Narendra Modi posting on X stating, "#OperationSindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same .. India wins! Congrats to our cricketers," is really shocking and reflects poorly on the nation in the view of the world.
Not every Pakistani is a terrorist. India’s enemies are certainly Pakistani terrorists, the Pakistani army, politicians and the deep state supporting them. But India has no enmity with peace loving Pakistanis, cricket players, or artists. When ready to play a match, it should be in a sportive spirit, not bringing battle names into the game.
India won, and this post comes from the Prime Minister. It is true that India is invincible in battles and wars. Cricket matches are not like that. Any team can win or lose; India has lost to Sri Lanka or Zimbabwe, and sometimes may lose to Pakistan as well. Tweets like this unnecessarily reflect poorly on the Prime Minister, who enjoys huge respect globally.
Indian players refusing a handshake to Pakistani players or avoiding the cup from a Pakistani delegate only brings shame to India internationally. This is not a moment of pride but looks like unnecessary posturing with hidden complexes and playing to the Indian galleries. After all, the delegate simply left taking away the cup, is that not an insult to India?
Overall, it should be understood that Indians and Pakistanis living in Dubai, the USA, or elsewhere coexist peacefully as neighbors and colleagues. Tensions exist only at the borders, fueled by terrorism, the army and politicians.
India should clearly distinguish its enemies. Viewing every Pakistani as an enemy unfairly targets NRIs as 'deshadrohis' who befriend Pakistani colleagues or share rides in Dubai. It is that simple.
Rahul Nandan, Seattle, USA
