Can anyone ignore India’s military power anymore?
here's why they can't
Hello everyone,
It’s a heavy-hearted Wednesday.
But also a powerful one.
Today, we’re not starting with a quirky anecdote or a coffee metaphor. Because this morning, India woke up to the roar of resolve, and the world, to a reminder: don’t mistake restraint for weakness.
Let’s get to it.
📌 Operation Sindoor
Early Wednesday, the Indian armed forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, a strategic and forceful retaliation against the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 innocent lives: 25 tourists and one local in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The counterstrike was anything but symbolic.
India hit nine terror camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and across the international boundary - an action described by Wing Commander Vyomika Singh as “clinically efficient,” targeting only terrorist infrastructure and avoiding civilian harm.
The operation comes amid rising tension in the region, with both India and Pakistan engaging in their most extensive military exchange in decades.
At least nine civilians were reported dead in Poonch, and 28 were injured due to artillery shelling from across the border - the worst-hit district in this conflict.
Among those killed were three members of the Sikh community, including Bhai Amrik Singh Ji (a raagi Singh), Bhai Amarjeet Singh, and Bhai Ranjit Singh.
The Shiromani Akali Dal has demanded they be honoured as martyrs, calling the attack on the Central Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib an inhuman assault on faith and fraternity.
Col Sofiya Qureshi, who addressed the media along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, stood tall as a generational Army officer whose calm delivery embodied the depth of duty.
She reminded the world that India didn’t act out of impulse; it responded out of necessity.
📌 But can Pakistan match India’s strength?
This is not 1999.
India’s response to escalating cross-border tensions with Operation Sindoor has drawn a sharp line between its past and present.
What once required restraint now demands resolve, and India is ready.
Today’s India is no longer reacting from a place of geopolitical caution or military limitation. It stands with capability, clarity, and courage.
Let’s break down what that means:
1. A massive budget
India’s defence budget in 2024 soared to $74.4 billion - making it the second-largest in Asia after China, and sixth globally.
2. Immense manpower and might
Pakistan’s military is significant, but it’s less than half the size of India’s. And while size isn’t everything, it matters when you're equipped with superior weaponry, modern logistics, and battlefield-ready forces.
3. Impressive nuclear balance
While both nations possess between 160–170 nuclear warheads, India’s Agni missile series gives it a unique strategic advantage.
With a range extending up to 5,000 km, these intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are not just deterrents, they are quiet reminders of India's far-reaching strike capability.
4. An indigenous edge
India has steadily moved away from a one-dimensional arms dependency. While still cooperating with Russia and France, it has accelerated its focus on domestic manufacturing, from fighter jets and missiles to submarines and drones.
This isn’t just about self-reliance, it’s about shaping a homegrown military-industrial complex that can support long-term resilience.
📌 And what are other countries saying about the war?
The US, which historically pressured restraint, seems hands-off.
Trump said: “I hope it ends very quickly.”China issued a “regretful” note but walked a diplomatic tightrope, trying not to jeopardize its recent thaw with India, despite backing Pakistan with 81% of its arms imports.
Pakistan, meanwhile, claimed to have shot down five Indian jets, three French Rafales, and two Russian aircraft. (No independent confirmation yet.)
So, that’s it for today. If you enjoyed this edition, subscribe to hear from us every day!
See ya 👋
