Rewriting the Indian Narrative

Over the past couple of years, there has been a gradual rise in India’s soft power, emerging from sectors like tourism, foreign relations, cinema, music, and business. India has managed to place itself on the international pedestal after being invisible and dispensable in the past. This article highlights the change in the general narrative regarding India and rise of the Indian wave.

On 7th May 2025, the Indian Defence Forces executed Operation Sindoor to eliminate terrorists across nine locations in Pakistan & Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The operation was initiated as a response to the horrific and barbaric terrorist attack on Kashmir’s Pahalgam, specifically targeting Hindu tourists. This vicious attack on innocent civilians has caused a nation-wide outrage. The central government provided a free hand to the defence forces to carefully curate a strong and adequate response. This combined operation successfully tackled terrorism and exposed the intentions of Pakistan to the world.

The open secret known to the world is that Pakistan sponsors terrorism and Pakistani army trains terrorists. However, owing to geopolitical tensions and every country fishing for its own benefit, terrorism tends to be overlooked. The global media labels it as a temporary issue or an individual attack.

After this terror attack, Pakistan attempted to create a false narrative about India. Their narrative proposes that Pakistan successfully defeated the Indian defence forces and declared a victory. However, no respectable country is buying this claim. It is clear that India has succeeded in offensive and defensive arenas. India has received unwavering support from several countries across the globe against this heinous terrorist attack. The efforts of the Indian government in pushing the developed nations to a pro-India stance has rewritten the Indian narrative from a domestic and an international perspective.

Past narrative

Let us travel back in time to 1947, the Indian narrative pertaining to politics, military, leadership, and the overall morale has been extremely low. Anti-India narratives overpowered the citizens leading to an endless pit of inferiority complex, increased dependence on superpowers, and no patriotic mindset. Traces of such mindset can be found in our infamous former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He opined that India has no requirement of an army, navy, and air force as the national security could be easily managed by the police. He advocated for ahimsa even during situations of great turmoil.[1] Our country’s principles were based on non-violence and enduring oppression and exploitation. Housing such anti-national leaders destroyed the morale of India and continued dividing the country by caste, language, and religion. Falling prey to such propaganda set us behind in development and growth.

As we are aware, Indian education system did not paint the true picture of Indian history. Large chunks of history were deliberately excluded to build a certain narrative about India and groom a new generation that is totally detached from its cultural roots. Apart from education, anti-national literature was on the rise and there was lack of authentic information. India has abundant false historians that chose a narrative of their choice and succeed in creating a fake history. Historians such as Romila Thapar, misused her position to build a propaganda at the cost of the country’s image and future.[2] The propaganda finally succeeded after generations of Indians were brainwashed into believing we are inferior, helpless, dependent, and superstitious. India was made to drown in anti-national propaganda that sucked out the pride of being an Indian.

Transitioning from such an inferior mindset is a rough and rigorous process. This process not only requires for a change in ethos of the government but also in every Indian citizen. It is a time-consuming process; however, it is the right way to move ahead.

Change in Narrative

India is one of the few countries in the world that truly understands the risks and dangers terrorism holds. Over the past few decades, countless terror attacks were inflicted on India, and a proportionate response has been provided. However, after the Pahalgam attack, the central government and the defence forces has emphasized on zero tolerance policy against terrorism. After India’s precise and calculated moves during Operation Sindoor, the world has seen our firm stand against terrorism and terror sponsoring states. Through our advanced artillery, it is clear that India will always adequately respond to provocation and terrorism.

Nevertheless, over the last decade, the weak narrative is altering itself and a new identity is being unleashed. India is now on the way to become a superpower. A new India is being built with an improved military, development of science and infrastructure, nationalistic cinemas, and music. Although our country is battling with several anti-India elements domestically and internationally, we have discovered the Indian identity. The rise in Indian soft power has led to creation of our own place among world leaders, leading to great response and support from countries across the globe.

Growth and development will be possible only if Indians accept and embrace their culture and roots. Holding an anti-India stance would lead to a slower collective growth of country. Currently, Indian morale is extremely high due to excellent response to terrorism. Maintaining such a stand in the world would pave the way for our country to become the next big superpower. Another important aspect for becoming a superpower is encouraging the masses to avoid being divided based on caste, religion, and language. India must reject any propaganda or dirty politics that is imposed on them. Unification is the only solution to create a new and undefeatable India. Promoting true history and culture is a crucial aspect to encourage and imbibe the nationalist spirit. It is important to focalise on educating the youth with brave figures that fought the country from barbaric invasions and colonial oppression.

Moving ahead from the cultural soft power, we must also develop a technological and arms revolution. India must aim to create a technological & weapons development dependence by topmost countries. Entering the race to manufacture weapons and artillery would elevate our country to another level. Becoming a global defence manufacturer would create a new portal of income for India’s GDP.

After turkey & Azerbaijan endorsed Pakistan’s stance and involvement in the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Indian citizens have initiated a trend to boycott the two countries. Amid rising India and Pakistan tensions, this trend immediately gained momentum on social media. Indian citizens, travel agencies, businesses are cancelling upcoming trips to turkey and Azerbaijan. Further, Turkish goods are being widely boycotted. Similar pattern was observed when Indian citizens boycotted Maldives, due to disrespectful comments made by the Maldivian cabinet ministers. The tourism boycott led to a sharp decline in the Maldivian economy.

The aforementioned indicates that Indians and the Indian government hold great power in the world to create an impact over a country’s economy. We have witnessed the power of unity across social media and majority of the citizens holding a pro-India stance. India must resolve certain internal conflicts and social issues that are capable of dividing people and pave the way for exploiters. This is the only weapon that has been used against India for centuries. At the end of the day, as a country on the global platform, India cannot depend on any of its peers. It must rely on itself.

[1] https://www.opindia.com/2021/01/rahul-gandhi-great-grandfather-nehru-india-does-not-need-an-army/

[2]https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/how-romila-thapar-and-her-brand-of-historiography-have-dented-indias-image-globally-12054062.html