That sweeps the world post ‘Operation Sindoor’
Winds of change are sweeping across the world. ‘Operation Sindoor’ has blasted pre-existing notions, that has compelled the world to remove their ‘diplomatic blinkers’ and see the true face of Pakistan.
From the time that India achieved Independence following Partition in 1947, neighbouring Pakistan has kept up with its relentless barrage of pressure tactics, which include 4-5 major conflicts, apart from the never-ending cross-border skirmishes. Their sole motive through all this, has been both diversionary as well as political posturing as a helpless underdog to garner global sympathy and support.
Needless to say, Pakistan’s attempts to portray India as an adversary rather than a neighbour seems to have had the desired effect. Despite their best efforts to mask their true intentions, Western superpowers’ favourable bias towards Pakistan has over the years been obvious. And Pakistan’s favourite pet peeve about the Kashmir issue has struck a sympathetic chord, wherever it mattered the most. It was certainly a convenient ploy, too, for Superpower muscle flexing in South Asia.
Some years ago, a columnist in the British magazine ‘Punch’, had in a tongue-in-cheek remark said: Neighbouring countries India and Pakistan could be compared to an elephant and an ant, respectively, living side by side, not by choice but because history and circumstances had willed it so.
And even if Jumbo were to breathe normally, the poor ant feared it might get completely blown away, the columnist had gone on to add.
Once elephants walking along on city roads with its mahout sitting atop was not an unusual sight at all in Lucknow, state capital of Uttar Pradesh, India. But for us kids it seemed more like a circus event. Of course, it is significant to add, that then traffic on the roads was sparse and spare, hardly a bother at all for anyone – least of all for Jumbo.
But the real entertainment was something else. That came in the shape of a motley pack of street dogs, frantically barking, and yelping, circling all around the huge animal. But the pachyderm didn’t seem to notice the barking and fuss at all. It just walked on casually, unconcerned, oblivious to all the commotion around it as though the dogs were nothing more than a bunch of bothersome flies, buzzing around with futile abandon.
Happily, winds of change are sweeping across the world. ‘Operation Sindoor’ has blasted pre-existing notions, that compelled the world to remove their ‘diplomatic blinkers’ and see the true face of Pakistan.
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Now, there is little room for doubt in the face of changing world opinion
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Indeed, a noticeably marked shift has taken place, with a more balanced stance towards India, one that is significantly vocal as well as audible
Here is a sampling of opinions that have praised Operation Sindoor’s calibrated response that exhibited strength, precision and restraint. And all this in the face of Pakistan’s defiant support and refuge to dreaded and wanted terrorists, whose only agenda is to “bleed India with a thousand cuts”.
The Tide of World Opinion has turned
John Spencer, a retired US Army officer and an expert on Urban Warfare termed ‘Operation Sindoor’ as “a decisive victory” and a befitting response by India against terrorists and those that harbour and nurture them.
Now, there is little room for doubt in the face of changing world opinion. Indeed, a noticeably marked shift has taken place, with a more balanced stance towards India, one that is significantly vocal as well as audible.
Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute, in Washington, US, described ‘Operation Sindoor’ “as a major step-up in India’s responsive strategy”.
Damier Symon, Open Source Analyst in the US said: “Operation Sindoor delivered a strong message to Pakistan’s military leadership, showing India’s readiness to take firm action against terrorism”.
Tom Cooper, Austrian Military Historian said” “Operation Sindoor is a clear-cut victory for India”. He praised the Indian government for showing restraint and not boasting excessively about the operation.
In reply to a question, Gen. (Retd) VK Singh, Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, had said: “On March 7, 2017, US Congressmen Ted Poe and Dana Rohrabacher had tabled a bill in The US House of Representatives titled “Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism, Designation Act 2017”.
Wesley Clark, retired US Army General remarked “Pakistan’s approach to expressing frustration over Kashmir had gone on for many years at a low level, without any reaction from India. They finally crossed the line and India reacted”.
Additionally one has to take into account the tidal wave of congratulatory message on diverse digital platforms, applauding ‘Operation Sindoor’ and censuring Pakistan as a terrorism hub and incubator.
Indian minister’s reply in Parliament
It is significant to mention here proceedings that have taken place in India’s Parliament.
In reply to a question, Gen. (Retd) VK Singh, Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, had said: “On March 7, 2017, US Congressman Ted Poe and Dana Rohrabacher had tabled a bill in The US House of Representatives titled “Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism, Designation Act 2017”.
The Bill has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee for consideration. It will then have to go through the Legislative process before it becomes a law. So far the US is the only country where such a bill is under consideration.
Furthermore, the bill also lists findings regarding support by the Government of Pakistan, and the ISI in particular, and directs the US Secretary of State to verify and ascertain whether Pakistan, including any of its agents, had abetted and supported acts of terrorism.
