Lesson’s from Operation Sindoor’s global outreach

Lesson’s from Operation Sindoor’s global outreach

• PYQs linkage:
• Examine the role of ‘Parliamentary diplomacy’ in India’s foreign policy. 10(2019)
• Discuss the role of public diplomacy in the enhancement of India’s global standing. 10(2022)

• Theory application: Democratic peace theory, Soft power
• Concepts and keywords: diplomatic outreach, global perceptions, public diplomacy, legitimate exercise of self-defence, soft power diplomacy,  strategic imperative
• Important facts:
• diplomatic outreach by 7 all-party parliamentary delegations
• important quotes or statements:
• the outreach served as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of soft power diplomacy
• soft power diplomacy: YOGA, Bollywood, India’s traditions and cultural heritage serving as a powerful tool of diplomacy.’
• Soft power diplomacy offers a unique pathway to connecting with diverse audiences.

• Brief analysis and key points from the news or editorial:

Objective of the global outreach:

• to provide clarity on “operation sindoor”
• explaining that India’s actions were a legitimate exercise
• a necessary response to persistent cross border terrorism (to underscore Pakistan’s continued links to terrorism)
• build global consensus on holding perpetrators of terrorism accountable

Specific efforts for public diplomacy under this outreach:

• Detailed and persuasive engagement
• Patient and persistent presentation of facts, overcoming the initial misunderstanding or deliberative misinformation.
• Parliamentarian delegates engaged with public representatives, lawmakers, government leaders, think-tanks, policy-shapers and national media.

Benefits for this outreach:

• Colombia’s retraction of its initial statement and subsequent reaffirmation of support of India’s sovereign right to self-defence.
• S. representatives India’s concern and urged decisive action against terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba.
• Panama’s explicit support for India’s candidature for a permanent seat on the UNSC. (it highlights the strategic imperative of nurturing relationships with a broad spectrum of nations)
• Helpful in cultivating long term diplomatic ties
• It underscores the critical need for intensive engagement with western and mainstream media.
• Consistent presence in global media landscapes is essential to counter false narratives and ensure India’s perspective is expressed accurately and persuasively.

Way forward:

• The outreach brought to the fore the importance of proactive and consistent public diplomacy.
• 3 Ts (Tech,trade,tradition) : all of these reflects liberal thinking,
• India must actively promote technological breakthroughs and foster collaborative innovation with international partners. (functionalist approach, building peace by pieces.)
• India must proactively expand its trade volumes and diversify its trade basket. (Neo liberal prescription)
• India must continue to elevate diplomatic outreach in South and Central America, including reciprocal VVIP visits
• MEA should engage with heads of multilateral bodies (UNGA AND UN) to address terrorism issue and also ensures comprehensive briefings to UN representatives.

Conclusion: the power of unity the efficacy of clear communication, the strategic value of soft power, and the imperative of sustained public diplomacy will serve as guiding principles as India navigates an increasingly complex international landscape, leveraging its 3Ts and always striving for a more just, secure, and prosperous world.

• Practice question (framed on the basis of PYQs dimensions) :
• Critically examine the efficacy of ‘parliamentary diplomacy’ shaping Indian foreign policy in wake of Operation Sindoor.