Latest news with #post-OperationSindoor
News18
3 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Operation Sindoor: Why Was Ceasefire Announced So Suddenly? CDS Anil Chauhan Explains
Last Updated: Speaking nearly 20 days after the ceasefire was announced on the evening of May 10, General Chauhan said that the decision was part of India's strategic planning India halted its military response to Pakistan's post-Operation Sindoor provocation after achieving all its objectives within three days, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan stated on Saturday at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Speaking nearly 20 days after the ceasefire was announced on the evening of May 10, General Chauhan said that the decision was part of India's strategic planning. The ceasefire announcement, which came during the peak of the operation, had taken many by surprise and raised questions about the timing. Operation Sindoor was launched after midnight on May 6–7 in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. According to General Anil Chauhan, India targeted nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), killing over 100 terrorists, including Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Abdul Rauf Azhar. He added that the Indian armed forces carried out precision strikes that dealt a blow to Pakistan's air defence system and destroyed key air bases in Skardu, Jacobabad, Sargodha and Bholari. General Anil Chauhan said that between May 7 and 10, Pakistan retaliated by firing along the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in the deaths of 15 Indian civilians and one soldier. In response, the Indian Air Force launched BrahMos missile strikes on the morning of May 10, targeting and destroying Pakistan's Noor Khan, Chaklala airport in Rawalpindi. Following this escalation, Pakistan appealed for a ceasefire, which India agreed to, General Chauhan added. Speaking in Singapore, General Anil Chauhan said that India operated with complete clarity and autonomy during Operation Sindoor. He said that India adopted a long-term strategic approach after gaining Independence in 1947, at a time when Pakistan was ahead in several areas. Today, however, India has surged ahead in economic, social and human development—an outcome of that sustained strategy, he said. General Chauhan noted that despite several efforts to improve bilateral ties, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inviting Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony in 2014, Pakistan has consistently responded with hostility. Therefore, he said, maintaining strategic distance is now viewed as the most appropriate course of action. General Anil Chauhan stated that the Indian armed forces remain on high alert following the ceasefire, with a clear message that any further provocation from Pakistan will be met with a firm and decisive response. He said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's strength and its unwavering commitment to not remaining silent in the face of terrorism.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Congress in tatters, India in the ascendant: The story Modi wrote
The Congress party's hollow rhetoric and its political irrelevance in today's India has been exposed. It brings out their petty attempts to belittle India's military achievements and undermine national institutions with Narendra Modi's bold, unapologetic leadership over the past 11 years. From Operation Sindoor's daring success to sweeping developmental reforms and a reassertion of India's sovereignty, the piece highlights a nation transformed by decisive governance. As the opposition clings to obsolete slogans and self-inflicted irrelevance, India surges forward—confident, assertive, and determined to define its future on its own terms. This sharp, incisive analysis cuts through the noise to reveal the stark contrast between empty rhetoric and transformative action. In the annals of Indian politics, few leaders have reshaped the national landscape as dramatically as has Narendra Modi. Since taking office as India's 14th Prime Minister on May 26, 2014, Modi has not merely consolidated power—he has redefined the very vocabulary of governance, development, and national pride. His journey from a tea-seller's son in Vadnagar to the most formidable political figure of the 21st century India is as much a testament to personal grit as it is to an uncanny grasp of India's pulse. Yet, when I sat down to critically analyse his transformative 11-year tenure, some self-styled members of the so-called intelligentsia accused me of giving undue attention to Rahul Gandhi—a man who, by any measure, is now a political relic. If they choose to serve as cheerleaders for a party that has collapsed into irrelevance, so be it. But let's be blunt: a party that once ruled India for over five and a half decades and preens itself as the liberator of India from British rule (a claim that is, at best, a selective half-truth), now speaks the language of our rogue neighbour, undermines the valour of our armed forces, with dangerous half-truths and baseless cynicism. Just look at their post-Operation Sindoor antics. Instead of saluting the audacity and precision with which India struck deep into hostile territory—neutralising terror infrastructure and humiliating an enemy emboldened by nuclear bravado—Congress chose to scoff and smear. Their questions were not those of a loyal opposition but of a party marinated in pettiness: Why hasn't PoK been taken back yet? How many aircraft did we lose? These aren't queries rooted in strategy or statecraft—they're the desperate gasps of a party sinking under the weight of its own irrelevance. Rahul Gandhi's crew—flailing in their frustration—ignored clarifications from the Prime Minister, the Director General of Military Operations, the service chiefs, and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. An octogenarian AICC President dismissed Operation Sindoor as a mere 'chut phut.' Jairam Ramesh, the party's designated mouthpiece, stooped to equate Indian parliamentarians—who were briefing global leaders on Pakistan's perfidy and India's measured response—with terrorists. It was a spectacle not of leadership but of a circus. Rahul himself plunged into depths of impropriety by branding Dr Jaishankar a 'Jaichand'—an intolerable insult not just to a distinguished diplomat but to India's collective pride. Their outbursts aren't mere gaffes; they're a declaration of their frustration at being outclassed and outmanoeuvred by a leader with the spine to act decisively. Congress, once the custodian of national aspiration, has now become the chief apologist for anti-national rhetoric. Leaders like Shashi Tharoor, who dare to articulate a vision of unapologetic nationalism, are derided as 'super BJP spokespersons.' It's saying that Congress punishes its own for standing with the nation while fawning over dynastic mediocrity. Their contempt for nationalism is matched only by their disdain for the armed forces and India's democratic institutions. When Modi honours soldiers or praises national resilience, Congress dismisses it as 'jumla'. When Modi projects India's strength, Congress resorts to petty mockery, hiding behind the martyrdom of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi as though no other Indian has made sacrifices for the nation. And then there's Mamata Banerjee. West Bengal's Chief Minister declared there was 'no war'—merely a 'small incident'—and had the temerity to object to the name Operation Sindoor. Perhaps she should direct her questions to the countless women who lost their Sindoor—their husbands, their protectors—during this operation. Her dismissive remarks were a disgraceful affront to all those women who lost their Sindoor. It is a calculated insult that the nation will neither forget nor forgive. Against this nauseating backdrop of an opposition mired in cynicism and self-loathing, the contrast with Modi's leadership could not be starker. When he assumed office, India was staggering under the weight of policy paralysis, corruption scandals, and a crisis of confidence sown by the UPA's muddled coalition politics. Modi's promise of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' electrified a nation exhausted by incompetence. Contrast Congress' feeling of isolation and desperation with Modi's unapologetic, assertive leadership. His policies—though polarising at times—have undeniably transformed India into the world's fourth-largest economy. Under his stewardship, the BJP has shattered electoral ceilings, expanding from the Hindi heartland into regions long dominated by opposition parties. The 'Modi wave' is not just a slogan—it's a tectonic shift in the country's political geography. His ambitious development agenda—Make in India, Digital India, Swachh Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana—has brought tangible benefits to millions. Infrastructure projects, renewable energy expansion, high-speed rail, and digital connectivity have reinforced the image of a government that delivers. Welfare schemes like PM-Kisan and Ayushman Bharat ensure that even the most marginalised are not left behind. Moreover, Modi's strategic mastery over communication—through social media, symbolic gestures, and 'Mann Ki Baat'—allows him to bypass the opposition's clumsy narratives and connect directly with the masses. His decisive handling of national security—from surgical strikes to Balakot to Operation Sindoor—underscores his credentials as a leader who prioritises national interests over political correctness. The revocation of Article 370 wasn't just a political statement; it was a tectonic assertion of India's sovereignty. On the global stage, Modi has redefined India's presence. His government has deepened ties with powers like the US, Japan, Israel, and Australia, while engaging regional forums like the Quad and BRICS. The G20 summit hosted by India in 2023 was a crowning moment, projecting India as a confident, culturally rooted, and globally engaged power. His emphasis on civilisational pride—through initiatives like International Yoga Day and cultural diplomacy—has sent a clear message: India will not be lectured to by the West. Operation Sindoor was not just a military manoeuvre; it was a testament to Modi's decisive leadership. While opposition leaders wallowed in distractions, Operation Sindoor delivered a blow not only to enemy infrastructure but to the defeatist narratives of the naysayers. It was a surgical assertion of sovereignty and a master class in statecraft. Of course, Modi's tenure has not been without controversy—concerns over rising majoritarianism, demonetisation, GST, perceived suppression of dissent, and the use of investigative agencies against opponents have been raised. The abrogation of Article 370, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and handling of protests drew sharp criticism. But despite this, the electorate continues to repose faith in his leadership. The BJP's resounding victory in 2019, with an even bigger mandate than in 2014, underscored this trust in him. In just eleven years, Narendra Modi has scaled political heights that few dared to imagine. And as Congress flounders in confusion, clinging to stale slogans and dynastic entitlement, Modi's leadership continues to command the confidence of a nation that knows the difference between empty rhetoric and decisive action. The question isn't whether the opposition can recover from its current irrelevance. The real question is whether they can even comprehend the scale of their self-inflicted demise. As Rahul, Mamata, and their hapless cabal continue to sneer at national achievements, Modi marches forward—undaunted, unapologetic, and unchallenged. While they drown in slogans and scorn, he builds a new India: confident, assertive, and unafraid to confront its adversaries. History, after all, remembers not the whiners and the weak, but the bold who dared—and delivered. (The author is former Chief Editor of The Hans India)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Evening news wrap: Amit Shah praises BSF for destroying 118 Pakistani posts; BJP hits back at Revanth Reddy's Rafale claim, and more
Union home minister Amit Shah praised the Border Security Force for destroying 118 Pakistani posts following Operation Sindoor, saying it had rendered Pakistan's surveillance network ineffective for years. He lauded the BSF 's readiness and effectiveness during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir. In Uttarakhand, a sessions court sentenced Pulkit Arya and two others to life imprisonment in the high-profile Ankita Bhandari murder case. The ruling follows a long trial and public outcry over Ankita's killing and the involvement of a former BJP minister's son. The BJP slammed Telangana CM Revanth Reddy for questioning the Rafale conflict details, calling him and Congress leaders the 'Gabbars of India' for undermining the Army. The BJP said their remarks gave comfort to enemies and mocked India's sacrifices. Here are the top five stories of the evening: Amit Shah praises BSF for dismantling 118 Pakistani posts Union home minister Amit Shah commended the BSF for destroying over 100 Pakistani border posts in response to attacks following Operation Sindoor. He said Pakistan's surveillance was crippled for years. Read full story Congress slams BJP's foreign policy post-Operation Sindoor Congress claimed India received no international support after Operation Sindoor, calling it a diplomatic failure. They criticised the Centre over ties with Pakistan growing abroad and questioned why top terrorists were not neutralised. Read full story Pulkit Arya, aides get life term in Ankita Bhandari murder case A court in Kotdwar sentenced Pulkit Arya and two others to life imprisonment for the 2022 murder of receptionist Ankita Bhandari. The high-profile case sparked protests and lasted nearly two years. Read full story BJP calls Congress leaders 'Gabbars' over Rafale remark BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra lashed out at Telangana CM Revanth Reddy for asking how many Rafale jets were shot down, saying such questions weaken troop morale and likening Congress leaders to 'Gabbars of India.' Read full story PM Modi takes dig at Lalu Yadav's 'jungle raj' in Bihar Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Bihar's Karakat, criticised the Rashtriya Janata Dal and Lalu Yadav, stating Bihar's progress began when the "jungle raj" ended. He highlighted recent developments including a new terminal at Patna Airport, a Greenfield corridor, and new bridges. Read full story
The Print
6 days ago
- Health
- The Print
Concerned to learn one of delegation members hospitalised: Cong after Azad admitted to hospital
'Halfway into our delegation's tour, Shri @ghulamnazad has had to be admitted to hospital. He is stable, under medical supervision, and will be undergoing some tests and procedures,' Panda, who is leading the delegation, said in a post on X. Azad has been admitted to a hospital and is now under medical supervision, BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda said on Tuesday. New Delhi, May 27 (PTI) The Congress on Tuesday expressed concern over Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is part of a multi-party delegation visiting four countries to convey India's stand post-Operation Sindoor, being admitted to a hospital and wished him a speedy recovery. Without taking Azad's name, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, 'Concerned to learn that one of the high-profile delegation members sent out to bolster India's narrative against Pakistani terrorism has been hospitalised in Kuwait.' 'We wish him a speedy recovery,' he said in a post on X. Panda said Azad's contributions to the meetings in Bahrain and Kuwait were highly impactful, and he is disappointed at being bedridden. 'We will deeply miss his presence in Saudi Arabia and Algeria,' said Panda, who arrived in the Saudi capital on Tuesday along with the delegation. Azad quit the Congress in 2022 and floated his Democratic Progressive Azad Party. PTI ASK KVK KVK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
‘Operation K-Force' & a call for the four ‘A's: Kerala's silent growth in strategic sector
KOCHI: Kerala may not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of defence and aerospace. But make no mistake - the state is quietly scripting a revolution in India's quest for 'Atmanirbharta' in the strategic sector. From shipyards to space parks, MSMEs to military-grade startups, Kerala is stepping up post-Operation Sindoor, tapping into a rapidly expanding defence opportunity with a mix of gritty innovation and strategic ambition. At the heart of this story is Keltron. 'Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Keltron played a key role in strengthening India's defence response,' Industries Minister P Rajeeve revealed. The state-run electronics giant supplied critical systems for INS Arnala - the first indigenously built anti-submarine warfare vessel - including its sonar sensor, underwater communication system, power amplifier, and echo sounder. That's not all. Keltron had earlier delivered the 'Maareech Towed Array' system — designed to detect and neutralise torpedoes — to the Indian Navy. 'With decades of technical expertise, Keltron is now a trusted name in defence. Orders are steadily flowing in,' Rajeeve added. WhatsApp to warfare Ironically, Kerala's most promising defence cluster — K-Space — is still just a concept. 'We don't have anything officially called K-Space. What we have is a WhatsApp group,' chuckled a startup founder, who wished not to be named. But the vision is real. The state government has earmarked land at TechnoCity for a futuristic Kerala Space Park. The initiative is being revived after facing setbacks caused by the alleged involvement of M Sivasankar, IAS—who had been leading several projects, including the Space Park initiative—in a scandal. Meanwhile, Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has launched the Kerala Defence Innovation Zone (K-DIZ) in collaboration with DRDO, Technopark and others. 'It's part of the larger Emerging Technology Hub—a 2 lakh sq. ft. facility to drive aerospace and defence innovation,' said G Levin, CEO of K-Space, adding that several initiatives are being readied behind the scenes. BrahMos, drones and beyond Big-ticket land deals are also in motion. A 200-acre land allocation for the second unit of BrahMos Aerospace Trivandrum Ltd (BATL) is underway, alongside a proposal for a 100-acre Integrated Defence Industrial Park near Kattakada. The drone ecosystem is buzzing too. Startups like Vektas Technologies, operating out of Technopark, are building UAVs for disaster warning and rescue, with payload capacities of 10–20 kg and flight range up to two hours.
