Delayed Honour: On Operation Sindoor, Gains and Losses The Narendra Modi government faced significant criticism for its delayed acknowledgment of casualties during Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military strike launched in April 2025 in retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which killed 26 civilians. The operation, which targeted militant groups in Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of six Indian soldiers, yet the government took over a year to formally recognize their sacrifice. This delay sparked debates about transparency, accountability, and the balance between operational secrecy and public responsibility. From the outset, the government maintained a highly publicized, self-congratulatory stance while withholding detailed information about the operation’s outcomes. Officials refused to disclose specifics about casualties, both military and civilian, despite the operation’s significant impact. Critics argued that this opacity undermined trust in the administration and failed to honor the fallen soldiers adequately. The government’s reluctance to share information was seen as prioritizing political interests over national accountability, with some suggesting it aimed to avoid scrutiny of its military decisions. The first public acknowledgment of casualties came in May 2025, when Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), paid tribute to the soldiers who had died during the operation during a press briefing. However, their names were not disclosed, and the event was marked by full military honors for their cremations. In August 2025, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh visited the family of Sergeant Surendra Kumar, one of the casualties, while the Ministry of Defence announced gallantry awards for the fallen personnel.#narendra_modi #rajnath_singh #operation_sindoor #pahalgam_attack #rajiv_ghai
Indian Army Deputy Chief Appointed as National Security Council's Military Adviser Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, currently serving as the Deputy Chief of the Indian Army and previously leading military operations as Director General of Military Operations during Operation Sindoor last year, has been appointed as the new Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat. This marks a historic milestone, as Ghai becomes the first serving military officer to hold the position within the NSCS, which operates under the guidance of National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The appointment was finalized earlier this week, with Ghai expected to take up his duties shortly. Ghai’s tenure in the Indian Army extends until December 2027, and his new role is seen as a strategic move to integrate operational expertise into the nation’s highest national security decision-making framework. The NSCS, a critical body for coordinating defense and security policies, has previously been occupied by senior military leaders such as General N.S. Raja Subramani, who later became Chief of Defence Staff, and Air Marshal Sandeep Singh. Before Subramani, General Anil Chauhan held the position. Ghai’s appointment underscores the emphasis on military input in shaping national security strategies. Commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment, Ghai has held numerous key operational and command roles throughout his career. His leadership during Operation Sindoor, which involved complex military coordination, has positioned him as a key figure in India’s defense planning. The decision to appoint a serving officer to the NSCS reflects a shift toward closer collaboration between the military and civilian leadership in addressing security challenges.#indian_army #operation_sindoor #ajit_doval #rajiv_ghai #national_security_council
