially when engaging with powerful blocs like the United Nations Security Council, G20, or during high-level bilateral talks. Every operation that boosts Bharat’s global image strengthens the nation’s negotiating hand, whether on defence pacts, trade deals, or geopolitical alliances.

A Time for Unity, Not Division

The truth is simple — Operation Sindoor was a national achievement, not a partisan one. The soldiers who executed it did not wear party colors; they wore the tricolor on their sleeves. Recognizing the bravery, precision, and capability of the Indian Army does not require political alignment — it requires national alignment.

By constantly using even military successes as battlegrounds for domestic political point-scoring, sections of the opposition risk eroding the very strategic respect Bharat has fought to earn on the world stage. Healthy debate on policy is essential, but during moments of military pride, unity strengthens the nation’s voice abroad.

Choosing the Bigger Picture

Bharat stands at a crossroads where its military strength, diplomatic influence, and economic aspirations are converging. Operation Sindoor has reminded the world that the Bhartiya Army is not just strong — it is world-class. The Modi government’s challenge now is to translate that military respect into diplomatic and economic wins, whether on the UNGA stage or in bilateral corridors of power.

For the opposition, this moment is an opportunity — not to diminish or dismiss — but to stand shoulder to shoulder in applauding the nation’s armed forces. Political differences can, and should, resume in due course. But when the world salutes Bharat’s military, Bharat should salute itself.