Paromita Das
New Delhi, 11th August: When the dust of battle settles, history often reveals truths that were once hidden behind strategic silence. The recent revelation about Operation Sindoor has shaken not just South Asia but also the global defence community. For years, the true scale of Bharat’s military achievement was known only to a select few in the corridors of power. Now, as facts emerge, the Bharatiya Army’s strength stands vindicated before the world — even if some at home refuse to acknowledge it.
The Operation That Redefined the Battlefield
During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces showcased a level of precision and dominance that left military analysts speechless. According to newly disclosed details, the S-400 missile defence system shot down five Pakistani jets, including an AWACS/ELINT aircraft hit mid-air and another destroyed at Bholari. On the ground, US-made F-16s — Pakistan’s pride — were obliterated by the BrahMos missile system.

This wasn’t just a tactical win; it was a strategic masterstroke. Each of these actions carried significant military symbolism. Shooting down advanced enemy aircraft in the air and destroying grounded fighters in their own territory sent one unambiguous message: Bharat can strike anywhere, anytime.
Why the World Didn’t Hear About It Then
Interestingly, Bharat chose not to reveal these details immediately. This wasn’t out of fear or weakness, but out of strategic wisdom. At the time, Indo-US relations were steady, and openly discrediting American-made F-16s could have unnecessarily strained ties.

Military decisions aren’t made in the heat of ego; they are calculated moves where timing is everything. Discretion in such matters is often as important as action itself. By keeping Operation Sindoor’s details classified until now, Bharat avoided diplomatic turbulence while keeping the deterrent value alive in silence.
No Political Pressure, Only Strategic Prudence

Contrary to opposition claims, there was no pressure from the government to suppress the truth for political convenience. The choice to maintain operational secrecy was made with the nation’s long-term security in mind. In warfare and diplomacy, the timing of revelations can be as decisive as missiles on the battlefield.
A Message to Washington, Loud and Clear

What makes the timing of this revelation so significant is that it coincides with a period when the Bharatiya government has shown no inclination to “pamper” Washington. This isn’t about arrogance — it’s about asserting Bharat’s sovereign confidence in its military capabilities. Releasing this information now is a subtle but powerful message: Bharat is a partner of strength, not a pawn.
The Air Chief’s Frustration: A Lesson in Political Immaturity
In a candid reflection, the Indian Air Chief expressed disappointment that despite the undeniable success of Balakot and the operational brilliance of Sindoor, many Bharatiya still doubted their own forces. The frustration was not with the enemy — but with sections of the Bharatiya political spectrum and media who seemed more eager to question their own than confront the adversary.

Such negativity doesn’t just play into the enemy’s narrative; it undermines the morale of the very soldiers who stand on the borders, ready to sacrifice their lives.
Pakistan’s Realisation: Nowhere is Safe
Perhaps the most impactful outcome of Operation Sindoor was psychological. The Pakistani Armed Forces now know with certainty that Bharat’s reach is absolute. From the air to the ground, across fortified borders and deep into hostile territory, no target is beyond Bharat’s capability. This knowledge alone shifts the strategic balance and strengthens deterrence.
The Global Recognition Bharat Deserves

The world, particularly military think tanks and defence strategists, is now openly acknowledging the Bharatiya Army’s capabilities. Operation Sindoor is not just being discussed in terms of Bharat-Pakistan rivalry — it is being studied as a case study in modern military dominance, integrating high-tech weaponry like the S-400 and BrahMos into a seamless operational plan.
The Opposition’s Misplaced Focus
While the world applauds, parts of Bharat’s opposition continue to focus on political point-scoring. Criticism is healthy in a democracy, but when it descends into undermining the armed forces, it crosses into dangerous territory. The refusal to acknowledge a clear military triumph for the sake of attacking the government is not just short-sighted — it is damaging to national unity.
Patriotism Beyond Politics

One doesn’t have to be a supporter of any political party to recognise the brilliance of Operation Sindoor. Patriotism should transcend party lines. When the Bharatiya Army executes an operation of such magnitude and precision, it is the duty of every Bharatiya to acknowledge, respect, and celebrate it.
By allowing political divides to cloud national pride, we risk sending the wrong message — not just to our soldiers, but to the world.
Strength, Strategy, and National Unity
The revelation of Operation Sindoor is more than just a military disclosure; it’s a moment of truth for Bharat. It reminds us that strength is not only in firepower but in the strategic patience to decide when and how to use it. The Bharatiya Army has proven beyond doubt that it is one of the most capable military forces in the world.
Now, it’s up to us — as a nation — to ensure that political debates do not diminish the respect owed to those who defend our sovereignty. The soldiers of Operation Sindoor have done their duty with honour. It’s time the political class did theirs.