Indian fashion businesses cash in on Pakistan conflict flare-up, tap surge in nationalism
Hours after New Delhi and Islamabad launched their worst conflict in nearly three decades, Indian businesses cashed in on a surge in nationalism with T-shirts and bags glorifying the military.
Advertisement
After a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, New Delhi launched strikes deep into Pakistan's territory as part of what it named 'Operation Sindoor'.
India blamed Pakistan for backing the attackers
who killed 26 civilians . Islamabad denied it and called for an independent inquiry.
ceasefire was reached on May 10 after four days of fighting, but a massive wave of nationalist support for the military operation continues unabated in India.
T-shirts featuring 'Operation Sindoor' on display at a store in Ludhiana, India. Businesses have cashed in on the recent flare-up in the India-Pakistan conflict, offering military operation-themed T-shirts and tote bags. Photo: AFP
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government used Sindoor, the Hindi word for the red powder which married Hindu women wear on their foreheads, as a sign that it was to avenge those widowed in the April 22 attack.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South China Morning Post
6 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Indian PM Modi invited to G7 summit in Canada
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday he will attend the Group of Seven leaders' summit in Canada this month after receiving an invitation from the new Canadian premier. Advertisement India is not a member of the G7 but Modi has been invited to attend previous summits since 2019, when France invited him to Biarritz. 'Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada,' Modi said in a statement posted on social media. 'Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month … look forward to our meeting at the summit.' A statement from Carney's office said the call addressed 'the long-standing relationship between Canada and India', adding that Carney was looking forward to hosting Modi at the G7. Advertisement The statements boosted hopes of a reset of fraught relations between New Delhi and Ottawa.
South China Morning Post
9 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Is Tesla stalling on India? Market entry appears in doubt after minister questions intent
Tesla's long-anticipated push to manufacture cars in India appears to be stalling, after a senior minister cast doubt on the company's intent – raising fresh questions about whether the electric vehicle giant is ready to commit to one of the world's fastest-growing car markets. Advertisement The remarks have highlighted a mismatch between India's policy efforts to attract global carmakers and Tesla's hesitant approach to committing new manufacturing investment – even as analysts believe the firm is still positioning itself for a longer-term play in the country. Speculation over the US electric vehicle giant's expansion had mounted in recent months following favourable import duty cuts, alongside the opening of a Tesla showroom in Mumbai. But in comments that undercut the excitement, India's Minister for Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy told reporters in Delhi on Monday that Tesla was 'more interested' in establishing showrooms and 'not interested' in manufacturing in India. The statement quickly sparked debate on social media, where some users argued that Tesla might be delaying its entry because it already had ample production capacity elsewhere. Others suggested the high price point of its cars limited the company's addressable market in India. A Tesla showroom showcases a Model Y vehicle. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously cited India's high tariffs as a key obstacle to entering the market. Photo: TNS India has taken notable steps to court Tesla. In its February budget, the government slashed tariffs on luxury vehicles priced above US$40,000 from 125 per cent to 70 per cent. It had earlier offered a separate pathway for carmakers to pay just 15 per cent in import duties – if they committed to investing at least US$500 million and building a local factory.
South China Morning Post
10 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
India's Modi opens rail line, with world's ‘highest railway arch' bridge, to contested Kashmir
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made his first visit to Kashmir since a conflict with arch-rival Pakistan, opening a strategic railway line to the contested region he called 'the crown jewel of India'. Modi launched a string of projects worth billions of dollars for the divided Muslim-majority territory, the centre of bitter rivalry between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947. Nuclear-armed India and Pakistan fought a four-day conflict last month, their worst stand-off since 1999, before a ceasefire was agreed on May 10. 'Pakistan will never forget … its shameful loss,' the Hindu nationalist premier told crowds on Friday, a month since India launched strikes on its neighbour after an attack on tourists in Kashmir. 'Friends, today's event is a grand festival of India's unity and firm resolve,' Modi said after striding across the soaring bridge to formally launch it for rail traffic. 'This is a symbol and celebration of rising India,' he said of the Chenab Bridge which connects two mountains.
