Letter from the Editor | August 2025

Perhaps, the most unique aspect of Operation Sindoor was that never before in independent India has a military conflict, with the potential of expanding into a full-scale war, remained shrouded in misinformation and disinformation even weeks after its conclusion. This is indeed incredible given the transparency of public discourse made possible by the democratization of information dissemination. Commercial satellites, smart phones and the global powers’ (say, the US and Russia) interests in South Asia, especially in India-Pakistan relations, ensured that conflicting versions of the progress in Operation Sindoor was available to the people almost in real time.

Hence, it is ironical that despite this glut of information, the government continues to choose broad strokes and jingoistic rhetoric to sum up the four-day, high-intensity aerial battle with Pakistan. This is the reason even two months later, perspective continues to evolve on what it entailed and what lessons Indian military and the government needs to learn from the brief battle which provided the glimpse of what a future war in South Asia may look like.

While diplomatic posturing has always been an integral part of any conflict, Operation Sindoor showed that information can be used as a tool to shape international alignments. Even the blindest supporter of the present regime reluctantly accepts that despite sending out nearly two dozen delegations across the world to lobby for India’s cause, Pakistan managed to walk away with a winning narrative of being the David against India’s Goliath. This is the reason that post-Operation Sindoor, Pakistan’s global stature as grown, at the cost of India’s strategic ties, especially with the US.

The cover story ensemble of the August issue looks at both India’s place in the world after Operation Sindoor, as well as the lessons it holds for the Indian military and foreign policy.

Since August edition celebrates both the Independence Day and FORCE anniversary, there is a special feature chronicling India-China border problem and how it has impacted the overall relationship between the two countries. Whatever may be the current government’s predilections, the truth is, the contours of this relationship will determine India’s geoeconomic and geostrategic trajectory. There is also an article underscoring the importance of India investing in nuclear-powered submarines given our dangerous maritime environment.

From this month, we are starting a new column by bestselling author, Sudeep Chakravarty, on India’s Northeast, as well as the near east, the centre piece of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East initiative.

Then there are FORCE regular features, reports, news and books. Dive in.