National News: Mushroom clouds are usually associated with nuclear explosions. Recently, there were speculations about nuclear installations being targeted during Operation Sindoor. Amidst these speculations, there was an explosion of fake information, propaganda and even rumours spread by a section of the media. Whatever you may call the end of the military confrontation between India and Pakistan, even after a fortnight, many different stories are floating around. The campaign to prove one's own stories as true continues.
People are also giving them recognition according to their interest and inclination. While attacks and counter-attacks were taking place one after the other on both sides of the border, a post by US President Donald Trump suddenly appeared that he has put an end to the ongoing confrontation between the two countries.
International media naturally showed its 'convenient' ideological intention
There was a lot of speculation about what happened behind the scenes that suddenly such a situation arose. Amidst such claims and counter-claims, it is possible that the truth may never come out. Despite this, a frenzy of creating one's own narrative was witnessed. During this time, the international media naturally showed its 'convenient' ideological intention. This 'convenient' should be read and understood as anti-India.
In fact, Pakistan's challenges on the communication front were much easier than India's. Since the army controls the framework of the debate like every other aspect, it was left with the task of declaring victory. Even if it meant fabricating a fake story of Rafale being shot down. It fabricated it and served it to its fanatic public and similar people spread across the world.
US tried to give credence to its fictional narrative
Meanwhile, the US tried to give credence to its fictional narrative by giving the army chief the rank of Field Marshal. Even ceremonies and banquets were organised to celebrate this 'victory', the photographs used in which also turned out to be fake. India's task in this case was much more complex. For the first three days, the flow of information was handled with exemplary patience and skilful management. Then suddenly the announcement of ceasefire by the whimsical US President and the claim of American role in mediation came as a surprise.
This stunned the Indian establishment, as it had to clarify that there was no third party interference. For decades, India's policy with regard to Pakistan has been that there is no room for third party interference. Even ordinary Indians, who had believed that this time cross-border terrorism would be taught such a lesson that it would not dare to raise its head again, were left speechless. The public was hoping for a long-term solution.
Government lost a bit on the perception front.
Clearly, the government has lost a bit on the perception front. The nature of suspicion is embedded in the DNA of Indians and they are more concerned about what the rest of the world thinks of us. This is why Indians are very demanding about their international image and open to internal criticism. The colonial past also plays a role in this. When suspicions are raised by opposition parties and their ecosystem, it resonates somewhere in the minds of the people.
Realising this, the government decided to send delegations of MPs and experts across the world so that they could put India's side on the global stage. It can be clearly understood that Operation Sindoor was a much bigger military action than the surgical strike and air strike. In this, India not only attacked deep inside Pakistan, but also set an amazing example in terms of defence.
No major superpower was seen openly standing with India
Until the events behind the alleged ceasefire are known, speculations will continue to run wild. It will also be a matter of speculation whether India caused any damage to Pakistan's nuclear arsenal or carried out any attack around it. Whatever the case, it cannot be ignored that during Operation Sindoor India was not able to turn the global public opinion in its favour as expected. No major superpower was seen openly standing with India, while Pakistan was clearly supported by China, Turkey and Azerbaijan. Trump's claim that he used trade as the basis for peace cannot be believed because India has not cared about US sanctions in the past, while Pakistan has nothing to worry about except trade. The approval of the loan from the IMF for Pakistan also indicates who the West sympathized with.
Apart from America and China, other countries including Pakistan must have been aware of the strategic capabilities India has acquired, but they may not have thought about how capable it is in using them. If the standoff with Pakistan had continued for a few more days, India's power and superiority would have been established more assertively, which would have changed the regional geopolitical equations.
real issue here is related to India's rise as an economic power
Naturally, some superpowers do not like this. The real issue here is related to India's rise as an economic power. Along with this, if it emerges militarily strong, it will not be possible to stop it. Developed countries are not ready to accept this truth yet. It remains to be seen how Modi deals with this biggest challenge. It is possible that he has opted for an immediate ceasefire to fulfill the long-term goal of a developed India. He gave preference to prudence over bravery. After all, to win a big war, some small battles have to be ignored.
