Why India urgently needs an Information Warfare Doctrine?

The latest confrontation along India’s borders reflects that war has a deadly new front – the smartphone. In a recent press note, the government described how even as our forces struck terror bases across the Line of Control (codename Operation SINDOOR), “a fierce information war has been ongoing online.” Pakistan-backed operatives unleashed “a campaign… full of lies and misinformation” aiming to distort facts and inflame public opinion. India countered with “facts, transparency [and] strong digital vigilance” – a defensive, ad hoc rebuttal of tweets, videos, and memes. But that response was reactive, piecemeal and narrowly focused. It showed that in modern conflict, our narratives are as much a battlefield as our borders – and that India has no formal doctrine for fighting this digital threat.

Today, every skirmish, strike or sabotage is swiftly followed by a barrage of propaganda and half-truths. We see it in heated town-hall debates when some influencer’s viral clip twists military success into sectarian hatred. We feel it when students learn that videos they trust on WhatsApp may have been manipulated or altered.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh himself has warned that “unconventional methods like information warfare… space warfare and cyber attacks are posing a big challenge in today’s times”. In March 2025, he reiterated that India’s adversaries “do not always come with traditional weapons; cyber-attacks, misinformation campaigns, and space-based espionage are emerging as new-age threats”. If our Defence Minister says the enemy now uses lies as weapons, why don’t we have a formal rulebook to meet it?

Alarmingly, India’s institutions have mostly scrambled rather than strategised. After a terror attack in J&K, our foreign ministry might brief the press on kinetic retaliation – but the disinformation blitz that followed was handled by a fact-check here, a clarifying tweet there. The government has indeed taken some action: in December 2021 and January 2022, it identified and blocked dozens of Pakistan-backed media outlets and social channels. For example, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry used new IT rules to shut down 35 YouTube channels and two websites run from Pakistan for spreading anti-India “fake news”. These channels – viewed by hundreds of millions – had churned out lies about our Army, Kashmir and even elections, stoking communal discord. Intelligence agencies flagged these networks as part of a coordinated campaign to “divide India on the lines of religion” and inspire violence. Cracking down on that network was necessary, but it also highlights a grim fact: we were playing whack-a-mole with one enemy, and the mole keeps popping up. Worse, the threat is evolving.

Consider the rise of deepfakes. Bad actors now have tools to create startlingly realistic fake videos of anyone, public figures and private citizens alike. Parliament has taken notice. In July 2023, the government replied that it was “cognizant of the risks” posed by AI-generated deepfakes. The answer pointed to sections of the IT Act that criminalise online impersonation and to rules forcing platforms to remove offending content within 24 hours of a complaint. Yet these legal weapons are blunt. They address symptoms (a viral post here, an insulting tweet there) but not the disease. They leave us fighting fires instead of drafting a comprehensive fire suppression plan. India cannot afford to remain so reactive. Other powers long ago wove information warfare into their military planning. China’s doctrine openly prioritises “Three Warfares” – psychological, media and legal warfare – as part of its military strategy. Even in the US, the Pentagon has information operations manuals and cyber doctrines to align the whole government’s response.

India has none of that publicly. We have committees (as far back as 2008, the Integrated Defence Staff noted the need for working groups on “communications and information warfare”), and we have individual agencies on cybersecurity. But we lack a coherent Information Warfare Doctrine – an umbrella strategy to defend and, if needed, strike back in the battle of narratives. This gap is dangerous. We face a hybrid threat environment every day: drones buzzing borders and Russian TV-style spin on our newsfeeds are parts of the same campaign.

Our Defence Minister warned only a few months ago that hybrid and grey-zone tactics are growing challenges for our military. Yet civilians and soldiers alike have received scant guidance on this front. Schools do not teach media literacy at scale. Security forces train to shoot down drones, but who trains them to shoot down a viral tweet?

The Finance Ministry took down some fake economic news websites, and the Election Commission flagged manipulated images during elections, but all these splinter efforts raise the question: who is the field general for India’s information war? A formal doctrine would force us to answer that. It would say where the responsibilities lie – what role for the military, for the intelligence agencies, for the foreign office, for social media companies – and how to coordinate among them. It would outline defensive steps (building hardened communications, digital verification labs, cyber-intelligence units) alongside offensive steps (psychological operations, strategic messaging cells, legal pushes against hostile propaganda outlets).

Already, we see signs that some ammunition exists: the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has empowered fact-check units and transparency rules, and courts have upheld takedowns of divisive content. But a doctrine could connect those tools to our national interest. It could say: “When foreign trolls try to disrupt an Indian election, we respond with our clarion of truth – and we have a playbook to do it fast and decisively.” The need is urgent. Falsehoods can travel across the internet in seconds, mobilising mobs, scaring markets or undermining morale before truth is even cobbled.

In India’s last few crises, governments have been caught flat-footed by viral misinformation, scrambling to correct the record. By contrast, our armed forces practise intricate war games for physical battles, but few drills exist for information warfare. As Rajnath Singh warned in Mhow, we face an era where “frontier technologies” and unconventional threats demand new readiness. Only a doctrine can ensure we don’t stay perpetually one step behind the enemy in the new fighting domain. India has finally awakened to the cyber threat; now it must do the same for information as a weapon.

A comprehensive doctrine, backed by political will, would be a clarion call: that the age of online scoundrels and deepfake disinfo has a match in Indian resolve. Otherwise, we risk letting malicious narratives and foreign trolls erode national unity and security. In the 21st century, a false tweet can spark violence as surely as a bullet. It is time India named its adversary, drew its battle lines in cyberspace, and fought back with purpose and policy.  

Living in a world metastasized by emojis and short-form communications, the soft power of manners is a timeless and potent arsenal for evolution that has been conveniently misunderstood as ineffective. Words have always been the foremost form of expression that impacts human beings on a day-to-day basis. Some of the most impactful words that not only impact others but also bring a sense of calm and peace within are 'SORRY', 'PLEASE', and 'THANK YOU'. Often underestimated, these three powerful words, when used consciously on a day-to-day basis, can change the trajectory of any potentially cumbersome situation towards a peaceful space. When we carry these words, we reflect grace, empathy and human connection. Often overlooked, these simple words carry the seed of something mighty, capable of growing swiftly into a tree that grounds, connects, and nourishes human relationships.

SORRY - It is not just confined to the admission of fault. It is an acknowledgment of contribution in hurting someone intentionally or intentionally defining care. A simple 'sorry' can melt walls, soften anger, and pave the way for dialogue that can open doors to forgiveness. Unfortunately, in today’s time sorry is viewed as a bruise on ego, but in reality, it is an act of courage. What’s important is to realize that a “sorry” without sincerity is like a bridge with no foundation that collapses under the weight of expectation. It’s not about saying the word, but meaning it.

PLEASE - A minimal and soft word in form, yet vast in meaning. It carries no force, yet its influence often reaches further than any command. In moments where power could easily overshadow kindness, this soft syllable restores balance with elegance, whether spoken to a child, a waiter, or a stranger. It is a quiet act of respect that conveys, ‘I honour your effort.’ In an environment that rushes to demand, ‘please is the pause that invites connection because true power isn’t in demanding, it lies in asking with grace.

THANK YOU - A gentle bow of gratitude. A way of expressing I care, I value, I appreciate. A simple thank you is humble enough to fill in the gap between the rich and the poor. An eight-letter word with the power to make someone feel respected and seen. Whether it’s the domestic help working tirelessly in your home, the vegetable vendor under the scorching sun, or the auto-rickshaw driver navigating busy streets. A simple, sincere “thank you” can brighten their day. It’s more than courtesy; it’s an act of recognition. It tells them, “I see you, I value your effort, and I respect your work. Try it and watch the magic unfold.

In today’s era, strength is glamorised as noise, loud equals confidence, pushy is defined as powerful and quiet is referred to as weak. But that is the biggest myth. True strength manifests in calmness, composure, connectedness, and it shows in the courage to say SORRY, humility to say PLEASE, and the sagacity to say THANK YOU. Sometimes, it’s not grand gestures but small, sincere words that transform a life and remind us how powerful kindness can truly be.

AUTHOR’S QUOTE :
Sorry, Please and Thank you - Three sacred words so small, yet soul’s true song, when spoken with truth, heal the heart and right the wrong!

Kamiya Arora
( Author and highly celebrated Dj of India )

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Argentina carries historic significance and marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

For the first time in 57 years, an Indian head of government has undertaken a bilateral visit to Argentina. While Indian prime minister’s, including Modi himself,  have previously traveled to Argentina most notably during the G-20 Summit in 2018, this is the first formal bilateral visit since Indira Gandhi came to Argentina in 1968, nearly six decades ago.

Modi’s meeting with President Javier Milei occurs at a unique juncture in global affairs, as India emerges as a major power on the world stage. With a population of 1.45 billion, India has recently surpassed the People’s Republic of China to become the most populous country in the world. Its expanding influence is both a reflection of its demographic strength and the result of sustained economic development.

India’s remarkable economic trajectory has propelled it to the position of the world’s fifth-largest economy, with credible aspirations of becoming the third-largest by the end of this decade. This growth is not just a matter of statistics: it reflects a broader transformation with in Indian society. Hundreds of millions have ascended into the middle class, creating one of the largest and most dynamic consumer markets on the planet. While challenges persist and many citizens still face economic hardship, the overall improvement in the standard of living is undeniable.

This transformation has not occurred by chance. It is the product of deliberate and systematic economic liberalisation that began in 1991. India’s pivot toward a market-based economy, away from the rigid state-controlled model of the past, laid the groundwork for this impressive growth. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership since 2014, these economic reforms have not only continued but deepened. The shift has been away from what was once described as a transition from the “British Raj” to a “License Raj”-a system mired in excessive regulation that stifled innovation and entrepreneurship. Today, India’s policy direction fosters private enterprise, supports innovation, and actively seeks global partnerships to advance its development goals.

It is within this positive context that the bilateral relationship between India and Argentina is gaining strategic momentum.

India is now one of Argentina’s top six trading partners, with bilateral trade standing at approximately USD 5 billion. Argentina is a major supplier of soybean oil to India, the largest, in fact, and the third-largest source of sunflower oil. These figures underscore the growing interdependence between our economies and the complementarity of our respective strengths.

Equally important is the expanding footprint of Indian investment in Argentina, particularly in the mining sector. Indian companies have shown keen interest in lithium exploration, especially in the province of Catamarca. They are also venturing into copper and gold exploration. Governor RaúlJalil’s recent visit to India, aimed at strengthening these relationships, reflects the shared intent to further build upon this foundation.

These investments are crucial for India as it seeks to develop a robust and sustainable electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. A secure and diversified supply of critical minerals such as lithium is essential for India’s EV and renewable energy ambitions, and Argentina stands out as a vital partner in this regard.

In the energy sector, relations are also expanding rapidly. YPF Chairman HoracioMarín has led two high-level delegations to New Delhi, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with leading Indian energy firms. This agreement is an important step toward positioning Argentina as a future energy supplier to meet India’s immense and growing demand. Politically, Argentina remains deeply grateful for India’s longstanding support on the Malvinas Question at

The United Nations, particularly at the Decolonisation Committee. India, with its own rich historical experience of decolonisation, lends moral weight and a principled voice to the matter, one that resonates globally. Defense cooperation has also seen steady progress. The armed forces of both nations engage in mutual exchanges, joint training opportunities, and knowledge-sharing.

Special emphasis has been placed on the training of mountain troops and participation in university-level defense studies, laying the groundwork for greater interoperability and strategic understanding.

Nuclear collaboration is another emerging area of mutual interest. Both countries are working toward finalizing a memorandum of understanding between their respective nuclear regulatory bodies. This agreement could pave the way for deeper cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, with promising prospects in technology transfer, safety standards, and research collaboration. A firm and unequivocal stance against terrorism unites India and Argentina. Both nations have experienced the devastating impact of transnational terrorism and recognize the importance of international cooperation in countering it. Following the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, in which nearly 30 lives were lost, Argentina was among the first nations to express solidarity and condemnation. This gesture reaffirms the shared commitment of both governments to global peace and security, a cornerstone of President Milei’s foreign policy doctrine.

The breadth and depth of India-Argentina cooperation extend far beyond what a single article can encompass. From trade and energy to defense and diplomacy, the relationship has evolved into a truly multifaceted partnership.

Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Argentina is more than a symbolic gesture; it represents a renewed and pragmatic push toward deeper engagement. This trip may well be remembered as a turning point-a fresh beginning that consolidates mutual trust and opens new avenues of cooperation.

As two democracies with shared values, a strong belief in multilateralism, and a high degree of objective economic and strategic complementarity, India and Argentina are poised to usher in a new era of partnership. With a history of diplomatic ties dating back nearly eight decades, the groundwork has long been in place. Now, with new momentum and visionary leadership on both sides, the potential for collaboration is boundless.

This bilateral visit reminds us that while geography may separate our nations, shared aspirations and mutual respect bring us closer together. The relationship between India and Argentina is not only historical-it is also forward-looking, ambitious, and full of promise. 

President Donald Trump’s surprise military strike on Iranian nuclear sites has sent ripples far beyond the Middle East, impacting strategic calculations in the Asia-Pacific region. The June 22 U.S. attack—using B-2 bombers and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles—helped end the 12-day Iran-Israel war, but also signaled a shift in Trump’s foreign policy doctrine.

I believe true success isn’t just about wealth — it’s about inner strength and a smile that lasts through challenges

In the corporate world, we have traditionally defined success by the size of our paycheck, our position in the hierarchy, the number of people in our network, or the profits on our balance sheet. But that is a very limited way of perceiving success.

In businesses today, we need to have a strategy, a creative edge, right decision making (intuition), sharpness, and speed. While this requires the right skillsets, vision and resources, it also needs something deeper-the strength, clarity and life force energy that comes from within. Just as we do not forgo our hygiene in the pursuit of our business goals, one can no longer ignore one’s mental hygiene either, no matter what our profession is. To take good care of our minds, spiritual practices like meditation, reflection, and contemplation on timeless wisdom can be of great help. Unless we take care of our minds, any success we achieve is going to be short-lived and elusive.

We can’t play the role of a CEO or a manager all day. Who are we when we are sleeping? Are we an entrepreneur or a manager or a team lead? Just like sleep offers rest from all these labels, a few minutes of meditation or spending time in silence offers rest to the mind. And that brief pause gives you enormous energy to accomplish your goals with a smile on your face each day. Spirituality is not a detour from success; in fact, it is what gives it depth and sustainability.

Intuition, Not Just Information

Many business leaders will tell you: that one big idea, that one breakthrough, just flashed in their mind. Innovation and a clear vision of a future are products of an intuitive mind. And when our mind calms down, intuition is right there. A few minutes of meditation every day can bring you more awareness, clarity, and the right nudge.

Success without intuition is like walking blindfolded through a forest. You may have all the data, but data alone doesn’t give us insight. That insight is born in silence, when the stress and worry settle, and the intuitive intelligence begins to rise.

Competition Without Comparison

Competition becomes stressful when it turns into comparison. On the race track, we do not win by looking around to see who’s catching up; we win by singularly focusing on our own game. Pulling others down does not make one rise. We may be the market leader, but we need to see if we have outdone ourselves in any measure. Success comes when we improve our own past performance. All we need to do is, aim for growth over ego.

To win big, we do not have to isolate ourselves and live in perpetual insecurity. We must acknowledge others and the good work they do. A good relationship is never a deterrent to competitive spirit or ambition. When perceived in the right sense, it can, in fact make us better people and overall add value to our enterprises. We don’t have to be cunning or rude to be competitive and ambitious. We can be competitive, successful, and friendly at the same time. In one meal, we can have raita, and we can also have payasam. Nothing prevents us from having both.

Leadership Beyond the Ego

A good leader is not a dictator. Leadership is about listening, collaborating, and communicating, calmly, and confidently. Most of business is communication. Even the greatest ideas can fail if not communicated properly. Most of the disasters in businesses happen due to impulsiveness. One makes an impulsive decision that is followed by endless regret. For communication to be effective, it should be devoid of impulsiveness. Great communication, with a sense of confidence, is the outcome of a meditative mind. Communication with a calm, clear mind and a holistic vision, which involves the interest of all, helps us grow in business and personal life. At the root of highly effective communication is meditation, because that kind of clarity can come from silence alone. This forms the basis for happiness and abundance, which is what everyone wants at the end of the day.

Spirituality brings immense happiness in our lives, which is the goal of creating wealth. Suppose we have all the wealth of the world, but we are miserable. What good is that wealth? Wealth should bring us physical comfort and happiness in life. If it doesn’t achieve this goal, it remains unfulfilling.

With meditation, we can culture our mind to respond instead of react, and see the bigger picture. Just because an idea failed in the short term does not mean it will never work. It may just be a factor of time. When one has a bigger vision, the mind will not get stuck in trivial challenges or be discouraged by them. To take big decisions on what will work in the long run and what won't, one needs to be able to see the big picture, an ability that comes effortlessly with meditation.

And when communication happens from such an intuitive space, it builds teams, inspires trust, and makes businesses thrive, and not just survive.

Team spirit is built on celebrating diversity- diversity of personalities, their flaws and qualities. Everyone in your team doesn't need to be like you, and they shouldn’t be. Focus not on personalities, but on the goal. If the goal remains the priority, you’ll find ways to take everyone along.

This will help build a deeper and more meaningful bond among the teams. They will go back with renewed energy, calm, creativity, and a sense of enthusiasm to do more. There are two types of joy. One is the infant joy of receiving something and another is the more mature joy that comes from giving, which is long-lasting. I would urge everyone to experience the latter by contributing to society.

We don’t have to do what we cannot do for society. We will never be expected to give what we cannot give. But what we can do for others, within our means and by stretching ourselves a little outside of our comfort zone, we must do. It is not just in the millions we make, but in the quality of our giving and how we uplift others. One must consider one’s work sacred; earn for ourselves, and also share. Business, at its best, can become a tree that gives shade to many.

Maintaining a work-life balance is necessary today. When life outside work is rich and meaningful, your work too becomes more focused and productive. Meditation and spiritual wisdom allow you more time to build this beautiful balance skillfully. To attain peace, you do not have to run away to the Himalayas. You can be right where you are, and dive deep within to the cave of your heart, to find stillness and comfort.

Success is not just about what you get but who you become in the process. Do you smile more? Or does it disappear at the first sight of a challenge or a failure? See for yourself how strong your smile is; that is the real measure of your success.

African Unity Nite 2025 in Oman: A Bridge of Heritage, Solidarity, and Sustainable Development

Under the patronage of the African Committee in Oman, the African Unity Nite 2025 held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ruwi, was a splendid celebration of African culture, tourism, and international cooperation. The theme, “Visit Africa: Familiarizing the World with Africa’s Tourism Potential”, highlighted the richness and diversity of African heritage while underlining the significance of sustainable tourism and economic growth.

Oman, under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, has shown a steadfast commitment to fostering peace and supporting humanitarian efforts across Africa, particularly in Sudan. In collaboration with the United Nations Alliance for Sustainable Development Goals (UNASDG), the Sultanate has played a pivotal role in launching initiatives that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on poverty alleviation, healthcare improvement, and economic development.

A special acknowledgment goes to Sheykh Abdullah bin Mubarak Al Hamdani, Ambassador of Oman to the UNASDG, whose unwavering support and dedication have significantly strengthened the bridge of cooperation between Oman and Sudan. His leadership, along with that of His Excellency Dr. El Nazeir Ibrahim Mohamed Abu Sail, International Legal Advisor and Strategic Advisor, and fellow Ambassador of UNASDG, has been instrumental in advancing strategic partnerships and fostering sustainable 

When former presidents speak out, it's not politics, it's prophecy.

In the better days of American democracy—if such days can still be spoken of without irony—former presidents understood their silence as service. They returned, after their tenure, to the quiet dignity of private life. To stay silent was not apathy; it was trust. Trust that the system would hold, that the Constitution could weather the next storm, that democracy, however flawed, would self-correct.

That era is over.

In recent weeks, an extraordinary thing has happened. Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and President Joe Biden have all returned to the stage—not to endorse candidates or reflect on legacy, but to issue a warning. A constitutional warning. A democratic cry. They did not name names. They didn’t have to.

Their collective intervention breaks a long-standing tradition not out of vanity, but necessity. What we are witnessing is not camaraderie—it is survival. These are men who once campaigned against each other, governed in ideological opposition, and wrestled for legacy. Today, they stand on the same ground, not because they agree on policies, but because they fear there may soon be no ground left to stand on.

This is not politics as usual. This is guardianship. And it is miserable.

George W. Bush, who has stayed largely silent since leaving office, speaks volumes in his absence. His few words, when offered, cut through the noise, quiet, deliberate rebukes that suggest deep unease. Even his reticence has become a kind of dissent.

What binds these presidents now is not partisanship, but a shared dread that the guardrails of American democracy—electoral legitimacy, judicial independence, the peaceful transfer of power—are buckling. They are watching, in real time, the erosion of the very structures they once swore to uphold.

Yes, America has survived deep fissures before: the Civil War, Watergate, even the traumas of 9/11. But the current crisis is different. It is not just institutional; it is moral. It is not merely about policy—it is about whether truth can hold against conspiracy, whether law can outlast loyalty, whether leadership can exist without fear.

Former presidents do not raise their voices easily. When they do, it means the alarm has already been ringing too long. What we are hearing now is not the usual noise of an election cycle. It is a last-ditch call from those who know the system from the inside. Who understands how close we may be to tipping from dysfunction into collapse.

There is no joy in this chorus. Only dread.

And perhaps that is the lesson of this moment. That even the most powerful among us are powerless when democratic norms give way. That misery, not ambition, is what calls them to speak. And that, when history looks back, it may judge them not by the offices they held—but by the alarm they sounded, too late or just in time.

Author Bio: Prof. Sasmita Palo teaches at the School of Management and Labour Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. With over 25 years of experience in teaching and research, her work focuses on organizational behaviour and leadership.

On May 14, 2025, the world witnessed a dramatic turn in South Asia’s political landscape. In a historic declaration led by Mir Yar Baloch and other exiled leaders, the Republic of Balochistan was proclaimed independent from Pakistan. The proclamation has reignited questions of regional justice and stability—and placed India at a moral and strategic crossroads.

India, as the world’s largest democracy and a civilizational voice for dignity and pluralism, has a rare opportunity to shape the narrative. Its foundational principles of justice, freedom, and self-determination demand a thoughtful engagement with Balochistan’s plea. Just as it stood with the Bengali people in 1971, India today must decide whether it will remain a bystander or rise as a principled actor in South Asia.

Balochistan’s struggle is not new. In 1947, the Khan of Kalat declared independence, invoking treaties with the British that recognized Kalat’s sovereignty. But in March 1948, the Pakistani military annexed the region. The accession, signed under pressure, was never accepted by the Baloch people. The decades since have witnessed five armed uprisings, each met with brutal crackdowns. Human rights groups have documented disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and mass graves—an unrelenting pattern of repression.

Rich in resources, yet impoverished—Balochistan remains Pakistan’s neglected paradox. Despite contributing significantly to Pakistan’s natural gas output and mineral wealth, the region suffers from chronic underdevelopment. Cities like Dera Bugti and Turbat still lack basic infrastructure, while gas from Balochistan fuels homes in Lahore and Karachi. Development projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have only deepened the sense of exploitation, as locals are displaced while benefits accrue to elites elsewhere.

The reality is clear: Balochistan is governed not as a province, but as an occupied frontier. The Pakistani establishment, dominated by military and Punjabi elites, continues to operate through coercion rather than consensus. The militarization of Gwadar and surrounding districts has intensified feelings of disenfranchisement. State repression is not incidental—it is systemic.

To be fair, Pakistan often justifies its heavy-handedness in Balochistan by citing national security concerns, fears of external interference, and aspirations to preserve territorial integrity. These concerns, while not entirely baseless, cannot excuse decades of sustained human rights violations and political exclusion.

India’s approach to Balochistan has traditionally been one of restraint. But Pakistan’s repeated internationalization of Kashmir, combined with its internal failures in Balochistan, has altered the regional calculus. For India, Balochistan is not just a counter-lever—it is a test of ethical statecraft.

If realized, Balochistan’s independence could dramatically reshape the subcontinent’s strategic landscape. Pakistan’s access to the Arabian Sea would be curtailed. CPEC—a flagship of China’s Belt and Road Initiative—would face serious logistical and security hurdles. China’s $60 billion investment would be exposed to new risks, recalibrating Beijing’s ambitions in the region. At the same time, Pakistan’s internal balance—already fragile due to rising dissent in Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—would be further destabilized.

Yet this is not the time for hasty moves. India must proceed with strategic patience and diplomatic subtlety. Formal recognition of Balochistan is premature. Instead, India should begin by quietly amplifying the Baloch voice on international platforms. This includes engaging with the Baloch diaspora, supporting documentation of abuses, and fostering informal ties with the Baloch government-in-exile.

New Delhi can also offer non-military assistance—training civil society actors, funding research on regional autonomy, and enabling humanitarian support for Baloch refugees. A discreet yet sustained engagement would signal India’s principled alignment without inviting direct confrontation.

It is equally important to humanize the Baloch cause. Figures like Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch, a physician-turned-guerrilla leader, and Karima Baloch, a slain human rights activist in exile, embody the struggle's tragic complexity. Their stories must be told—not to romanticize insurgency, but to illuminate the desperation that fuels it. The world needs to understand that Balochistan is not merely a cartographic unit; it is a land of silenced voices and stolen futures.

As a regional power with global aspirations, India cannot afford to ignore the moral dimensions of its neighbourhood. Justice in Balochistan is not about partitioning Pakistan—it is about holding accountable a state that has repeatedly failed to protect the rights of its own citizens. It is about making space for dignity, democracy, and voice in a region starved of all three.

Pakistan, meanwhile, stands at a reckoning. A country that invokes religious solidarity abroad while oppressing ethnic minorities at home cannot sustain legitimacy. The same structural fault lines that tore East Pakistan apart are now widening in its west. A state that survives on coercion is always one crisis away from collapse.

Balochistan’s declaration may not yet change borders—but it has already changed the discourse. The world is watching how regional powers respond. For India, this is a defining moment to show that its global rise is anchored not just in power, but in principle.

History may not repeat itself exactly—but it rhymes. And in the cries from Gwadar and Quetta, one can hear the faint echo of 1971. Will we listen this time?

The name Operation Sindoor evokes profound symbolism. Traditionally, sindoor represents a sacred emblem in Indian culture—applied by married women as a sign of devotion and a prayer for their husband's long life. For many, it is also an expression of grace and beauty. However, the significance of this operation goes far beyond its cultural roots.

Launched in response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor marks a focused, measured, and non-escalatory action undertaken by the Indian government. Its primary objective is to target terrorist infrastructures located in specific regions of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan.

Why Is It Significant? India, known globally as a land of peace and diplomacy, is equally capable of exercising rational force when necessary. Despite numerous diplomatic efforts and peace-building initiatives with Pakistan, the results have often been unproductive. Operation Sindoor aligns with a series of prior strategic actions, reinforcing India’s commitment to peace, but also its readiness to act decisively when provoked.

This measured response echoes the legacy of Kautilya, the ancient Indian strategist and the father of diplomacy, who advocated for a balanced approach—where peace is pursued, but force is employed when Dharma and national interest are threatened.

Drawing upon Barry Buzan’s work on security, it's important to recognize how non-traditional threats continue to reshape global and regional dynamics. While terrorism remains a conventional threat in terms of tactics and targets, its driving forces today often emerge from unconventional sources—non-state actors, ideologically motivated groups, and proxy organizations. In this context, Operation Sindoor represents a response to a hybrid threat: militarized non-state actors operating across porous borders, supported—directly or indirectly—by a state that many experts describe as “failing” in its fundamental responsibilities.

The name Sindoor offers a unique lens into the nature and objective of this operation. Despite its normative and cultural associations, the operation is grounded in a pragmatic vision. As developments unfold, India anticipates a concrete and positive outcome, reaffirming its doctrine of responsible power—one that honors peace, yet upholds justice through strategic action.

Spirituality in public service is the quiet alchemy that transforms noble intent, ethics and morality into enduring action. It is the breath behind the robust body of governance, it is the subtle essence that animates the machinery with a purpose beyond mere policy and motion beyond mere mandate. It is the soul of statecraft itself. It silently steadies the hand that signs the decree and guides the eye that envisions the just. The very notion of "service" evokes a commitment that transcends the idea of self-interest. It is an occupation that endeavours to reach out to the many, and especially those who desperately need the support of the state. At the summit of human aspiration lies the service of the masses, which demands not just energy, intellect, and a strong resolve, but a vision. A vision that is shaped by one's character and virtues.

The sheer weight of knowledge too often crowns leadership in public service. Yet knowledge, for all its magnitude, is but a monolith which is shaped by the chisels of experience, compassion and inner values. It is not knowledge alone, but the wisdom born from deeper reflection, that can breathe vision into action and illuminate the path to lasting transformations. The fountain from which such vision flows is not merely intellectual; it is unmistakably spiritual. It is one’s spiritual intelligence that refines perception, steadies purpose, and anchors one in the midst of shifting tides. Without this inner compass, even the most brilliant minds may drift. For them, choices may become burdens, directions may seem to be lost and the once-righteous path may appear cloaked in doubt. Those who serve without this rootedness are often swept away by the very currents they sought to navigate. Their lives echo with contradictions, disillusionment shadows their service and burnout creeps in like dusk on an untended flame. But for those who serve with their soul, who let their spirit guide the hand and conscience shape the will, public service becomes not merely a profession, but a pilgrimage.

Here, I speak of public service in its broadest sense. It is a noble calling that transcends roles and organisation. It includes the civil servant poring over policies with quiet diligence, the politician shaping destinies through decisions, the volunteer extending a hand where hope falters, the social worker standing steadfast where society strains, the diplomat bridging worlds with grace and those in international corridors who labor, often obscurely, for the good of many. Public service is not confined to an office or oath; it is defined by the impact and the echo of one’s actions across the fabric of the community and in the lives of the vulnerable.

In today’s modern world, mere titles and positions no longer define the essence of leadership. It is not the pedestal upon which one stands, but the purpose with which one stands upon it that reveals the true mettle of a leader. Leadership, in its true form, is not bestowed; rather, it is embodied. It is not declared by designation, but discovered in the depth of character, tempered by the fire of conviction and nourished by the quiet strength of spiritual rigour.

Wisdom over knowledge, Spiritual quotient over Intelligence quotient

While the mastery of skills of the profession is essential, it is the architecture of one’s inner world, their beliefs, values and convictions, that truly illuminates the path ahead. It is in the sanctum of the spirit that we find different types of leaders, those who merely command and those who inspire, between tyrants and torchbearers. When skills and knowledge are supplemented by spiritual intelligence, leadership takes on a luminous quality. Such leaders do not simply govern, rather, they stir dormant hopes, they breathe life into collective dreams for a more just and brighter tomorrow. They begin to lead not by domination but by the strength of their vision and the resonance of their integrity.

Such leaders do not rise from ambition, but from alignment of their purpose with the pulse of humanity. They pierce through the encrusted weight of centuries, dissolve the thickened cynicism of unkind eras, and sweep aside the weary fog that numbs the soul of progress. They unshackle tradition not with defiance, but with discernment, gently parting the veils that obscure truth. Their leadership is not confined by creed or caste, geography or generation. Their deeds are not dictated by doctrine, but guided by the quiet compass of conscience. True leaders, when cast into turbulent waters, do not flail. They paddle steadily through murky waters, oars dipped not just in knowledge but in wisdom. They are anchored in principle and the fury of the storm, they become the steady mast to which others cling. Their ethics are not performances scripted for applause, they are reflexes of an inner truth. The source of their strength lies in a deep spiritual intelligence that sees the world not as fragments in conflict, but as extensions of a single sacred tree.

The word ‘spiritus’, from which "spiritual" is born, means "that which gives life." Spirituality is the breath that animates existence with meaning. It is not mere semantics, but a whisper from antiquity reminding us that spirituality is the breath behind being, the unseen wind that stirs the soul into awareness. It is the subtle force that infuses existence with significance, that turns living into life. Spiritual intelligence is not the accumulation of facts nor the refinement of emotion. It is the quiet brilliance that dares to ask life’s ultimate questions and to realise the interconnectedness of all things. I believe we are now going through a spiritual revolution, a renaissance in a way. More and more, people are now seeking not just answers but meaning. That comes by pondering over the purpose of existence and choosing a conscious life. This movement is not propelled by IQ or even EQ, but by the Spiritual Quotient. Humanity is innately spiritual; it only needs the right soil for its truth to flower.

Spirituality of Leaders percolates into their organisation

When a leader is well rooted, his organization or community too begins to blossom spiritually. This gives rise to what I would like to call spiritual capital. Spiritual capital is the guiding light of a group’s purpose, its higher aspirations and its enduring ethos. In public service, such spiritual capital is transformative. It compels us to reimagine leadership not as management, but as moral stewardship. Leaders with spiritual intelligence empower others by connecting them to their deepest values and truths. And when the exhausting flood of stimuli and competing interests threatens to wash away clarity, such leaders hold fast to wisdom and not merely information or knowledge. It is for this reason that I say that a technocrat may improve outcomes, but the wise leader reshapes destiny.

Through such visionaries, the world becomes a more just and inclusive place where dignity is not a privilege, but a right. These leaders endeavour to understand others better. Their compassion is not selective, rather, they embrace difference with reverence. In their presence, public life becomes ordered, measured, accountable and meaningful. Without spiritual intelligence, leadership easily becomes brittle, cold, mechanistic and often deaf to the truths that define the realities of the ground. In a title-oriented leadership model top-down edifice may rise, but it remains detached and the finest intentions within it are rendered inert. We soon begin to observe the symptoms of such crumbling leadership, the fatigue of even the noblest and the burnout of the best. Without a spiritual foundation, systems begin to falter.

Thus, it is the spiritual quotient of a leader that breathes life into the very soul of the institutions, nurturing its spiritual intelligence like roots feeding a sacred tree. From this wellspring of inner clarity and moral compass arises the essence of governance. Governance, perhaps, is a living expression of dharma. It is in this backdrop of dharma that the dream of Ram Rajya once unfurled. Ram Rajya is where leadership is not measured by dominion, but by righteousness in actions, where every act of governance is a sacred gesture, devoted to the people one serves. It is a realm where the arc of action bends unwaveringly towards goodness, where light dispels shadow, justice silences cruelty and the triumph of the noble becomes the essence of the state. In such a state, governance becomes grace in action. It is a realisation of a world where values are lived and not just professed, where power is held in humility and where the masses are uplifted not by decree, but by example. It brings us to a pertinent question. Why is it that some nations and institutions continue to breathe the scent of nobility long after their luminous leaders have gone? The answer lies not merely in memory but in the quiet transference that happens when the spiritual fire kindled by a visionary leader is not extinguished with their absence; rather, it has seeped into the soil of the collective spirit of that nation or institution. Like individuals, civilizations too possess a character that is the moral and spiritual timbre that echoes across generations.

And when this character is nurtured by custodians of higher consciousness, when the waters of wisdom and righteousness nourish it, it transcends the ephemeral. It becomes a legacy. Thus, when a nation’s stewards are held strong in their spiritual intelligence the larger vision endures, and not as a relic, but as a thriving spirit. Such spirit can be deciphered in the legal framework and seen in the actions of its institutions. Public servants with such values and deep-rooted convictions do not merely fulfill duties. They embody the purpose, the vision and the collective desire. Their allegiance is not just to the governing dispensation but to righteousness. They view work not as an obligation but as a sacred contribution to the eternal pursuit of human betterment. Their moral compass is true and their actions are transformative.

Indian wisdom on governance

Such ideas and those rare souls who embody them are not the fading mirage of some distant utopia, nor are they the relics of a bygone age. They are still seen walking among us as luminous reminders that ideals, when lived with integrity, become perceivable truths. Indian traditions of public service are not born from the cold arithmetic of utility or expedience. They emerge from the deep and vibrant springs of Vedantic wisdom, where duty is not divorced from divinity and governance is inseparable from one’s practice of nishkam karma. From these sacred wells emerges Chanakya’s concept of Yogakshema, an idea where the well-being of the people is not confined to material security alone, but enfolds spiritual flourishing as its equal companion. It is not a welfare state as the modern world might imagine it, but a sanctified channeling of human potential, much anchored in dharma. In Chanakya’s Rajrishi, we find the embodiment of a timeless archetype of the philosopher-king. In whom the contemplative stillness of the sage merges with the resolute actions of the sovereign. Rajrishi is a leader who is not driven by power, but guided by purpose and one whose rule is not over subjects, but is in service to the people he owes his existence to. The ancient Indians captured this truth in the phrase Yatha raja, tatha praja (As is the king, so are the people). In its leadership, the nation holds its own reflection; and where the crown is harnessed with the strips of wisdom, such a land blossoms with justice, compassion and fertility.

From the sacred teachings of Yajurveda to the timeless lessons of Mahabharata, our heritage brims with luminous counsel on governance. Yet, over centuries of colonial dominion, this radiant tradition was gradually eclipsed. The flame of insight gave way to the coldness of inert administrative order. Systems once rooted in inner awakening were slowly replaced by machinery that valued efficiency above empathy and obedience over inquiry. The soul of governance, which was once attuned to cosmic rhythm, was tethered to the pulse of colonial utility.

Transforming our education systems

Our education, which was once a sacred rite of passage into wisdom, was hollowed out and reconfigured to produce clerks rather than seekers, accountants rather than accountables, bookkeepers rather than custodians. The grand river of indigenous knowledge was meticulously diluted. Sadly, even today, the echoes of that colonial order still linger in our classrooms, where the syllabus and the methodology remain shackled to the frameworks of those who once sought to subdue us. The spiritual majesty of our intellectual heritage, which was rooted in contemplation, cosmic wisdom and ethical action, is yet to fully return to its rightful place at the heart of our learning.

Nevertheless, the embers remain and in them lies the promise of rekindling a renaissance, not just of thought but of spirit and action. Today India’s spirit stirs yet again, soft as a whisper, ancient and pious as the wind across the Ganga. Like the immortal phoenix, India stands at the cusp of a luminous rebirth of not merely in the realm of power, GDPs and progress, but in the quiet radiance of national spirit. A view in the mirror of the past tells us that our civilisation was one where wisdom once walked as a companion to governance and where the loftiest truths were not whispered in cloisters but sung under open skies.

The way ahead

Today, as scholars across distant shores turn reverently to the Vedas and Vedanta, drawn by their ageless wisdom, we are reminded of what the modern world seeks. It looks towards India for truth, purpose and a place within the cosmos. These are some ideas that our sages pondered long before. The Nasadiya Sukta of the Rig Veda, a hymn dedicated to the mystery of existence, is not a text; rather, it is a trembling of the spirit that aches to know the origin and purpose of it all. It dwelled into the mysteries of existence long before modern science began ruminating upon these ideas. As children of such revered heritage, we have an onus to revive those pious ideas and put them back into the actions of daily governance. The path forward reveals itself not in the noise of technology and quick gains, but in stillness. To ennoble public service once more, we must return to our sacred wellspring. Let India rise not as a colossus of ambition alone, but as a beacon of wisdom, where compassion and eternal light shall illuminate the darkest times of human existence.

The declaration of the Civil Services Examination result is an opportune moment for reflection and contemplation for all. The newly chosen and those who have long toiled treading the hallowed path of service to the nation in the unseen hours, those who have given their youth and their comforts. It is a call of remembrance and renewal for all those for whom the journey has grown weary; for whom the flame flickers and the path appears blurs. Now is the time to pause, not in resignation but in quiet resolve to dust away the sands of time and rediscover the bright guiding light. Let service once again become an offering at the altar of dharma—not celebrated for its grandeur, but revered for its grace, its sincerity and its magnanimous intent. Let every act of governance become an oblation, an inward surrender of the self to the cause of the greater good. Let each decision carry the humility of a prayer and the strength of a vow. Not all fires roar; some burn steadily in silence, and it is this sacred, steadfast fire we must tend. In service, may we find sanctity. In action, may we find awakening and in duty, may we rediscover divinity.

The writer is an officer in the Central Government and presently serving in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India