For years, India was seen as the underdog in global defence alliances like the Quad and the Squad, often labeled the “weak link” due to its perceived reliance on foreign arms and logistical challenges. But in May 2025, Operation Sindoor—a daring, precise military strike against terrorist camps in Pakistan—changed the world’s perception overnight. At the Shangri-La Dialogue 2025 in Singapore, the world’s premier defence summit, India’s military prowess, indigenous defence systems, and strategic leadership took center stage. From the United States to Quad and Squad nations, and even beyond, global leaders showered praise on India’s transformation into a defence powerhouse. Meanwhile, the failure of Chinese and Turkish weapons in Operation Sindoor left their defence industries embarrassed. This is the story of how India’s triumph in Operation Sindoor and its stellar performance at Shangri-La 2025 have reshaped its global image.
The Background: Understanding Quad and Squad
To appreciate India’s rise, let’s first understand the Quad and Squad alliances:
- Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue): Born in 2004 after the Indian Ocean Tsunami, the Quad unites India, the United States, Japan, and Australia to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, primarily to counter China’s growing influence. It focuses on maritime security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation, stopping short of a formal military alliance.
- Squad: A term coined by some US defence officials, the Squad is an informal, action-oriented subset of the Quad, emphasizing joint military exercises and support for nations like the Philippines against China’s aggression in the South China Sea. It relies on stronger defence coordination among members.
Before Operation Sindoor, India was often underestimated in these groups, with critics questioning its military capabilities and technological edge. That narrative is now history.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Moment of Glory
On the night of May 6-7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a tri-service operation targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation was a swift response to the brutal Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 civilian lives. In just 23 minutes, the Indian Air Force (IAF), Army, and Navy executed precision strikes, obliterating key terrorist infrastructure and military targets, including Pakistan’s Noor Khan and Rahimyar Khan airbases.
The operation showcased India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Make in India initiatives, with indigenous defence systems stealing the show. This wasn’t just a military victory—it was a global statement of India’s technological and strategic might.
India’s Defence Systems: The Stars of Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor highlighted the brilliance of India’s homegrown defence technology, proving it can rival the best in the world:
- BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile: Co-developed with Russia but largely made in India, the BrahMos, traveling at Mach 2.8–3.0, demolished Pakistani radar stations and bunkers with unmatched precision. Its stealth and speed outwitted Chinese air defence systems.
- Akash Surface-to-Air Missile: Developed by DRDO, this missile, with a range of 25–80 km, neutralized Pakistani drones and missiles, including Chinese PL-15s, with its multi-target engagement capability.
- D4 Anti-Drone System: India’s cutting-edge D4 system used electronic jamming and laser technology to disable Pakistan’s drone swarms, earning global acclaim for its affordability and effectiveness.
- Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS): This system seamlessly coordinated satellite, drone, and electronic warfare assets, ensuring flawless execution of strikes.
These systems didn’t just win a battle—they showcased India’s ability to innovate and dominate modern warfare.
China and Turkey’s Defence Failures: A Global Humiliation
While India’s systems shone, Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese and Turkish weapons exposed their glaring weaknesses:
- Chinese HQ-9 Air Defence System: Marketed as a rival to Western systems, the HQ-9 failed miserably against India’s BrahMos missiles, leaving Pakistani airbases defenceless.
- Chinese PL-15 Missiles: These long-range missiles either misfired or were easily countered by India’s Akash and Barak-8 systems, raising questions about their reliability.
- Chinese J-10C Fighter Jets: Pakistan’s J-10C jets, despite their advanced radars, were outmaneuvered by India’s Rafale jets and indigenous systems, exposing their limitations.
- Turkish Bayraktar-Style Drones: Pakistan’s Turkish-supplied drones, including the “Yiha” UAVs, were effortlessly shot down by India’s D4 system, revealing their lack of stealth and vulnerability in contested airspace.
These failures have dented China’s reputation as a global arms supplier, with analysts noting a growing skepticism about its defence exports. Turkish drones, once celebrated, also faced global ridicule after their poor showing.
India Shines Bright at Shangri-La Dialogue 2025
The Shangri-La Dialogue 2025, held from May 30 to June 1 in Singapore’s glittering Marina Bay Sands, was India’s moment to shine. The summit, a magnet for defence ministers, military chiefs, and strategists from over 40 nations, buzzed with excitement over Operation Sindoor. India didn’t just participate—it electrified the event, transforming the stage into a showcase of its military prowess, technological innovation, and strategic vision.
The Indian delegation, led by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, captivated the audience with a high-energy presentation. Giant screens flashed footage of BrahMos missiles slicing through Pakistani defences and D4 systems zapping drones mid-air, drawing gasps and applause from the packed hall. General Chauhan’s voice boomed with pride: “India’s defence industry has not just arrived—it’s leading the charge. Operation Sindoor showed the world what India can do: strike with precision, innovate with purpose, and lead with responsibility.” His words sparked a standing ovation, with delegates whispering about India’s “game-changing” capabilities.
- United States’ Thunderous Praise: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin set the tone with a keynote speech that placed India at the heart of the Indo-Pacific’s future. Standing at the podium, his voice resolute, Austin declared, “Operation Sindoor was a masterstroke of modern warfare—precise, powerful, and a warning to adversaries. India’s BrahMos and Akash systems are rewriting the rules of engagement.” He hailed India as the “linchpin of the Squad,” urging deeper US-India defence ties, including co-production of next-gen missiles and AI-driven warfare systems. “India’s ability to project power anywhere, anytime, makes it our indispensable partner against China’s aggression,” Austin said, his words echoing across the hall and beyond via global broadcasts.
- Quad Nations’ Roaring Support: Japan’s Defence Minister, in a fiery speech, called India the “backbone of the Quad,” his eyes gleaming as he praised India’s technological leap. “India’s BrahMos exports to the Philippines are a beacon of stability in the South China Sea,” he said, committing to deeper Quad naval drills led by India. Australia’s Defence Minister, with a nod to India’s naval might, described Operation Sindoor as “a textbook example of decisive action.” She announced plans for Australia to explore India’s D4 anti-drone system, calling it “a global benchmark.” Both nations rallied behind India as the Quad’s strategic anchor.
- Global Leaders Join the Chorus: Israel’s Defence Minister, a surprise attendee, took the stage to thunderous applause, declaring, “India’s surgical strikes are a lesson in fighting terrorism with precision and morality.” He later tweeted, “Israel stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India’s bold vision.” The UK’s Defence Secretary, visibly impressed, called India’s D4 system “a revolutionary leap” that could redefine counter-drone warfare, hinting at potential UK-India collaborations. France, a key partner via Rafale jets, marveled at India’s ability to blend foreign and indigenous systems, with its Defence Minister saying, “India’s synergy is unmatched—Operation Sindoor is a case study for the world.”
The summit’s sidelines buzzed with excitement as delegates crowded India’s pavilion, where DRDO showcased scale models of BrahMos and Akash missiles. A live simulation of the D4 system’s drone-killing prowess left attendees, including US and Japanese generals, visibly awestruck. Social media lit up with clips from General Chauhan’s speech, with hashtags like #IndiaAtShangriLa and #OperationSindoor trending globally.
US Seeks India’s Partnership Against China
At Shangri-La, the US made no secret of its desire to harness India’s growing power to counter China’s belligerence. Austin spotlighted India’s BrahMos missile deliveries to the Philippines, calling them a “bold move to empower allies against Chinese coercion in the South China Sea.” He praised India’s naval patrols, saying, “The Indian Navy’s presence in the Indo-Pacific is a firewall against China’s expansionism.” US military expert General (Retd) John Allen, speaking at a panel, called Operation Sindoor a “strategic earthquake” that exposed China’s military vulnerabilities. “India’s precision strikes showed Pakistan is just China’s proxy—and a weak one at that,” he quipped, drawing chuckles from the audience.
The Squad, Austin emphasized, hinges on India’s leadership to bolster nations like the Philippines and Vietnam. He announced plans for joint US-India exercises focused on hypersonic weapons and AI, signaling a new era of defence collaboration.
Global Praise Pours In
Operation Sindoor’s success resonated far beyond Shangri-La:
- Israel: Ambassador Reuven Azar tweeted, “India’s precision strikes reflect its strength and moral clarity in fighting terrorism. Israel stands with India.”
- Panama: As a UNSC member, Panama called Operation Sindoor a “just and proportionate response” to terrorism, endorsing India’s actions.
- European Union: The EU condemned the Pahalgam attack and praised India’s restraint, urging peaceful dialogue while recognizing India’s right to self-defence.
- Saudi Arabia and Qatar: Briefed by India’s diplomatic teams, these nations lauded India’s transparency and counter-terrorism commitment.
India’s diplomatic masterstroke—briefing 32 countries through seven all-party delegations—ensured global support. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s statement that the strikes were “targeted and non-escalatory” countered Pakistan’s false claims of civilian casualties, winning the narrative war.
A New Global Perception of India
Before Operation Sindoor, India was often seen as the Quad’s weakest link, reliant on foreign arms and lacking operational heft. Today, the world sees a different India:
- Military Excellence: The tri-service coordination in Operation Sindoor showcased India’s ability to execute complex operations with precision.
- Technological Leadership: BrahMos, Akash, and D4 systems have made India a defence export hub, with countries like Armenia, Brazil, and Egypt showing interest.
- Strategic Influence: India’s leadership in the Quad and Squad, coupled with its diplomatic outreach, positions it as a responsible global power.
Indian defence stocks, such as Paras Defence & Space, surged 49% in May 2025, while Chinese firms like AVIC faced declines, reflecting global confidence in India’s defence industry.
India’s Bright Future
Operation Sindoor and India’s triumph at Shangri-La 2025 mark a new chapter in its global journey. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India has come alive, with indigenous systems proving their mettle. The Indian Armed Forces, once underestimated, are now a symbol of strength, precision, and innovation. As General Chauhan said at Shangri-La, “India’s defence capabilities are a force for global good, ready to protect our nation and support our allies.”
From Washington to Tokyo, from Jerusalem to Canberra, the world is celebrating India’s rise. China and Turkey’s defence industries, humbled by their failures, can only watch as India’s star shines brighter than ever. This is India’s moment—a nation that has not just arrived but is leading the way.
Jai Hind!
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