(Khalid Masood)
Despite suffering a clear defeat in the recent conflict, India’s leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is refusing to acknowledge reality. Instead of introspection or a path toward reconciliation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has chosen to cloak its defeat in a spectacle of nationalism. On May 13, the BJP launched the “Tiranga Yatra”—an unprecedented, nationwide campaign labelled as a “Victory March” to celebrate the so-called success of Operation Sindoor. But beneath the surface, this is not just a patriotic parade; it is a calculated mobilization of public sentiment, designed to whip the nation into a frenzy and prepare the ground for further escalation.
A Calculated Build-Up to Renewed Hostility
The BJP’s Tiranga Yatra, set to culminate on May 23, is more than a display of national pride. Senior BJP leaders and Indian media have made it clear that this campaign is about projecting military “success” and Modi’s “determined leadership”3. Rallies are being held across the country, with millions encouraged to take to the streets, all under the watchful gaze of the tricolor. Large screens are being set up to broadcast Modi’s upcoming speech, which many analysts believe will mark a new and dangerous chapter in the region’s history.
This is not idle speculation. Modi has requested the United States to delay substantive diplomatic engagement until after May 24—a move that raises serious questions about his intentions. If peace were truly the objective, why postpone dialogue? Why orchestrate a massive, emotionally charged campaign just days after a fragile ceasefire1? The answer is clear: Modi is buying time for military and diplomatic preparations, using nationalism as a smokescreen.
The Wounded Snake: Desperation Breeds Danger
The reality is that the conflict is far from over. Modi’s rhetoric has grown increasingly belligerent, with recent speeches warning Pakistan that “there is no corner left…where terrorists can sit in peace” and threatening annihilation if Pakistan does not comply with Indian demands4. These are not the words of a leader seeking stability—they are the warnings of a wounded snake, desperate to reassert dominance after a humiliating setback.
India is acutely aware of shifting regional dynamics. China has accelerated the delivery of its fifth-generation J-35A stealth fighters to Pakistan, with the first units expected to be operational by early 20265. Pakistani pilots are already training in China, and these advanced jets—equipped with cutting-edge stealth and sensor fusion—will soon give Pakistan a decisive technological edge. Modi’s hawkish advisors know this, and there is growing concern in Islamabad that India may attempt another military adventure before Pakistan’s new capabilities are fully operational.
Modi’s Shrinking Empire and International Isolation
Internally, Modi’s position is weakening. The BJP’s grip on power has been rattled by recent electoral setbacks, with the Congress party regaining ground and independent voices in Indian media—long suppressed by “Godi Media”—beginning to re-emerge2. Social media is abuzz with criticism, and the narrative of unchallenged Modi dominance is fracturing.
Internationally, India’s standing is under strain. The United States, once a steadfast partner, is growing impatient with Modi’s protectionist policies and aggressive rhetoric. President Donald Trump’s recent admonition to Apple CEO Tim Cook—urging him to halt iPhone production in India and relocate manufacturing to the US—signals a cooling of economic ties6. This is a significant blow, considering Apple produced $22 billion worth of iPhones in India last year, most of which were exported to Western markets. Trump’s move is a clear message: India’s trajectory under Modi is no longer seen as a safe bet for American business.
The Danger of Ideological Extremism
The BJP and its ideological parent, the RSS, have cultivated a dangerous cult of personality around Modi, promoting the notion that “if there is no Modi, there is no India.” This messianic belief is not just politically toxic—it is regionally destabilizing. Such a mindset leaves no room for compromise, dialogue, or peace. Instead, it fuels an endless cycle of escalation that threatens not just South Asia, but global stability.
The Indian media’s role in this crisis cannot be overstated. As Dawn recently reported, the frenzy and misinformation spread by Indian news channels has created a climate of hysteria, exhausting critical thinking and annihilating truth2. This propaganda campaign is designed not only to misinform the public, but also to justify further aggression against Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Response: Vigilance, Unity, and Strategic Patience
Pakistan, for its part, has shown remarkable restraint and maturity. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made it clear that Pakistan did not request a ceasefire; it was India, facing the reality of Pakistan’s measured and effective response, that sought American mediation1. Pakistan’s leadership has invited India to a comprehensive dialogue, reaffirming its commitment to peace, but has also made it clear that any provocation will be met with decisive action.
The imminent arrival of the J-35A stealth fighters is a testament to Pakistan’s resolve to maintain a credible deterrent and safeguard its sovereignty5. As the regional balance of power shifts, Pakistan must remain united, vigilant, and prepared for all contingencies. Victory celebrations must be tempered with humility and a clear-eyed understanding of the challenges ahead.
Conclusion: A Call for Reason Over Rhetoric
The coming days are critical. Modi’s war drums are beating louder, but Pakistan must not be drawn into the trap of emotional escalation. Instead, Islamabad must continue to pursue unity, military preparedness, and diplomatic engagement—while exposing the dangers of India’s ultra-nationalist trajectory. May wisdom and restraint prevail, for the sake of South Asia and the world.
SOURCES:
- Economic Times, “BJP to hold nationwide ‘Tiranga Yatra’ from May 13-23 to mark Operation Sindoor success” (2025-05-12)
- New Indian Express, “BJP to launch nationwide ‘Tiranga Yatra’ celebrating success of Operation Sindoor” (2025-05-12)
- Indian Express, “Today in Politics: BJP to launch 11-day Tiranga Yatra for outreach” (2025-05-13)
- NDTV, “BJP’s Nationwide ‘Tiranga Yatra’ Today To Honour Armed Forces” (2025-05-13)
- 5. Economic Times, “Operation Sindoor: Tiranga yatras taken out in different states under BJP’s aegis” (2025-05-13)
- India TV News, “PM Modi likely to meet NDA Chief Ministers on May 25” (2025-05-14)
- Times of India, “Tiranga yatra in Kamptee by BJP on May 16” (2025-05-15)
- Indian Express, “PM Modi sets tone for BJP outreach on Operation Sindoor, Tiranga Yatras” (2025-05)
