US Sutra | Post-Operation Sindoor: How India reset the regional balance of power – Firstpost

After India’s spectacular “Operation Sindoor” against Pakistan, some have argued that though India won the ground war, Pakistan secured the upper hand in the narrative offensive. I am not sure that this is true. Despite repeated attempts to equalise India and Pakistan, unfortunately even by “peacemaker” US President Donald J. Trump, the decoupling of India as the new regional power from “rogue nation” Pakistan is now a foregone conclusion.

The best evidence of this is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the “new normal” in his post-Operation Sindoor 8:00 pm speech on May 12. Widely viewed as a victory speech, major media outlets including The Washington Post, The Guardian, BBC, and Japan Times, took notice of India’s tough stance and grim warning to Pakistan.

First of all, going by what PM Modi said, it might be premature to call his speech “post-Op”. Yes, there has been a pause in hostilities, but no formal cease fire has been signed. Modi said that if Pakistan violated the US-brokered cessation in the ongoing conflict, India would hit back hard. Going by the tone, tenor, and body language of India’s PM, it was, in several senses, nothing short of a stern reprimand to India’s rogue neighbour.

PM Modi declared that this is not the age of war, but it is also not the age of terrorism either: “Terror and talks do not go together; terror and trade also do not go together. Similarly, water and blood do not mix well.” He added, “Let the whole world know, if India is to talk with Pakistan, it will only be to discuss terror. It will be on POK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir).”

Invoking the Buddha, whose birth anniversary was celebrated on “Buddha Purnima, May 12, Modi said: “Buddha gave the world the message of peace. But peace only comes from strength.” That is why India has been cultivating strength, both economic and military. Earlier, he congratulated India’s armed forces for their spirited and befitting response to the terrorist attack of April 22 on innocent tourists in Pahalgam. He said that, personally, the attack had hurt him deeply.

Alluding to the name of India’s Operation Sindoor, Modi said that India would not tolerate terrorists wiping the vermillion mark, a symbol of the blessed state of wedlock. “Every terrorist now knows the price of removing ‘sindoor’ from the foreheads of our sisters and daughters,” he said, framing the operation as vengeance for this affront to the country’s honour. Terrorists would not be spared; they would be chased to the very ends of the world to ensure that justice was delivered, Modi had said in his speech after the April 22 Pahalgam attack.

Now, he added that Pakistan, if it is to survive, would have to stop supporting terror factories and terror infrastructure.  No wonder, Modi dedicated Operation Sindoor to India’s “Nari Shakti” (women’s power), particularly mothers, sisters, and daughters, referencing the Pahalgam attack’s brutality. The name “Operation Sindoor” was chosen for its emotional resonance. Modi used this symbolism effectively to rally national sentiment.

Modi emphasised the success of India’s indigenous defence systems and capabilities. He said they showcased his “Make in India” mission to make the country self-reliant and strong. Another terror strike itself would be considered an act of war, he thundered, thus resetting the playbook between India and Pakistan. He also said India would no longer succumb to nuclear blackmail by its belligerent neighbour. “We struck not just the enemy’s borders, but his chest too,” Modi quipped, playing on the similar sounding words, seema and seena in Hindi.

Operation Sindoor as a doctrinal shift in anti-terrorism policy

PM Modi signalled that Operation Sindoor was a “doctrinal change”, inaugurating a new policy against terrorism, emphasising proactive, decisive strikes against terror sites and structures. He stated, “This is a new normal. India will strike at the heart of terror decisively if our citizens are attacked,” signaling a shift from reactive to preemptive measures. The operation targeted key terror hubs like Bahawalpur (Jaish-e-Mohammed) and Muridke (Lashkar-e-Taiba), which Modi linked to global terrorism, including 9/11 and attacks in India.

Modi firmly rejected Pakistan’s nuclear threats, declaring, “Nuclear blackmail will not work against India.” He warned that terror networks operating under such threats would face direct action, reinforcing India’s resolve to counter terrorism regardless of Pakistan’s nuclear posturing. Modi clarified that the ceasefire, initiated after Pakistan’s request due to heavy losses, was a “temporary measure” and not an end to India’s operations. He stressed that India would monitor Pakistan’s actions closely, with the military—Army, Navy, Air Force, and border forces—remaining on high alert. India had “postponed retaliatory action” but was prepared to act if needed.

The Prime Minister praised the armed forces for their valour and precision, noting that India’s missile and drone strikes, supported by advanced defence systems, repelled Pakistani drones and damaged their air bases. He called for national unity, stating, “When the nation stands united with ‘nation first’ as its guiding principle, firm decisions are taken.”

Modi criticised Pakistan for attacking India instead of cooperating against terrorism, stating, “Instead of helping India against terror, Pakistan attacked us.” He urged the global community to isolate state-sponsored terrorism, positioning India’s actions as part of a broader fight.

The Prime Minister’s strategic clarity, the temporary nature of the ceasefire, and counterstrikes on Pakistani military bases, not only provided a clear perspective but took India’s messaging to a new level of effectiveness. Modi’s speech signals a significant shift in the “Modi Doctrine” as well as a regional reset in power relations.

Operation Sindoor is a transformative moment in India’s quest for an enhanced role in global affairs. It has reinforced India’s tough stance against Pakistan, rejected nuclear threats, and rallied national and global support, while setting strict conditions for future engagement. Even if they do not admit it openly, the global community has taken notice.

The writer is an author and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.