Questions Cloud Modi’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ Political Gains

Pro-Modi Voices Falter Amid India-Pakistan Ceasefire

By MANISH ANAND

NEW DELHI, May 11, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces a tough challenge in sustaining the political capital from Operation Sindoor. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will need its communication prowess to counter growing unease among pro-Modi supporters, including YouTubers with millions of subscribers, who appear disheartened after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

“Our boat sank where the water was shallow,” lamented Pradeep Singh, a prominent pro-Modi YouTuber, echoing the frustration of many who have long championed Brand Modi. Their anger targets the ceasefire, which has disrupted the narrative of muscular nationalism that defines Modi’s appeal.

Trump, seemingly oblivious to the ripples in India, doubled down with a claim that he would “resolve Kashmir after a thousand years.” His statement revived the US’s hyphenation of India and Pakistan, equating the two nations’ leadership—a move that has sparked outrage in India.

Former Army Chief Ved Malik, reacting on X, questioned the ceasefire’s strategic value: “History will ask what politico-strategic advantages India gained after its kinetic and non-kinetic actions following Pakistan’s horrific terror strike in Pahalgam on April 22.” Responding to a follower’s complaint that India “squandered an opportunity,” Malik noted, “Territorial gains aren’t essential. Political goals are.”

Yet Modi has not clarified these political goals. Brand Modi thrives on muscular nationalism, forged in the 2019 surgical strikes post-Pulwama, which propelled the BJP to 303 Lok Sabha seats. Operation Sindoor’s May 7 strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) had briefly reignited this narrative—until Trump’s ceasefire announcement shifted the spotlight. Social media even saw late Indira Gandhi trending, a nod to her decisive leadership.

The upcoming parliament session promises a fierce Opposition, ready to grill Modi on the ceasefire’s implications. Military veterans on social media argue that the ceasefire not only elevates the US as a mediator but also draws in China, a power India has kept at arm’s length since the 2020 Galwan clash.

As social media outpaces traditional television in shaping narratives, the BJP may need to deploy articulate spokespersons to explain this geopolitical pivot to a skeptical audience. Without a compelling defence, Modi’s hard-earned political capital risks eroding.

Pro-Modi voices are also disheartened that India “failed to find vocal diplomatic support” for retaliations against Pakistan. They are also livid for Trump and China speaking of India and Pakistan on equal terms.

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About The Author

Manish Anand

Manish Anand is a senior journalist with more than two decades of hardcore reporting on beats such as Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, BJP, Congress, Planning Commission, NITI Aayog, and scores of Union Ministries.

His past has been with The New Indian Express, The Asian Age/Deccan Chronicle, and The Statesman.

For about 15 years, Manish was also a regular commentator and host for talks on AIR on foreign affairs.

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