What Is the Operation Sindoor Controversy About?
The “Sindoor ka Saudagar” controversy erupted in May 2025 following India’s Operation Sindoor, a military strike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s statement that India sent a message to Pakistan “at the start” of the operation sparked a political firestorm. Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, alleged this meant Pakistan was informed beforehand, calling it a “crime” that jeopardized national security. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Jaishankar countered that the message was sent after the operation began, accusing Congress of misrepresenting facts. This clash highlights the sensitive interplay of national security and political rhetoric in India’s polarized landscape.
Informing Pakistan at the start of our attack was a crime.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 17, 2025
EAM has publicly admitted that GOI did it.
1. Who authorised it?
2. How many aircraft did our airforce lose as a result? pic.twitter.com/KmawLLf4yW
Rahul Gandhi ignited the controversy by sharing a video of Jaishankar’s remarks, claiming the government’s decision to inform Pakistan at the operation’s start compromised the mission. He questioned how many Indian aircraft were lost and who authorized the alleged leak. Congress leader Pawan Khera escalated the attack, labeling the BJP “Sindoor ka Saudagar” (merchants of Sindoor), implying betrayal, and accused the government of “spying” for Pakistan. Congress framed Jaishankar’s statement as an admission of a security lapse, leveraging the video to challenge the BJP’s national security credentials and rally public sentiment ahead of electoral cycles.
#WATCH | Delhi: Congress leader Pawan Khera says, "After the statement of EAM Dr S Jaishankar, we are being ridiculed in Pakistan and the whole world. That is why Rahul Gandhi is repeatedly saying that you should answer what damage the country suffered from this forewarning you… pic.twitter.com/MsbEoE1jms
— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025
How Did Jaishankar and the Government Respond?
Jaishankar clarified that India’s message to Pakistan was sent during the early phase after Operation Sindoor commenced, not before, emphasizing that the strikes targeted only terrorist infrastructure, not military sites. The MEA issued a statement on May 17, 2025, calling Congress’s claims an “utter misrepresentation of facts” and accusing them of distorting Jaishankar’s words for political gain. The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit debunked allegations of pre-notification, stating Jaishankar was misquoted. The government, supported by BJP leaders like Pralhad Joshi, accused Congress of spreading fake news and disrespecting the armed forces, asserting no Indian assets were lost during the operation.
Why Does This Controversy Matter for India?
The Jaishankar-Congress spat over Operation Sindoor underscores the challenges of discussing national security in a politically charged environment. Congress’s allegations aim to dent the BJP’s image as a strong defender against terrorism, especially after the successful strikes on Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed bases. However, the government’s swift clarifications and fact-checks highlight the risks of misinformation in sensitive military matters. The controversy could erode public trust in institutions if unchecked, as both sides prioritize narrative control over unity. With India-Pakistan tensions still simmering, this debate emphasizes the need for responsible rhetoric to maintain national cohesion and credibility on the global stage.
