Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla-piloted private astronaut ‘Axiom Mission 4’ launch to the International Space Station (ISS) has now been delayed to no earlier than June 8 this year.
Houston-based private space company Axiom Space announced that it is now targeting “no earlier than June 8 for the launch of the Ax-4 mission to the space station aboard a Space X Dragon capsule on a Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, US.
The American space agency NASA also shared an update on the rescheduling of Ax-4 mission.
“After reviewing the Space Station flight schedule, NASA and its partners are shifting launch opportunities for several upcoming missions. The schedule adjustments provide more time to finalize mission plans, spacecraft readiness, and logistics.” It said that the mission will be no-earlier than at 9:11 a.m. EDT, Sunday, June 8 (6.41 pm India Standard Time).
Earlier, NASA had announced that the mission will lift off ‘no earlier than May 29, 2025 at 10.33 pm India Time’.
Once docked at the ISS, the private astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities.
Shukla is set to become the first astronaut from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to visit the station as part of a joint effort between NASA and the Indian space agency. He will also be India’s second national astronaut to go to space since 1984. Rakesh Sharma earned the distinction of being the first Indian to go to space on board Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft in 1984.
The IAF pilot who is among the astronauts chosen for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human space flight was promoted to group captain in March 2024. He has 2,000 flight hours on various aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and the An-32.
Meanwhile, apart from Shukla, the Ax-4 mission also carries two mission specialists – European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary to stay aboard the space station. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the commercial mission.
IAF Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair has been designated an astronaut, as part of the backup pilot of the Ax-4 if Group Captain Shukla is unable fly.
Shukla and his three other crewmates will carry nearly 60 science investigations from 31 countries worldwide during their stay aboard the ISS, which is expected to last about two weeks.
ISRO is spearheading transformative research on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), in collaboration with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Scientifically, the studies will contribute to understanding biological processes in microgravity, leading to developments in life sciences. Technologically, developing resources for long-duration space missions will enhance India’s capabilities in space exploration, positioning the country as a leader in cutting-edge space technology. The studies also play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of Indian scientists and engineers, while reinforcing India’s commitment to global scientific progress and its influential presence in the international space community.
One Ax-4 experiment focuses on how astronauts interact with electronic displays in microgravity.
Partnering with NASA and Voyager, ISRO aims to understand the physical and cognitive impacts of using computer screens in space. This research will delve into how tasks like pointing, gaze fixation, and rapid eye movements are affected in microgravity, and how these changes might influence stress levels. The findings could inform the design and interaction of future spacecraft computers, making them more user-friendly for astronauts, the Houston-based company said.
ISRO has a strong portfolio of life science experiments. In collaboration with NASA and Redwire, the “Space Microalgae” project investigates the impact of microgravity on the growth, metabolism, and genetic activity of three strains of edible microalgae. These tiny organisms could become a sustainable food source for long-duration space missions, thanks to their rich protein, lipid, and bioactive components.
Another project, in partnership with ESA, examines cyanobacteria, aquatic bacteria capable of photosynthesis. By comparing two strains of cyanobacteria, ISRO aims to understand their growth rates, cellular responses, and biochemical activity in microgravity. This research could pave the way for integrating these bacteria into spacecraft environmental control systems, enhancing life support for future missions.
The “Effect of Metabolic Supplement on Muscle Regeneration Under Microgravity” project, conducted with NASA and BioServe Space Technologies, seeks to uncover the pathways responsible for muscle dysfunction in space. By identifying molecular mechanisms and potential interventions, this research could help prevent muscle atrophy in astronauts during long missions. The findings might also have significant implications for treating muscle-related diseases on Earth.
ISRO is also exploring the potential of growing crops in space. The “Sprouting Salad Seeds in Space” experiment, in collaboration with NASA and BioServe Space Technologies, investigates the germination and growth of crop seeds in microgravity. By studying the effects on genetics, microbial load, and nutritional profile over multiple generations, this project aims to ensure are reliable food source for future space explorers.
In partnership with NASA and Voyager, ISRO is studying the resilience of tardigrades, tiny creatures known for their ability to survive extreme conditions. This experiment will examine the revival, survival, and reproduction of tardigrades on the International Space Station, comparing gene expression patterns between space-flown and ground control populations. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of their resilience could inform future space exploration and lead to innovative biotechnology applications on Earth.
“ISRO’s research on Ax-4 is a testament to India’s dedication to advancing space science and technology. These experiments not only promise significant scientific advancements but will also inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. As India strengthens its presence in space, it continues to contribute to global scientific progress, paving the way for a future where humanity can thrive beyond our home planet,” the Axiom Space said in a statement.
The forthcoming mission is the fourth private astronaut mission to the station of the space company.
Axiom Mission 1, lifted off in April 2022 for a 17-day mission aboard the orbiting laboratory. The second private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 2, which was also commanded by Whitson was launched in May 2023 with four private astronauts who spent eight days in orbit. The most recent private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 3, launched in January 2024 with the the crew spent 18 days docked to the space station.
Meanwhile, India’s first human Space mission “Gaganyaan” programme has entered its final phase, with the first human spaceflight now scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh in an earlier media interaction in New Delhi provided detailed updates on the mission’s current status, technological progress, and the broader economic dividends emerging from India’s cost-effective space programme.
Terming it a “historic mission,” the minister underlined that the Gaganyaan programme “represents India’s rise as a global space power built on indigenous technology, fiscal prudence, and visionary political leadership.”
He also recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had clearly laid out India’s long-term ambitions in space, including setting up the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035 and sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
Unidentified communication equipment was discovered within several Chinese-made equipment that are essential to renewable energy infrastructure in America, reported Reuters. The development prompted the United States energy regulators to reevaluate the risk they pose.
Globally, power inverters, which are primarily made in China, are used to link wind turbines and solar panels to electrical networks. Electric car chargers, heat pumps and batteries also utilize them. The utility companies that employ inverters usually install firewalls to block direct communication back to China, even though the devices are designed to allow remote access for upgrades and maintenance.
However, according to sources, US experts who disassemble devices connected to grids to look for security flaws have identified rogue communication devices in certain Chinese solar power inverters that are not mentioned in product documentation.
Cellular radios and other unreported communication devices have also been found in several batteries from various Chinese suppliers within the last nine months, according to one of them.
Power grid instability, energy infrastructure damage and extensive blackouts could result from using the rogue communication devices to circumvent firewalls, remotely turn off inverters, or alter their settings, according to experts. One person warned, “That effectively means there is a built-in way to physically destroy the grid.”
According to consulting firm Wood Mackenzie, Huawei is the world’s biggest provider of inverters, making nearly 29% of exports worldwide in 2022. It is followed by Chinese competitors Sungrow and Ginlong Solis. However, 1Komma5, a German solar producer, stated that it steers clear of Huawei inverters due to the brand’s reputation for security issues.
The United States has prohibited Huawei from using American technology since 2019. A regulation prohibiting remote Chinese access to solar, wind and battery systems larger than 100 kW was passed by the Lithuanian government in November which automatically limits the usage of Chinese inverters.
Kaupo Rosin, the director general of Estonia’s foreign intelligence service, warned that if the nation did not outlaw Chinese technology in vital sectors of the economy, including solar inverters, it may face Chinese blackmail.
Notably, the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC), representing the interests of European manufacturers, has expressed significant concern regarding the report on concealed devices, urging the European Commission to create and implement a “toolbox” for enhancing inverter security.
On 14th May, President Donald Trump of the United States held a meeting with Ahmed Hussain al-Sharaa, the interim president of Syria, in Saudi Arabia, exemplifying the hypocrisy of the West when it comes to dealing with global terrorism. The interaction occurred on the sidelines of the former’s engagement with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
This recent development followed an unexpected declaration that his administration would remove sanctions imposed on Syria, currently under the government led by Ahmed Hussain al Sharaa. Additionally, he encouraged the Syrian leader to establish normalised relations with Israel, their long-standing adversary.
According to Trump, al-Sharaa stated that he might eventually be open to joining the Abraham Accords, a 2020 deal mediated by the United States that saw normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco. “I told him, ‘I hope you’re going to join when it’s straightened out and he replied, ‘Yes, But they have a lot of work to do’,” the US president stated.
He commended al-Sharaa, referring to him as a “young, attractive and tough guy.” He described him as a “fighter” and noted that he possesses a “strong past, very strong past.” Additionally, he remarked that al-Sharaa had a “real shot at holding it together.”
Donald Trump on Syrian leader Al-Sharaa: "'Great, young, attractive tough guy, very strong past."
The two leaders were accompanied by a beaming Mohammad bin Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince as Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined them over the phone. Donald Trump admitted that these two leaders were responsible for persuading him to remove the tough sanctions the US had placed on Syria.
Six months ago, Sharac had a $10M U.S. bounty on his head. Today, he's shaking hands with President Trump. The shift is rapid and sharp. It shows how fast enemies become allies in Middle East politics. Interests change. So do alliances. pic.twitter.com/618raAVoFH
— Sakariye Faysal Cagaf (@ZakariaCagaf) May 14, 2025
Who is Ahmed al-Sharaa
Trump’s remarks are not entirely unfounded, as the Syrian President is indeed a “fighter” with a “strong” background, though this services and past are tied to dreaded terrorist organizations, including Al Qaeda and ISIS (Islamic States of Iraq and Syria) which the United States has been declaring war against for decades.
Not long ago, Ahmed al-Sharaa was commonly known by his war name Abu Mohammad al-Jawlani (which might also be spelled al-Golani or al-Joulani). He was designated as a terrorist by the US and proscribed by the UN (United Nations). His $10 million US bounty was only lifted in last December. He played important roles in international terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda and ISIS for the past 20 years.
He was declared a global terrorist in July 2013 for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating acts of terror,” according to the “ISIS and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee” of the UN Security Council. He was also found guilty of “supplying, selling or transferring arms” and “recruiting for” Al Qaeda and ISIS, according to the UN Security Council sanctions committee. He also engaged in combat against American forces in Iraq.
He worked closely with Aiman al-Zawahiri, the leader of Al Qaeda and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (also known as Ibrahim Awwad Ibrahim Ali al-Badri al-Samarrai), the leader of ISIS at the time. During the 2011 Syrian revolt against the Bashar al-Assad administration, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi issued instructions to him to create a local presence to create a front for Al Qaeda in both Iraq and Syria.
He established the Al-Nusrah Front (officially Jabhat Fatah al-Sham), also known as Jabhat al-Nusrah, in 2012. This UN-designated terrorist organization was formally recognized as Al Qaeda’s Syrian arm. According to the US State Department, his objective was “to the overthrow of the Syrian regime and the institution of Islamist sharia law throughout the country.” It stated that the group’s suicide attacks “killed innocent Syrian civilians” and also cited the group’s “violent, sectarian vision.”
The Jabhat Fatah al-Sham switched its name to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, in 2017. It was primarily focused on establishing an Islamic Caliphate and toppling the Bashar al-Assad administration. Over time, the Syrian revolution evolved into an armed conflict that gradually spread throughout the nation until intensifying into a full-fledged civil war.
HTS led a swift and extensive onslaught in November 2024 which shortly cost the Assad administration significant territory, including its stronghold cities. Bashar al-Assad escaped to Russia on 8th December 2024 as his family’s dictatorship fell after 53 years of dominating the nation.
After al-Sharaa took control of Syria in January, the country was rife with revenge killings as his Sunni hardliner supporters targeted minority groups including Alawite (Bashar al-Assad’s community) and Christians. People were forced to escape to ensure their survival. The death toll reached 1,000, including 745 civilians, with thousands injured during al-Sharaa’s administration. Alawite women were paraded in the streets without clothes by his security personnel.
Trump’s new policy and the glaring hypocrisy
The West, which often delivers moral lectures to the rest of the world, including India, has once again failed to practice what it preaches. This pattern is characteristic of the United States, which tends to modify its ethical standards, however low they might be, to serve its own objectives. This inconsistency is similarly observed in its approach to Pakistan, where, while publicly denouncing terrorism, it supplies the main incubator of terrorists with arms and resources.
However, netizens did call out the blatant hypocrisy of the United States. Mike Benz, the Executive Director of the Foundation for Freedom Online, also ridiculed the newly found camaraderie between Trump and al-Sharaa. He remarked that the Syrian president only needed to change his name for the United States to accept him.
Nioh Berg wrote that al-Joulani was adept at rebranding himself and shared two images: one depicting him with the US reward of 10 million dollars, and another showing him in a suit, proposing to the US President to constuct Trump Tower in Damascus.
A user pointed out that a US-supported revolution in Syria resulted in the overthrow of Assad and the rise of a radical government in the country. “Never ever trust US, they will claim to mediate for peace, and then support jihadi leaders,” the person added.
Thus guy with Trump in White House is Ahmed Al Sharaa, Al Qaeda guy, now President of Syria. US backed revolution in Syria, overthrew Assad put a Jihadi regime in place.
Never ever trust US, they will claim to mediate for peace, and then support Jihadi leaders. pic.twitter.com/VqW1AyfM4J
An individual highlighted that the United States maintained a $10 million bounty on al-Sharaa’s head until a short time ago and mocked that he took the opportunity to meet Trump in person and secured much more than the amount.
Until recently USA had a 10 million dollars bounty on Ahmed Al Sharaa head… so he brought his head directly to Trump and got way way way way more than 10 million dollars pic.twitter.com/16aer5s6hT
A netizen stated that in 1983, Ronald Reagan held a discussion with the Afghan Mujahideen in the Oval Office and now Trump has met with al-Sharaa in Riyadh, outlining the consistent policy of Washington to legitimize Islamist groups and terrorism to meet its strategic goals.
Ronald Reagan met Afghan Mujahideen in Oval Office in 1983
Trump meets Ahmed Al Sharaa (earlier Al Qaeda/ISIS operative) in Riyadh in 2025 ! pic.twitter.com/pkU34KSSxD
The encounter between Trump and al-Sharaa has certainly taken many by surprise on a global scale. However, individuals familiar with the duplicity of the United States understand that the country operates solely for its own interests, devoid of any principles or standards. This has been repeatedly showcased by arming jihadi groups in Afghanistan and other parts of the world, supporting Pakistan and now engaging with the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Osama bin Laden and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi must be turning in their graves over the lost chance.
Nonetheless, the United States would not cease its rhetoric to other nations about secularism, tolerance, peace and whatnot even as it openly backs and legitimizes Islamists for its personal gains. More importantly, the discourse surrounding a “rules-based global order” from the US and Western nations seems directed at other countries, as they readily adjust the same to their advantage, without a moment’s pause.
Exercising the President’s power to consult the Supreme Court under Article 143(1) of the Constitution, President Droupadi Murmu has referred a list of 14 questions to the Apex Court seeking its opinion on them. This comes after the Supreme Court delivered a controversial verdict last month prescribing deadlines on the Governor and the President for deciding on state bills in exercise of their powers under Articles 200 and 201 of the Constitution.
The President highlights that Article 200 of the Constitution of India delineates the powers of the Governor and the procedures for granting or withholding assent to Bills, as well as reserving a Bill for the President’s consideration. However, Article 200 does not specify any timeline for the Governor to exercise these constitutional options.
Similarly, Article 201 outlines the President’s authority and process for assenting to or withholding assent from Bills, but it does not impose any deadlines or procedures for the exercise of these constitutional powers. Moreover, the Constitution recognises various instances where the President’s assent is required before a legislation can take effect in a state.
Specifically, the president has also questioned the apex court’s direction that in case of failure to decide on bill withing 3 months by the President or Governors, it will be deemed to be assent. In the Indian Constitution, there is no concept of deeped concept in case of non-decision by President and governor within a timeline.
Here is the list of questions on which President Murmu has sought the opinion of the Supreme Court-
What are the constitutional options available to a Governor when presented with a Bill under Article 200?
Is the Governor bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers in exercising these options available with him when a Bill is presented before him under Article 200 of the Constitution of India?
Is the exercise of constitutional discretion by the Governor under Article 200 of the Constitution of India justiciable?
Is Article 361 of the Constitution of India an absolute bar to the judicial review in relation to the actions of a Governor under Article 200 of the Constitution of India?
In the absence of a constitutionally prescribed time limit, and the manner of exercise of powers by the Governor, can timelines be imposed and the manner of exercise be prescribed through judicial orders for the exercise of all powers under Article 200 of the Constitution of India by the Governor?
Is the exercise of constitutional discretion by the President under Article 201 of the Constitution of India justiciable?
In the absence of a constitutionally prescribed timeline and the manner of exercise of powers by the President, can timelines be imposed and the manner of exercise be prescribed through judicial orders for the exercise of discretion by the President under Article 201 of the Constitution of India?
In light of the constitutional scheme governing the powers of the President, is the President required to seek advice of the Supreme Court by way of a reference under Article 143 of the Constitution of India and take the opinion of the Supreme Court when the Governor reserves a Bill for the President’s assent or otherwise?
Are the decisions of the Governor and the President under Article 200 and Article 201 of the Constitution of India, respectively, justiciable at a stage anterior into the law coming into force? Is it permissible for the Courts to undertake judicial adjudication over the contents of a Bill, in any manner, before it becomes law?
Can the exercise of constitutional powers and the orders of/by the President / Governor be substituted in any manner under Article 142 of the Constitution of India?
Is a law made by the State legislature a law in force without the assent of the Governor granted under Article 200 of the Constitution of India?
In view of the proviso to Article 145(3) of the Constitution of India, is it not mandatory for any bench of this Hon’ble Court to first decide as to whether the question involved in the proceedings before it is of such a nature which involves substantial questions of law as to the interpretation of constitution and to refer it to a bench of minimum five Judges?
Do the powers of the Supreme Court under Article 142 of the Constitution of India limited to matters of procedural law or Article 142 of the Constitution of India extends to issuing directions /passing orders which are contrary to or inconsistent with existing substantive or procedural provisions of the Constitution or law in force?
Does the Constitution bar any other jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to resolve disputes between the Union Government and the State Governments except by way of a suit under Article 131 of the Constitution of India?
With these questions, the President seeks clarity on the constitutional boundaries of executive and judicial authority, reinforcing the need for judicial interpretation in matters of national significance. The Supreme Court will now have to set up a Constitution Bench for answering the reference of the president.
The verdict, passed in The State of Tamil Nadu v The Governor of Tamil Nadu and Anr, drew flak on the ground that the Supreme Court prescrbed a time limit for the exercise of the powers of the President and the Governor, when the provision does not contain such a time limit. Therefore it amounts to amending the Constitution, which is clearly out of the purview of the Supreme Court.
The judgment arose out of a long-standing tussle between the Tamil Nadu government and the Governor, wherein the latter had reserved 10 Bills passed by the state legislature for the assent of the President. A division bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, examined the concerned provisions and prescribed some time limits to be followed by the President and the Governor in exercise of their powers under Articles 200 and 201. The Supreme Court ordered that the governors and the president have to decide on bills sent to them within 3 months.
Vice President VP Dhankhar had also questioned the Supreme Court after the verdict for giving direction to the President of India. He reminded the Supreme Court that its power is limited to interpreting the Constitution.
An anti-Turkey sentiment has been building in India in the aftermath of the recent military hostilities between India and Pakistan, in which Turkey openly supported Pakistan and provided military assistance to it.
After the boycott of Turkish products by Indian vendors and the mass cancellation of trips to Turkey by Indian tourists, now a Turkish joint-venture company, Çelebi Aviation, that handles high-security tasks at eight Indian airports, including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, is facing the heat.
The Turkish company is likely to come under the scanner as the Indian government is reportedly reviewing its financial relations, which are directly linked to national security, as per reports.
On Tuesday (13th May), Shiv Sena leader Murji Patel reportedly led a delegation to Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), urging that their association with Celebi NAS Airport Services should be terminated. Celebi entered the Indian landscape in 2008 through a joint venture at the Mumbai International Airport, where it provided ground handling services. In a year, Celebi officially registered its operations in India under two entities- Celebi Airport Services India for ground handling and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India for cargo services at New Delhi International Airport.
Celebi manages around 58,000 flights and 5,40,000 tons of cargo in India annually. The company has access to the most sensitive areas of the airport since it manages practically everything from passenger services and load control to flight operations and ramp services. It also handles general aviation services, cargo and postal services, warehouses and bridge operations. Though the company is registered in India and its staff members undergo background checks, its Turkish roots and the extent of its hold on Indian airports and the associated possibility of a national security threat have become a cause of concern for India in light of Turkey’s role in the India-Pakistan military conflict.
Erdogan’s daughter partially owns Celebi
Furthermore, part of the company is reportedly owned by Sumeyye Erdogan, the daughter of Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Sumeyye Erdogan is married to Selçuk Bayraktar, whose company produces Bayraktar drones, which were used by Pakistan against India in the latest military confrontations. Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India at New Delhi International Airport reportedly overlooks the VVIP technical area where electronic intelligence aircraft are stationed. Besides, the Prime Minister’s VIP aircraft also reportedly comes into its vicinity.
Celebi granted security clearance under the UPA after the 26/11 attacks
According to Aviation consultant Sanjay Lazar, Celebi was given security clearance after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks under the UPA government. “The Turks were granted security clearance, ironically at the peak of post 26-11 events, when the UPA govt was in power. Many Aviation trade unions affiliated to the Shiv Sena, under late Balasaheb Thackerayji, had vigorously opposed the entry of Celebi Nas as ground handlers at airports across India, being sensitive in nature. We even had morchas, etc, at CSMIA back then. The then UPA Govt & their famous Aviation Minister ignored all the protests & allowed them in as one of the listed operators at Mumbai airport. Since then, whenever the issue has surfaced due to India-Turkey problems, they have tried to cover up their Turkish ownership by talking about the parent being owned by Private equity companies,” Lazar wrote on X.
Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s relations with India have spiralled down. Even though India provided relief material, personnel assistance and medical supplies to Turkey under Operation Dost after a massive earthquake ravaged the country in 2023, it chose to side with Pakistan against India during the recent military hostilities between the two countries by providing drones and personnel. Not just Turkish drones, but Turkish personnel were also present on Pakistani soil, providing technical help, during Pakistan’s drone attacks against India between May 7 and 10.
Celebi Aviation Holdings reportedly conducts 25% of its business with Indian airlines and the remaining 75% with foreign airlines. The company has been attempting to expand its operations in India; as a result, in 2016, it expressed interest in acquiring Air India’s ground handling unit, the Air India Airport Services Limited (AIASL).
Back in the 1930s, when Hitler and his National Socialist German Workers’ Party (or Nazi Party in short) were gaining power in Germany, their focus turned towards their favourite target- the Jews. Hitler and his Nazi Party started dehumanising the Jews by comparing them to Rats, lice, cockroaches, foxes and vultures among other animals.
This propaganda against Jews in the years leading up to the second World War helped Hitler carry out the holocaust during the war, as most of the population didn’t even consider Jews humans at that point.
One of the cartoons from Nazi era comparing Jews to rats
After Hitler’s defeat, Jews breathed a sigh of relief that antisemitism may be coming to an end, alas, how wrong were they who thought that. Even in 2025, antisemitism and Jew hatred is alive and well. We saw it in Ivy League US universities after Hamas attacked Israel and killed over 1300 people, and we are seeing it now with BBC presenters.
Gary Lineker, former England footballer and one of the highest paid BBC employee (some reports say highest), shared a video through his Instagram account where Jews were again compared to rats. BBC, the self-proclaimed neutral voice, which doesn’t even call terrorists terrorists because they have to be ‘neutral’, has no problem with its presenters calling Jews rats.
Lineker, who has played for Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona, and Tottenham, is the 4th highest goal scorer for England after Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, and Sir Bobby Charlton, though he is more famous for taking a shit on the ground during a World Cup game in 1990. He was also asked to step down from his duties with BBC for 3 days in 2023 after his criticism of Britain’s immigration policy.
The video shared by Gary Lineker was by the ‘Palestine Lobby’ account, which featured Palestinian-Canadian lawyer Diana Buttu, and is captioned “Zionism explained in less than two minutes”. In it, Buttu describes Zionism as a system that privileges one group over another and denies Palestinians equal rights, and compared Jews to rats.
Lineker has always been a supporter of Hamas and anti-Israel, but his Jew hatred is something nobody saw coming.
Pro-Israeli groups have called for Lineker’s removal following his blatant display of antisemitism but BBC is yet to react. Notably, Lineker is anyway set to leave BBC after the 2026 Football World Cup, as announced by him.
After the outrage, Gary Lineker issued an unreserved apology for amplifying antisemitic material. He said that he would never knowingly share anything antisemitic and he had deleted the Instagram post as soon as he became aware of the issue.
Notably, even BBC’s Director General Tim Davie had expressed his anger at Lineker’s post. Davie said, “The BBC’s reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us. I think we absolutely need people to be exemplars of the BBC’s values and follow our social media policy. Simple as that.”
Surprisingly, for a person who has a lot to say about Israel-Hamas war, he didn’t know how Jews were dehumanised before they found a home in Israel. Yeah, we believe you Gary.
When history books are written about Operation Sindoor, they will likely devote a chapter to Pakistan’s military humiliation, another to India’s strategic audacity, another one to homegrown defence systems that added edge to India’s combat capabilities, and perhaps an appendix just to catalogue the nonsense spewed by Director General Public Relations of the Pakistan Air Force, Aurangzeb Ahmed. After all, it’s not every day that a man attempts to reframe total defeat as “tactical brilliance” using phrases like “centre of gravity” with the fervor of a juvenile who just discovered Clausewitz.
But let’s begin with the facts—those stubborn things that tend to ruin press conferences in Rawalpindi.
On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a precision military campaign that destroyed nine terror launchpads deep within Pakistani territory and subsequently, 11 Pakistan Air Force (PAF) airbases. It wasn’t just a retaliatory strike—it was a rewriting of the Indo-Pak playbook. For decades, New Delhi had exercised restraint in the face of Pakistani provocation. Not anymore. Operation Sindoor marked a seismic shift: from strategic patience to surgical escalation.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) didn’t just strike—it walked through Pakistan’s air defences like a knife through butter. In what is now officially confirmed by the Indian government, the IAF successfully jammed and bypassed the Chinese-supplied JY-27A and HQ-9 air defence systems deployed across key Pakistani installations. This wasn’t just a tactical win—it was a geopolitical humiliation. Beijing, whose military hardware is often touted in Islamabad as a shield of divine proportions, watched in silence as its technology was rendered useless by Indian counter-electronic warfare systems and superior aviation strategy.
But the story doesn’t end with destruction—it truly begins with denial.
Leaning on Pakistan’s national struggle with English to cover up military’s glaring failures
Enter Aurangzeb Ahmed, PAF’s new poster boy for post-defeat spin. Faced with a military reality that couldn’t be dressed up, Ahmed reached for buzzwords. At a press conference, he claimed—without evidence—that Pakistan had struck back by hitting Indian jets, liberally throwing in “centre of gravity” phrase to mask Pakistan airforce’s utter failure to stop decimation of terror camps entrenched deep into their territory and convince an audience and millions of Pakistanis watching him comfortable with jihadi doctrines but not with English vocabulary.
And whose “centre of gravity” was Ahmed referring to? Apparently, India’s Rafale jets, which he claimed had been targeted while they dropped their payload to wreak havoc on terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. No satellite images. No wreckage. No proof. Just vibes.
And it didn’t stop there.
A few days later, in what can only be described as a TED Talk for the terminally confused, Ahmed doubled down. He claimed Pakistan had “taken out” the S-400 air defence system stationed at India’s Adampur air base—perhaps the most ludicrous lie in the entire charade. Unfortunately for him, reality arrived with camera crews. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur base just a couple of days later and got himself photographed standing right in front of the very-much-functional S-400 unit. It was an image tailor-made to haunt Ahmed’s PowerPoint slides.
To his credit, Aurangzeb Ahmed seemed painfully aware of what Pakistan is truly grappling with—beyond hunger, inflation, and the delusion of strategic parity with an economically stronger, militarily superior India. It’s the national struggle with English comprehension, a predictable outcome in a country where a vast population is raised on jihadi pamphlets rather than textbooks, courtesy of a madrassa network where even child abuse scandals like Bacha Bazi are disturbingly normalized.
For a vast number of Pakistanis, English remains an uphill battle—thanks to an education system dominated by Urdu-medium madrassas that prioritize dogma over critical thinking. The result? A population ill-equipped to recognize when someone with a better command of English, like Aurangzeb Ahmed, strings together empty jargon—such as “centre of gravity”—to pass off gibberish as strategic brilliance.
Exploiting Pakistan’s widespread struggle with English, Ahmed casually dropped the term “centre of gravity” to cloak his drivel in a veneer of intellectualism—hoping that jargon would pass for substance and his audience wouldn’t dare question what sounded vaguely militaristic terminology.
Aurangzeb Ahmed’s baffling use of ‘centre of gravity’ turns him into a social media meme
On social media, the mockery was swift, surgical, and unforgiving. X (formerly Twitter) exploded with memes and satire. Social media user @being_humor, known for his hot takes on political developments in the country and geopolitics, shared a raft of memes mocking Aurangzeb Ahmed and his tendency to meaninglessly use ‘centre of gravity’ to muddle painful facts gnawing at him.
“PAF Aurangzeb gets another medal for successfully saying “ Centre of Gravity,” he tweeted, along with a picture of Aurangzeb Ahmed receiving an award.
In a video of Ahmed going viral on X, the PAF officer could be seen explaining how “targeting S-400 is easy but difficult to identify and locate S-400 system.” And why was it difficult to identify S-400 air defence system? Ahmed’s profoundly baffling response is because it has got “centre of gravity.” Apparently, in his version of military science, radar signatures and satellite imaging take a backseat to abstract metaphors.
Pakistan Air Force's Aurangzeb might have got a lot of fan following in Pakistan, but he erred on Adampur. His claims on Adampur, that got busted today by PM Modi's visits: pic.twitter.com/KVKNinDpvj
Joining the chorus of mockery was popular tech influencer @technicalguruji, a.k.a. Gaurav Chaudhary. In a viral video taking a witty jab at PAF officer Aurangzeb Ahmed, Chaudhary quipped, “Why are flat-earthers suddenly experts on ‘centre of gravity’?” His dig was aimed squarely at the hardcore Islamist fringe—those who still cling to the belief that the Earth is flat, yet somehow speak with authority on complex military concepts.
— Gaurav Chaudhary (@TechnicalGuruji) May 14, 2025
Using word salad to mask a generational humiliation
But beneath the humor lies a serious truth: Pakistan’s military establishment, long used to the comfort of impunity and international indulgence, is now grappling with something it hasn’t seen in decades—an India willing to escalate. And Operation Sindoor wasn’t an anomaly; it was doctrine in action. Indian defence officials have made it clear that future provocations will be met with overwhelming force, with no geographical sanctuary assured to Pakistan’s terror infrastructure.
The message is stark: terrorism will no longer be answered with dossiers and statements, but with payloads and precision.
What’s equally significant is the silence from China. Despite its defence partnership with Pakistan and its strategic interest in the region, Beijing has offered no statement defending the performance of its air defence systems, perhaps because even it knows the embarrassment is too obvious to manage. The IAF’s jamming of Chinese radar and tracking systems exposed their vulnerabilities—not just to India, but to every nation considering Beijing’s military exports.
In contrast, the Indian government’s communication has been minimal but pointed. No boasting. No gloating. Just facts, delivered with chilling precision, just like their military payloads.
While Ahmed scribbled military fiction at the podium, India released photographs of devastation caused by its precision airstrikes to friendly foreign missions and media, quietly shutting down any attempt by Pakistan to manufacture sympathy.
Back in Pakistan, the consequences of the defeat are already visible. PAF morale is in tatters, public trust in military leadership has taken a hit, and social media censorship is at an all-time high. Still, Ahmed persists, perhaps because denial is the last refuge of a regime that cannot afford introspection.
What remains most absurd, though, is how Pakistan thought it could outmaneuver an India that no longer plays by the old rules. The days of the “nuclear umbrella” shielding proxy war are over. The myth of parity has been shattered. And all that’s left is Aurangzeb Ahmed, spinning “centre of gravity” theories while standing in the smoking crater of his own credibility.
In the end, Ahmed didn’t just lose a war of words. He lost the luxury of being taken seriously. And that’s a serious setback for a military personnel whose force had endured one of its biggest losses in 5 decades.
And that is something no press conference can fix.
Achieving a historic success in the resolve of a ‘Naxal-free India,’ the security forces have killed 31 Naxalites in the biggest-ever operation against Naxalism, on the Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) at the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said in a post on X, that the Karreguttalu Hill, which was once ruled by red terror, now proudly hoists the tricolour. Karreguttalu Hill was the Unified Headquarters of major Naxal organizations like the PLGA Battalion 1, DKSZC, TSC, and CRC, where Naxal training, as well as the creation of strategies and weapons, used to take place.
Amit Shah said that our security forces completed this biggest anti-Naxal operation in just 21 days, and it is a matter of immense pleasure that there were no casualties among the security forces during this operation. The Home Minister congratulated the CRPF, STF, and DRG personnel who bravely faced the Naxalites in the bad weather and rugged hilly region and said that the entire country is proud of them.
He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are determined to eliminate Naxalism from the roots. He reassured the citizens of the country that India will be Naxal-free by March 31, 2026.
#NaxalFreeBharat के संकल्प में एक ऐतिहासिक सफलता प्राप्त करते हुए सुरक्षा बलों ने नक्सलवाद के विरुद्ध अब तक के सबसे बड़े ऑपरेशन में छत्तीसगढ़-तेलंगाना सीमा के कुर्रगुट्टालू पहाड़ (KGH) पर 31 कुख्यात नक्सलियों को मार गिराया।
जिस पहाड़ पर कभी लाल आतंक का राज था, वहाँ आज शान से…
In Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, Gyanendra Pratap Singh, Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Arun Dev Gautam, Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh, and ADG (Anti-Naxal Operations), Chhattisgarh, provided detailed information about this operation in a joint press conference. The Chhattisgarh Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) recovered the bodies of 31 uniformed Naxalites, including 16 female Naxalites in uniform, and 35 weapons after 21 encounters that took place over 21 days on the Karreguttalu Hill (KGH), which was considered an impregnable stronghold of Naxalites on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.
So far, 28 Naxalites have been identified, with a total reward of Rs. 1 crore 72 lakh announced for them. The anti-Naxal operation, which took place from April 21, 2025, to May 11, 2025, indicates that the bodies recovered from the encounter site might belong to cadres of the banned, illegal, and most powerful armed Naxal organization, the PLGA Battalion, CRC Company, and the Telangana State Committee.
The border areas of Sukma and Bijapur, which are the strongholds of Naxalites, including the most powerful armed organizations like the PLGA Battalion, CRC Company, and the Telangana State Committee, have been home to several top cadres. In this area, under challenging circumstances, the security forces established numerous new security camps, which increased their dominance. As a result, the Naxalites formed a Unified Command and took refuge in the Karreguttalu Hill (KGH), considered impregnable, located at the border of Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, and Mulugu, Telangana.
KGH is an extremely difficult hilly region, approximately 60 km long and 5 to 20 km wide, with a very tough and challenging geographical terrain. Over the past two and a half years, the Naxalites established their base in this area, where around 300-350 armed cadres, including the technical department (TD Unit) of the PLGA Battalion and other important organizations, took refuge. Based on the inputs received, a comprehensive and well-coordinated plan was prepared, and on April 21, 2025, the Chhattisgarh Police and Central Armed Police Forces launched a large-scale joint operation.
In this operation at KGH, a multi-agency special team was formed for collection, collation and analysis of technical, human intelligence and field inputs received from various intelligence agencies. Using the gathered intelligence, the team conducted meticulous planning of the operation, including determining the strength of deployed forces, scheduling continuous mobilization and arranging timely replacements.
The intelligence inputs were continuously analyzed and relayed in real time to field commanders, which enabled security forces to locate Naxalite operatives, their hideouts and arms caches while also helping to prevent casualties from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on several occasions. Acting on this intelligence, the security forces successfully recovered a substantial quantity of IEDs, BGL shells and other explosive materials. This operation stands as the largest, most comprehensive and well-coordinated anti-Naxal campaign to date — a notable example of seamless cooperation between various state and central agencies operating in unison on a unified platform.
So far, a total of 214 Naxal hideouts and bunkers have been destroyed in this operation and a total of 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells, 899 bundles of Codex, detonators and a huge amount of explosive material have been recovered during the search. In addition, nearly 12,000 kilograms of food supplies have also been recovered. Analysis of the information obtained during this historic 21-day-long anti-Naxal operation suggests that several senior Naxal cadres were either killed or seriously injured during the operation. However, due to the difficult geographical conditions, the security forces have not yet been able to recover the bodies of all the injured or killed Naxalites.
A large number of forces, equipment, and other logistics were mobilized in a professional manner for the implementation of the action plan of this historic operation. In the joint briefing, the forces were primarily warned about the tough and challenging terrain of KGH, hundreds of caves for hiding, ambush points, and the dangers of IEDs. Detailed information about their area of operation was provided to the security forces to ensure there was no confusion.
As part of the operation, the security forces also destroyed four Naxal technical units that were being used for the production of BGL shells, homemade weapons, IEDs, and other deadly weapons. During the operation, a large quantity of ration supplies, medicines, and daily-use items were also recovered from various Naxal hideouts and bunkers.
During this significant operation, a total of 18 personnel from Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), Special Task Force (STF) and District Reserve Guards (DRG) were injured in various IED explosions. All the injured personnel are now out of danger and are receiving the best possible treatment at various hospitals. The conditions at Karreguttalu Hill are extremely difficult, and with daytime temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius, many soldiers suffered from dehydration. Despite this, there was no decrease in the morale of the soldiers, and they continued the operation against the Naxalites with full courage and enthusiasm. This operation is an excellent example of coordination between various state and central agencies, and the Modi government’s ‘whole-of-government’ approach. The objective of the campaign was to reduce the armed capabilities of the Naxalites, neutralize armed squads, drive Naxal elements out of inaccessible areas and dismantle the brutal Naxalite organization, the PLGA battalion.
Under the direction of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, anti-Naxal operations are being conducted in Chhattisgarh by the security forces under a Joint Action Plan. The key components of this campaign are – filling security gaps by establishing new security camps, effective implementation of development schemes in Naxal-affected districts for the holistic development of the region, so that local citizens can benefit, and effective action by security forces against the Naxalites’ hard-core cadre and their entire ecosystem. As a result of the implementation of this action plan, security forces have inflicted heavy damage on the Naxalites’ core cadre and ecosystem, leading to a significant reduction in the area under Naxalite influence.
It is noteworthy that building on the success of the anti-Naxal operations in 2024, the security forces have neutralized 197 hardcore Naxalites in the last 4 months as part of the ongoing anti-Naxal operations in 2025. In 2014, 35 districts were most affected by Naxalism, and by 2025, this number has reduced to only 6. Similarly, the number of Naxal-affected districts has decreased from 126 to just 18. In 2014, 1080 Naxal incidents were recorded in 330 police stations across 76 districts, whereas in 2024, only 374 incidents were recorded in 151 police stations across 42 districts. In 2014, 88 security personnel were martyred in Naxal violence, which decreased to 19 in 2024. The number of Naxalites killed in encounters has increased from 63 to 2089. In 2024, 928 Naxalites surrendered, and so far, 718 have surrendered in the first four months of 2025. From 2019 to 2025, the central forces, in collaboration with state police, have established a total of 320 camps in Naxal-affected states, including 68 night-landing helipads. The number of fortified police stations, which was 66 in 2014, has now increased to 555.
The long-term results of this extensive operation against the Naxalites are being observed, such as the division of large and armed Naxal units into several smaller units. The security forces’ hold on these areas has strengthened, and they are continuously advancing in the National Park area under Bijapur district and the Maad region under Narayanpur district.
In a significant stride for India’s semiconductor ambitions, the government has approved a new semiconductor manufacturing unit with a financial outlay of Rs3,706 crore.
This facility will be established near Uttar Pradesh’s Jewar Airport through a joint venture between the HCL Group and Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn. The sixth unit is expected to generate employment for around 2,000 people and will help significantly in strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
The unit at Jewar will have 20,000 wafers per month capacity, and the chips 36 million (3.6 crore) per month, the minister said.
This project aligns with the goals of the India Semiconductor Mission, which aims to incentivize the development of a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem within the country. The mission supports various facets of semiconductor manufacturing, including fabs for silicon, displays, compound semiconductors, as well as packaging and design. The Union Cabinet has committed a total of Rs76,000 crore for the development of a sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem in 2021.
The HCL-Foxconn venture is the latest addition to India’s burgeoning semiconductor landscape. Previously, five other significant projects have been approved.
Micron Technology is setting up a Rs22,516 crore unit in Sanand, Gujarat, in June 2023, providing 50 per cent fiscal support on pari-passu basis.
Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL) and Powerchip are collaborating on a Rs91,000 crore fab in Dholera, with production expected to commence by 2026. Tata Electronics is also establishing a Rs27,000 crore assembly and test facility in Assam, slated to be operational by mid-2025.
A joint venture between CG Power, Renesas, and Stars Microelectronics is developing an OSAT facility in Sanand, with pilot production expected by July 2025.
Lastly, Kaynes Semicon received approval for a Rs3,300 crore chip unit, also in Sanand.
This series of approvals underscores the Indian government’s proactive approach to fostering a robust and self-reliant semiconductor industry, attracting substantial domestic and international investment and paving the way for technological advancement and economic growth.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
On 22nd April, Pakistan-sponsored terrorists stained the Bairan Valley of Pahalgam with the blood of the innocents and killed 26 Hindu tourists as well as injured many others. This incident led to a tectonic shift in India’s approach towards its longstanding enemy. India initially imposed penalties on Pakistan by suspending the Indus Water Treaty, revoking their visas, halting trade, and prohibiting their media and social media, among other measures. However, this merely marked the onset of adverse times for the Islamic Republic.
On the 7th of May, in the early hours, India penetrated deep into Pakistan, executing precision strikes at nine locations to eradicate the terror infrastructure under “Operation Sindoor” which culminated in the destruction of the bases of terrorist groups including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). A disgraced Pakistan, retaliated by killing innocents and attacking the civilian areas of border regions and gurdwaras and temples, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, India’s superior weaponry thwarted their sinister plans. Moreover, the country took further decisive action and hit their critical military installations and inflicted considerable damage. In light of significant losses, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan reached out to his Indian counterpart to propose a ceasefire in the afternoon of 10th May.
Predictably, it took a few hours for the Pakistan Army to breach the fragile agreement through cross-border and Line of Control firing, accompanied by nighttime drone incursions. Nonetheless, their fresh endeavor was similarly met with the earlier consequence of failure.
Terror assaults to be treated as acts of war
On 10th May, India stated that it would now consider any act of terrorism against the country to be a “act of war” and would respond appropriately, marking a significant change to its security strategy. According to sources, the decision drastically lowers the bar to launch a full-scale military defense against terror assaults conspired and carried out from the other side of the border.
While India took military action in response to terrorist incidents in Uri in 2016, Pulwama in 2019, and most recently in Pahalgam, the pivotal decision formalizes this new security approach into a doctrine.
“In Balakot, India first exercised the right to strike at terror centres inside Pakistan. It took that forward after Pahalgam. The principle that a country sponsoring terrorism cannot hide behind territorial sovereignty has been established in international practice since 9/11. India now wants to assert this right even at the risk of wider conflagration,” Dilip Sinha, India’s former permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva informed, reported “The Times of India.”
The move is perceived as a message to Pakistan, a nation associated with several terrorist organizations that target Indians, as the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to set clear guidelines against acts of terrorism and establish that it will take tough action against those responsible. Pakistan’s demands for evidence and international counsel for a joint investigation did not stop India from taking action in reply to the terror strikes in Pulwama and Pahalgam.
“This has now been elevated to the level of doctrine with India keeping for itself the right to decide which act of terror is to be considered an act of war. This puts us in the same league as the United States and Israel, which have reserved the right to unilaterally exercise military option against terrorists,” he added.
India’s new doctrine unequivocally stated that any attempt by Pakistan to attack the country through proxies (terrorists), which it employs as a tool of foreign policy, will be regarded as an act of war against the nation. Consequently, India reserved the right to respond to such aggression in a manner it deemed appropriate.
India’s “new normal”
On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi who maintained tactical silence during the operation, finally addressed the nation on the night of 12th May. He announced that the strong response from India would now be a “new normal” in the country’s national security doctrine. “Operation Sindoor has carved out a new benchmark in our fight against terrorism and has set up a new parameter and new normal,” he outlined.
PM Modi emphasized that this halt in the operation is not to be viewed as a conclusion. He restated in his 22-minute speech that India will continue to monitor Pakistan’s every move in the days ahead to make sure that its future acts are consistent with its commitments. “We have only paused our retaliatory military action against Pakistan’s terror and military sites. In the coming days, we will test Pakistan’s actions to see their attitude,” he mentioned.
He further declared, “India’s three forces, Air Force, Army and Navy along with our Border Security Force (BSF) and paramilitary forces, are constantly on alert. After the surgical strike and air strike, now Operation Sindoor is India’s policy against terrorism.” Nevertheless, the most notable aspect of his speech was when he pointed out three new normals that are now incorporated into India’s reaction to any Pakistani hostility.
Decisive retaliation on India’s terms: PM Modi stated, “First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given. We will give a befitting response on our terms only. We will take strict action at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge.”
He underlined that India will respond proportionately to any abrasive actions from Pakistan, retaliating on its own terms and focusing at the core of terrorism, subtly alluding to Pakistan. This effectively ruled out the option of a “limited war” that the two nations had been involved in for decades.
No tolerance for nuclear blackmail: He forewarned, “Secondly, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail.”
Pakistan has a notorious habit to issue nuclear threats as a means of intimidating India and the international community after committing acts of terrorism. PM Modi not only exposed this deception but also asserted that such hollow threats will not prevent India from responding forcefully in the event of a violation.
No distinction between terrorists and their sponsors: He conveyed, “Thirdly, we will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism. During Operation Sindoor the world has again seen the ugly face of Pakistan, when top Pakistani army officers came to bid farewell to the slain terrorists. This is strong evidence of state-sponsored terrorism. We will continue to take decisive steps to protect India and our citizens from any threat.”
Pakistan’s connection with terrorists is well-documented. The nation has a history of celebrating acts of terrorism and has even glorified Osama bin Laden within its parliament, establishing itself as a breeding ground for terrorists for many decades, as repeatedly acknowledged by its politicians and army officials. This was evident when India neutralized over 100 terrorists during its operation, with their burial rites attended by senior Pakistani army officials. PM Modi called out the same, affirming that India will not differentiate between terrorist groups and their backers.
The nation’s premier asserted, “India’s stand is very clear, terror and talks cannot go together. Terror and trade cannot go together, water and blood cannot flow together.” He also indicated that any negotiations with hostile neighbour would be limited to the topics of terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He reiterated the strong message while interacting with the air warriors and soldiers at Adampur Air Force Station on 13th May.
India’s technological prowess, Pakistan’s failure
India’s military power, tactical skill and technological innovation were showcased to the world during “Operation Sindoor.” While Pakistani forces, launched drones, missiles and rockets against Indian civilians and military assets, India’s precision hits targeted terror camps specifically, the Indian Armed Forces used its integrated network of air defense systems to protect military bases and strategic assets.
India’s missiles successfully destroyed significant terrorist targets in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Muzaffarabad and Kotli while Pakistan’s expensive missile defense system remained inactive, ineffective and oblivious to the incoming threat.
Before and after satellite pics of the Jamia Mosque in Bahawalpur and the LeT Centre in Muridke, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/azgycAXyEQ
The disparity in weaponry quality between the two nations was one of the most obvious outcomes of the conflict. India’s domestically produced armaments, along with Israeli weaponry and the S-400 system acquired from Russia, successfully thwarted Pakistan’s drone attacks, but their made in China systems were a failure as Indian drones and missiles entered Pakistan at will and struck their targets.
Hard kill air defence systems used in Op Sindoor. These are just some of the surface to air missile systems used. pic.twitter.com/gQA90u6xkp
The Indian Armed Forces delivered a powerful response to the Pakistani assault by deploying India’s indigenous “Iron Dome,” the Akashteer Air Defence System (ADS), in conjunction with the S-400 Sudarshan Chakra ADS to thwart Pakistani attempts to target civilians. India’s integrated multi-layered air defense system successfully countered Turkish drones, Chinese missiles and potentially some Pakistani aircraft during the intense conflict.
Soft kill anti-drone systems used by India in these ops. These emerged in the press conference today. pic.twitter.com/KTIFUCAHaB
According to officials, Pakistan used Chinese-manufactured PL-15 long range, air-to-air missiles, which are designed for beyond visual range engagements alongside Turkish-produced Byker Yiha kamikaze drones and Asisguard Songar drones, in addition to long-range rockets, loitering munitions and quadcopters.
The majority of incoming threats were neutralized by India’s air defense systems, with only a few managing to breach them and inflict minor harm. Notably, India deployed the BrahMos missile which marked its inaugural use in combat following successful tests conducted on 12th June 2001, amidst the conflict. It is recognized as one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles globally.
Pakistan’s military inventory, which includes the highly publicized Fatah-II ballistic missile and the PL-15 missile proved ineffective as they were intercepted before reaching their targets. Its HQ-9 and HQ-16 air defense systems developed in China, designed to intercept aerial threats including fighter jets, cruise missiles, and drones spectacularly failed to foil Indian strikes.
China has also supplied JF-17 fighter jets to Pakistan. During a joint press conference conducted by the Indian armed forces, Air Force Director General of Operations AK Bharti stated that several Pakistani aircraft were shot down during the conflict. However, it is not yet confirmed whether those aircraft were F-16s or JF-17s. Furthermore, Pakistan utilized drones manufactured in China to his targets in India. Pakistan deployed Wing Loong and CH-II drones, however, India managed to shoot them down at the border.
The ineptness of Chinese air defense systems of Pakistan against precision and stealth assaults was clearly visible. Indian Scalp stealth cruise missiles and Hammer glide bombs were not intercepted by the HQ-16 or the HQ-9B. Due to their short detection ranges and vulnerability to jamming, these systems have trouble identifying low-altitude, terrain-hugging threats.
The air defense capabilities of Pakistan are characterized by insufficient redundancy and a lack of layered coordination, which have been exploited by Indian Sead (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) tactics through the targeting of radar nodes and effectively disabled the entire system.
Pakistan’s military installations including Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian air bases came under attack. The airfields at Skardu, Bholari, Jacobabad and Sargodha incurred extensive damage. Likewise, radar sites in Sialkot and Pasrur were struck. India’s strategic use of sophisticated electronic warfare strategies, such as decoys, signal suppression, and radar jamming, rendered Pakistan’s air defense system vulnerable.
This is important – Before and after images of Nur Khan airbase. @detresfa_ points out that the `structures' destroyed/damaged include two long trailer trucks with awnings on the sides. This may have been some sort of Pak Command and Control facility. ?:@Maxarpic.twitter.com/cIxbbDTLSR
“On 9th-10th May, India became the first country to strike 11 airbases of a nuclear-armed nation in a single operation, destroying 20 per cent of Pakistan’s air force assets. High casualties were inflicted at Bholari airbase, including the death of Squadron Leader Usman Yusuf (and four airme) and destruction of key fighter jets,” according to sources. Multiple PAF fighter aircraft were obliterated during the assault.
As a further humiliation to Pakistan, India took down its Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, leading to a substantial disadvantage in the country’s aerial surveillance and battlefield coordination.
India destroys crucial assets in Pakistan as it hides behind lies and obnoxious remarks
India showed an unprecedented capability to strike targets deep within Pakistan, similar to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, while it was preoccupied with making a global mockery of itself. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the defense minister of Pakistan, linked his nation’s claims of having downed five Indian fighter jets, including Rafales, in “Operation Sindoor” to “social media posts” during a CNN interview.
The Pakistani government declared that its forces intercepted and destroyed 25 drones sent by India to various locations, including Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, however, the defence minister later contradicted the statement in a recent address to the National Assembly and remarked that the Pakistani forces refrained from intercepting the drones to prevent revealing the locations of military establishments.
Similar to its leaders, the true power brokers of Pakistan represented by its jihadi army also misrepresented facts during an official press conference, utilizing a doctored video of an Indian press briefing to promote a misleading narrative. Furthermore, aside from an inadequate PowerPoint presentation, they did not support their claims with significant evidence and opted instead for hateful rhetoric and lies during the press conference.
Pakistan even alleged the destruction of the S-400 and reported heavy damage to the Adampur Airbase in Punjab, a statement that Prime Minister Narendra Modi debunked with his visit to meet the troops there. The S-400 can also be seen in the images.
Furthermore, Shehzad Ghias Shaikh who is a popular comedian and podcast host in Pakistan, appeared on the Piers Morgan “Uncensored” show where he asserted that Osama bin Laden was attempting to evade detection by Pakistani intelligence. “If your intelligence didn’t know he was there, it must be de facto the worst intelligence in the history of military intelligence,” Morgan schooled him on-air.
Most importantly, as Pakistan focused on propaganda and orchestrated victory marches, its defense as well as radar systems seemed defenseless and resembled sitting ducks ready to be taken out by India. This situation is reminiscent of a similar incident that took place during the 2019 Balakote airstrike, when Pakistan was targeted shortly after its air force fan page posted, “Sleep tight because PAF is awake.”
From Manmohan to Modi: Major shift in India’s policy
Congress never intended to punish Pakistan, even in the face of numerous terror acts, particularly the Mumbai attacks (26/11) and innumerable assaults on Indian territory by Pakistani proxies. On 26th November 2008, ten terrorists from Pakistan seized control of Mumbai for several days, resulting in the deaths of 166 innocent individuals and over 300 injuries.
The United Progressive Alliance (UPA)-government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh refrained from taking any significant military measures against Pakistan, the state that sponsors terrorism. There was silence rather than forceful military action. Candle marches took place. “Strong condemnation” was expressed. Additionally, under Manmohan Singh, the Indian government at the time sent dossiers to Islamabad, but no decisive steps were ever taken.
It's time to remember this statement by then PM Manmohan Singh ji. He had said, "We were under immense pressure to act against Pakistan after the 26/11 attack, but I’m proud that our govt didn’t take any action." pic.twitter.com/vr5ka3kswe
On the contrary, India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched strikes into Pakistan after every major terrorist incident with Pahalgam exemplifying this approach. Since the surgical strike in 2016, followed by the airstrike in 2019 and now “Operation Sindoor,” India has consistently raised the stakes of its retaliation, imparting a strong message to Pakistan on each occasion.
India has now proclaimed to the world that it is no longer a dormant giant, but rather a formidable force in manufacturing, military, and diplomacy that will not accept infringements on its sovereignty. This strategy was entirely absent during the Congress’s governance, which favored passive methods while civilians continued to fall victim to terrorism.
While the government maintained its claims regarding Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation and failed to take any military measures, the hostile nation grew bolder, attacking India through its terrorists, labeled as “non-state actors.” The reluctance of Congress was also affirmed by the former Air Chief Marshal Fali H. Major (Retd).
“Air Force was prepared with alternatives. I think it was the third or fourth day after the attack that we were called into the Prime Minister’s office, the three chiefs, and of course, many others who were involved in this. We were asked as to what kind of options we have to launch a retaliatory strike, a precision strike. And, we gave out our options that we will be ready to undertake the strike, if asked, in the next 18 to 24 hours. That’s it. There was no response from the then UPA government,” he expressed while talking to Times Now.
He welcomed the extradition of 26/11 conspirator Tahawwur Hussain Rana from the United States to India, however, added, “I’m disappointed about one thing that it’s a little too late because if we had hit those guys then probably this guy would have been history by now.”
The new India showcased its capacity and conviction
India has now declared that it is no longer a subdued giant, but a powerful entity making its presence felt across the globe. It has the potential to navigate the complexities of a multipolar world. Its superiority is already illustrated by its victory against Pakistan, which has also highlighted India’s achievements in indigenous weaponry. Nonetheless, a comparison between the two countries is not feasible.
While India ranks as the world’s fourth largest economy, Pakistan relies on International Monetary Fund (IMF) assistance and financial support from other nations. “Make in India” stands as a remarkable success, in contrast to Pakistan, whose weaponry is largely imported from China, Turkey or the United States. Moreover, the Indian Navy has already established its notable presence in the waters.
The Navy’s INS (Indian Naval Ship) Vikrant was reportedly instrumental in discouraging Pakistani aerial aspirations during the recent conflict, demonstrating a remarkable demonstration of maritime supremacy. The carrier battle group under the command of INS Vikrant moved swiftly and unopposed in the North Arabian Sea.
Its overwhelming presence prevented any significant aerial maneuvers. The strategic advantage that India’s domestic aircraft carrier offers the area is demonstrated by its operational dominance which strengthens deterrence and imposes control over vital maritime lanes. Furthermore, Vice Admiral A N Pramod also informed that the Navy was prepared to strike a number of Pakistani targets, including the port city of Karachi, both on land and at sea.
According to the unified action plan of the Indian defense forces, he stated the carrier battle group, surface forces, submarines and aviation assets of the Indian Navy were instantly deployed at sea with full combat readiness. He disclosed that during multiple firings in the Arabian Sea within 96 hours of the Pahalgam terror assault, the Navy evaluated and improved its processes and tactics at sea.
With complete preparedness and capability to strike specific targets at sea and on land, including Karachi, at any time selected by India, the naval forces remained stationed in the northern Arabian Sea in a decisive and deterrent posture.
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India is becoming a major maritime power in the world when he dedicated three frontline naval combatants, INS (Indian Navy Ship) Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer to the country at the naval dockyard in Mumbai on 15th January. This defined a significant advancement in maritime security and defense manufacturing.
Over the last ten years, the Indian Navy has greatly enhanced its capabilities by adding 33 ships and seven submarines. Out of these 40 vessels, 39 were constructed in Indian shipyards, which include the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and the nuclear submarines INS Arihant and INS Arighaat.
Conclusion
Unlike Pakistan, which is predominantly identified by its terrorist groups, India has recently risen to prominence as a global leader. It has successfully navigated a path of neutrality, avoiding alliances with specific nations, in contrast to many others. It participates in the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue – Australia, India, Japan, and the United States) and I2U2 (India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States). However, it also has a close partnership with Russia in both trade and defense.
India maintains a robust relationship with Israel while also fostering friendly ties with numerous Islamic nations. In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the highest civilian honors from eight Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Afghanistan, the Maldives and Palestine.
India has demonstrated remarkable resilience during the Russia-Ukraine conflict despite pressure to sever ties with Russia. Nevertheless, it remained steadfast while advising both nations to settle the dispute through dialogue rather than warfare. The reality is that India has been instrumental in shaping world politics and played a key role in international relations under Prime Minister Narendra Modi via its impressive diplomacy which is particularly visible at the time of crisis.
For instance, during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the wealthy and strong western nations abandoned them to fend for themselves, India conducted Vaccine Maitri (Friendship) for poor and underdeveloped countries. India possesses the capacity to assist those in need, while also having the capability to unleash severe devastation on any forces that threaten its sovereignty and security.
The same message has been conveyed more clearly and loudly following “Operation Sindoor.” Now, regardless of whether adversaries or the global community approve, India’s action has profoundly altered the landscape of international politics, sending a clear message that it has firmly established itself as a dominant force in a multipolar world.
