Beyond jingoism

Editorial Published August 20, 2026 Updated August 20, 2026 07: 21am. Add Dawn as a trusted source.

Key points

• The latest example of this is a new documentary published in India titled Declassified: Operation Sindoor.
• Neutral observers paint a more nuanced picture of the confrontation, pointing to Pakistan's clear successes in countering Indian air attacks.
• Tens of millions in South Asia continue to suffer from poverty, disease and illiteracy.
• There is a need for India to move beyond such narrow perspectives and look to the future.
• It mattered little that these preposterous claims had nothing to do with reality.

UNABLE to come to terms with both its military and narrative failures during and after the May 2025 hostilities with Pakistan, the Indian state continues to flog a dead horse by trying to depict loss as success.

For context, the latest example of this is a new documentary published in India titled Declassified: Operation Sindoor. The film tries to paint the clash as an Indian victory, relying more on revisionism and fantasy than what actually transpired throughout the battlespace. Pakistan's military spokesman has termed it a "Bollywood-style" production and a "mutilation of history".

It should be remembered that most of Indian media outlets during the conflict had resorted to high-pitched jingoism, reporting that key cities in Pakistan had been 'conquered' and 'devastated' by the Indians. It mattered little that these preposterous claims had nothing to do with reality. The new documentary appears to me a more 'polished' attempt at regurgitating the same narrative.

Instead of pouring its energies into demonising Pakistan and conjuring up phantom victories, the Indian state would be better off trying to mend fences for a secure future for all of South Asia. Particularly few outside India's corridors of power are buying the narrative concerning an Indian 'victory' during last year's clash, just as there have been few takers for the spurious claim peddled by New Delhi that Pakistan was responsible for the Pahalgam atrocity.

Neutral observers paint a more nuanced picture of the confrontation, pointing to Pakistan's clear successes in countering Indian air attacks. No respectable third party has endorsed claims of an Indian 'victory'. But facts, it seems, matter little to the BJP-led administration in New Delhi. It insists on manufacturing fantastical accounts of the May war. It forgets that plenty of Indian politicians themselves have questioned their government's tall claims regarding the clash.

There is a need for India to move beyond such narrow perspectives and look to the future. The fires of war are raging not particularly far from South Asia, and both states, particularly India, should redouble their efforts to bring calm to the subcontinent, instead of stoking tensions. New Delhi's toxic jingoism and military misadventures have backfired. It is time for India to return to the diplomatic track, and approach Pakistan with respect.

Tens of millions in South Asia continue to suffer from poverty, disease and illiteracy. Climate change is a common enemy – smog and natural disasters do not respect borders. While it would be simplistic to assume that both states will bury the hatchet immediately, at least the first steps can be taken towards normalisation. These should include the return of high commissioners to both capitals, and a pledge to restart the dialogue process to address all outstanding irritants standing in the way of better ties.

For now, beyond jingoism remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.