Operation Sindoor was a remarkable success for the Indian armed forces. In just 88 hours, India pushed back Pakistan’s aggression, despite Pakistan receiving intelligence and satellite support from China. There was no major loss of Indian lives, and the operation avoided causing unnecessary damage across the border. By any military standard, this was an achievement worth acknowledging and celebrating.
Yet, what should have been a proud moment for the nation became a political battleground. During the recent debate in Parliament, the focus wasn’t on praising the armed forces—it was on pointing fingers. Instead of thanking the soldiers, opposition leaders used the opportunity to criticise the government. In doing so, they ended up questioning the credibility and capability of the armed forces.
Some of the comments made by politicians were deeply disappointing and even uninformed. One Member of Parliament (MP) questioned why India’s Rafale jets did not cross the border, without understanding that modern jets are designed to hit targets from long distances. Another MP quoted Pakistani media to suggest that India had lost multiple aircraft, even though there was no evidence to support the claim. This not only helped enemy narratives but also embarrassed India on the international stage.
Worse still, one leader called Operation Sindoor a “tamasha” — a mockery — despite the operation being praised globally. When the military puts its life on the line to protect the nation, such comments show a lack of respect and understanding.
It is clear that some politicians used the debate to try and weaken the government's political advantage, but they did so at the cost of the armed forces’ morale. Instead of asking how many enemy aircraft were destroyed or how much damage Pakistan suffered, they focused only on whether India lost planes. No one seemed interested in the success story—only in finding faults.
Some even went to the extent of making strange comparisons. One MP said India should ban McDonald’s because he believed Donald Trump owns it. Another questioned the timing of a separate anti-terror operation, Operation Mahadev, as if the military needs Parliament's permission to act against terrorists. These examples highlight just how ill-prepared some of our elected leaders are when it comes to matters of national security.
What made things worse was that many political parties chose not to include former military officers in the debate—officers who could have explained the true significance of the operation. These veterans are often seen at public events, proudly wearing their medals and uniforms. Why weren’t their voices included in Parliament?
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Instead, political leaders with little knowledge of defence matters were sent to speak, resulting in misinformed and misleading statements. This led to unnecessary embarrassment not just in the country, but also abroad. The proceedings of Parliament are watched closely by global observers. What message are we sending when our own politicians don’t stand with the armed forces?
While the ruling government and the Prime Minister praised the military’s work, the overall tone of the Parliament debate was negative. For soldiers on the ground and airmen in the sky, this lack of recognition can be deeply demoralising. Imagine a pilot who risked his life destroying enemy targets, or a soldier on the frontlines in Kashmir hearing leaders call their efforts a “tamasha.” It’s not just unfair—it’s unacceptable.
The truth is, Operation Sindoor was not a failure. It was a bold, precise, and effective military mission. But by politicising it, some leaders allowed enemy nations like Pakistan and China to twist the narrative. Instead of showcasing India’s military strength, the debate gave fuel to those who wanted to downplay it.
This moment was a test—not just for our military, which passed with flying colours—but for our political leadership. Sadly, many failed.
India’s armed forces remain one of the most respected institutions in the country. But for their sacrifices to be honoured, our leaders must rise above politics—especially when it comes to national security. The soldier doesn’t fight for one party or another. He fights for the nation. Parliament must do the same.
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