Now that there is a ceasefire on the India-Pakistan border and Line of Control, it should not be forgotten that Pakistan cannot be trusted. Therefore, water sanctions, trade sanctions and diplomacy sanctions should remain imposed on this failed state, i.e. Pakistan. Against this backdrop, it is apt to say that Operation Sindoor was not an impulsive response but a well-planned and thoroughly executed military manoeuver. India’s swift action through Operation Sindoor has disrupted Pakistan's routine playbook. By targeting launchpads, arms caches, and temporary shelters used by terrorists across the border, the Indian Army has not only pre-empted potential large-scale attacks but also conveyed a strong message: India will act unilaterally and decisively when provoked. However, it is worthwhile that the disinformation flood that followed the escalation was rapid and well-coordinated. Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, saw a surge of misleading videos, photoshopped images, and fake news articles. Many of these originated from Pakistan-based handles or anonymous accounts posing as Indian users. In one case, old footage from the Syria conflict was circulated as “live visuals” from the LoC. In another, fabricated news headlines falsely claimed major Indian military losses. The objective was clear: to manipulate public perception, generate panic, and erode trust in the Indian government and armed forces. To counter this increasingly sophisticated threat, Indian citizens must treat information as a strategic asset. Social media users must resist the urge to share unverified content, especially during times of national security concerns. Relying on authentic news sources, cross-checking through official channels such as the PIB Fact Check, and reporting suspicious accounts can all make a difference.
Now, in a world increasingly shaped by images and perception, one photograph can speak louder than any official statement. Such was the case with the powerful image that surfaced from a high-level, closed-door meeting in New Delhi following an unprovoked night of aggression from Pakistan. At the center of this visual was Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, flanked by the chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force—all of whom appeared composed, resolute, and strikingly calm. What stood out most, however, was the Defence Minister’s smiling face—a rare but potent symbol in a moment of national tension. That image, captured and disseminated widely across social media platforms and news outlets, did more than offer a glimpse into the room where strategic decisions were being made; it sent a clear and deliberate message to the Indian public and to the world: India is secure, its leadership is in control, and there is no cause for panic. Hence, what sets Operation Sindoor apart is its strategic messaging. Unlike past retaliations that were often reactive, this mission was proactive and aligned with the new Indian security paradigm of striking first and striking smart. The use of precision-guided munitions, aerial surveillance, and well-coordinated infantry movements reflect a maturing doctrine that blends technology with tactical acumen. It also underscores India’s shift from a defensive posture to one that seeks to shape outcomes on the LoC, rather than merely respond to them. The operation further enhances the morale of Indian forces, sends a message of assurance to the border population, and puts Pakistan under renewed pressure to rein in its non-state actors.
By Deepak Kumar Rath
Leave Your Comment