All of a sudden, social media sections aligned with Congress and anti-BJP factions are hailing Indira Gandhi.
They are widely sharing a scene from Kangana Ranaut's Emergency, showcasing how Indira Gandhi stood up against U.S. President Nixon during the 1971 Pakistan war.
These groups are drawing comparisons between Indira Gandhi and Narendra Modi — often to downplay Modi's role in ceasefire with Pakistan in Operation Sindoor, with the US intervention. However, this comparison lacks proper historical and strategic context.
It must be understood that the 1971 war was fought in a pre-nuclear world. India had a clear and well-defined objective- liberating Bangladesh. Given the circumstances then, India was in a strong position to win decisively.
If a similar scenario existed today, India would likely defeat Pakistan in a matter of days — if the objective were as defined and limited. But today's reality is vastly different.
We are in 2025. Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons. Once a nuclear weapon is used, its effects do not respect borders.
The destruction may be local, but radiation spreads across hundreds of miles. A nuclear strike by India on Pakistan would harm Indian territory too, and vice versa.
Handling conflict in a nuclear-armed world requires far more than just courage—it requires strategy, calculation, and precise objectives.
So what exactly is India’s objective in 2025? Many on social media claim it's to reclaim PoK. But is that an official stance? Or is the objective retaliation for the Pahalgam massacre? If retaliation was the goal, it has already been achieved.
When Pakistan escalated eventually, India responded. A ceasefire was eventually announced, and India remains silent for now — but with a clear warning that any future provocation will bring consequences.
Praising Indira Gandhi while ignoring or belittling Narendra Modi is a sign of historical ignorance.
Indira Gandhi deserves full credit for her leadership in 1971 and her handling of Nixon. But Narendra Modi deserves equal recognition for managing today's far more complex geopolitical situation, especially with a nuclear-armed and unstable neighbor.
Moreover, he acheived India's objective with retaliation on Pakistan for Pahalgam attack by the Pak bor terrorists.
Kiran Sharma
