Latest news with #Chellaney
India.com
11-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
20% PAF infrastructure destroyed, Chinese air defense failed miserably: US reveals stunning details about India's Op Sindoor, says Pakistan lost...
(File) India Pakistan war: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) lost around 20 percent of its military infrastructure during Operation Sindoor as Pakistan's Chinese-made air defense systems 'failed miserably' to stop Indian missile strikes that leveled key military structures inside the enemy country, a new reports by a US-based defense forum has revealed. Chinese air defenses failed against Indian missiles According to the Indo-Pacific Defense Forum– a site related to the US Indo-Pacific Command– the United States kept a keen eye on last month's 4-day long India-Pakistan war, as the Pentagon was curious to gauge the quality and lethality of Chinese weapons being used by Pakistani forces. However, according to the report, the Chinese weapons systems, especially its air defense systems, used by Pakistan, were found wanting as India successfully struck strategic targets deep inside the country. Speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Bilal Khan, founder of the Toronto-based Kuwa Defence News and Analysis Group, noted that Chinese surface-to-air missile systems 'do not appear to be as effective as the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) may have hoped.' Similarly, Sajjan Gohel, International Security Director at London-based think tank, Asia-Pacific Foundation, told CNN that Beijing's ability to sell its weapons, as well as its credibility, takes a major hit if 'Chinese-origin radars or missile systems indeed failed to detect or prevent Indian attacks'. PAF lost 20 percent infrastructure As per the report, on the fourth day and last of fighting, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted precision missile strikes on as many as 11 Pakistani airbases, completely destroying about 20 percent of total military infrastructure of the Pakistan Air Force. Earlier, Pakistan had rejected these claims as an exaggeration, but satellite images from US defense agencies prove that the damage claimed by India was indeed true. The fact has been confirmed by several reputed publications, including the New York Times, the report said. In an article in The Japan Times, Indian geostrategist Brahma Chellaney wrote that India neutralized at least one SAAB-2000 airborne early warning system (AWACS). Chellaney claims the AWACS was shot down by an Indian surface-to-air missile fired from 314 kilometers away. According to Chellaney, Western media and experts have analyzed the conflict between India and Pakistan for about a month, citing satellite pictures and other sources, and found that Indian air strikes destroyed major Pakistani air bases including Noor Khan and Bholari. 'The attack on Nur Khan, near Pakistan's nuclear command and army headquarters, was symbolic,' he writes, adding that 'Indian cruise missiles hitting Nur Khan sent a calculated message that India was targeting high-value targets and Pakistan had no means to defend itself.'
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Why did Trump exclude terror-hub Pakistan from travel ban: Brahma Chellaney hints at US' Deep State's anti-India stance
— Chellaney (@Chellaney) Myanmar blacklisted despite US rebel ties; Pakistan untouched Live Events Trump defends decision citing terror threats at home The 'Deep State' debate: Why it matters India's war on foreign influence: A backdrop to the ban Young minds, long games: How influence takes root Why this matters to India—and the world (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation reviving his earlier travel ban, this time targeting 12 countries including Myanmar, Afghanistan, Iran, Chad, Somalia, and Yemen. The stated reason: national security and the inability to vet migrants from these regions. However, what's been left out has drawn more attention than what's on the accused by Indian analysts of sheltering terrorist networks—has been spared. This, according to Indian geostrategist Brahma Chellaney , isn't a coincidence.'Trump's entry ban on visitors from 12 countries includes Myanmar (where the US is aiding anti-junta rebels), but excludes terrorism-hub Pakistan, indicating his embrace of the Deep State approach to India's neighbourhood,' Chellaney posted on was included in the ban despite its ongoing civil war and the US's reported backing of anti-junta rebel factions. The exclusion of Pakistan, meanwhile, appears to run counter to the public American stance on terror financing . This contradiction, Chellaney argues, exposes a deeper pattern of American double Pakistan's exemption lies a financial angle. Trump-linked interests reportedly have a stake in World Liberty Financial (WLF), a cryptocurrency firm that has signed a deal with Pakistan. The company's website openly displays, 'Inspired by Donald J Trump,' and is said to be co-owned by his sons, Eric and Donald Jr., along with Jared Kushner, who collectively hold a 60% Trump, in a post on Truth Social, justified the move by linking it to national security concerns. 'We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen,' he said. He referenced the recent Boulder terror attack to underscore what he sees as urgent restrictions have also been imposed on seven other countries including Cuba, Laos, Venezuela, and comment taps into a long-running and complex theory: the existence of a 'Deep State'—a shadow network of intelligence officers, officials, and financiers—who allegedly shape US policy regardless of the elected government's the idea is often dismissed as a conspiracy, it has gained traction in both right-wing American circles and among foreign governments, especially those at odds with Washington. The term broadly refers to entrenched institutions—like the CIA, FBI, Pentagon, and aligned media and NGOs—operating behind the scenes to sustain US global decades, these networks have been accused of backing coups, interfering in elections, and orchestrating regime change to suit American interests. In India, the theory has taken on more weight as the government cracks down on NGOs suspected of receiving funds from foreign entities pushing Western 2016, the Indian government has revoked licences of over 6,000 NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). More than 19,000 such organisations were deregistered between 2011 and 2019. Officials have raised red flags over entities funded by George Soros Open Society Foundation , Pierre Omidyar's Omidyar Network, and the Ford Foundation—all of which are now under tight these foundations continue to operate via intermediary organisations, channelling funds toward media groups and advocacy platforms critical of the Indian government.A representative of NGO Monitor, speaking anonymously, said, 'Soros has a very clear political philosophy—open society. He funds education and universities because he believes change must rise from the grassroots.'According to them, Soros-backed initiatives have influenced politics in Ukraine, Hungary, Croatia, and attempted similar tactics during the Arab Spring. 'When you examine the work of Soros-funded organisations, their commitment to democracy rings hollow,' the source foundations offer fellowships to Indian students, shaping a future network of academics, journalists, and policymakers who echo liberal narratives critical of nationalist Soros has not hidden his views. At the Munich Security Conference in 2023, he declared, 'Adani is accused of stock manipulation and his stock collapsed like a house of cards. Modi is silent on the subject, but he will have to answer questions from foreign investors and in parliament. This will significantly weaken Modi's stranglehold on India's federal government and open the door to push for much-needed institutional reforms. I may be naive, but I expect a democratic revival in India.'External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded sharply, calling Soros 'an old, rich, opinionated, and dangerous billionaire.' Smriti Irani, then Minister for Women and Child Development, labelled the speech 'an attack on India.'Chellaney's critique, rooted in these long-running debates, suggests that the Trump administration's actions are shaped more by covert interests than by principled policy. The deliberate omission of Pakistan from the ban list, despite its terror links, highlights what he sees as a return to American strategic hypocrisy—one that India has been increasingly vocal the US doubles down on 'vetting' and migration control, critics warn that these decisions often mask more calculated moves. Ones that have little to do with security—and everything to do with influence.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
India won the war against Pakistan but lost the narrative: Brahma Chellaney
Airstrikes hit targets, avoided escalation India moved too slowly on global messaging Live Events US took credit, India delayed rebuttal Symbolism failed to translate into diplomacy Diplomatic outreach after the fact Warning from the past (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel India may have achieved a tactical victory during the recent four-day conflict with Pakistan, but it missed the chance to control the international narrative, said geostrategist Brahma Chellaney in an interaction with India Today. The military operation, launched in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam , dealt a heavy blow to Pakistan's air defence infrastructure without leading to a full-scale war. However, India's slow diplomatic response weakened its strategic position globally, Chellaney launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan. The operation was in retaliation to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. According to Chellaney, the Indian Air Force conducted precise strikes on key Pakistani airbases, including Nur Khan and Bholari, exposing weaknesses in Chinese-supplied defence response, Pakistan attempted to strike Indian military sites on May 8, 9, and 10. India retaliated by hitting several key Pakistani military assets such as radar sites, air defence systems, and command the evening of May 10, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said both countries agreed to an immediate halt to all military actions across land, air, and military success, Chellaney criticised India for failing to shape the international conversation. "India's sluggish response time [in setting the global narrative] has cost it diplomatic capital," he explained, "India won the battle but lost the narrative. Indian strikes achieved the objective of imposing costs without triggering an all-out war. But India failed to translate its short-term victory into achieving the larger goal of advancing the overall struggle against a rogue neighbour that exports terrorism."Chellaney said India took two days to counter US President Donald Trump's claim that he brokered the ceasefire. "By then, the world had come to believe that the US mediated an end to hostilities," he said. "To shape international opinion, we must act swiftly with timely statements and rebuttals to counter disinformation."He added, "In keeping with India's bureaucratic culture, India often responds too slowly, allowing others to define the narrative first."Chellaney highlighted the symbolism used in Operation Sindoor, where Indian women avenged the death of 26 soldiers. But he said it lacked follow-up in terms of global outreach. "The irony is this, India framed Operation Sindoor in powerful symbolism as Indian women avenging the murder of 26 husbands. But that powerful symbolism was not backed up by a proactive public diplomacy campaign."He said India is now trying to recover ground through diplomatic efforts but noted that much of the global perception has already formed. "What can delegations of MPs do now?" he seven all-party delegations led by Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Baijayant Panda (BJP), Kanimozhi (DMK), Supriya Sule (NCP), and Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena) are visiting several countries. Their objective is to explain the background and objectives of Operation Sindoor and counter Pakistan's narrative on expressed concern over India repeating past mistakes. "The military movement was in India's favour. Pakistan's air defences proved to be much weaker than Pakistan had expected. They were sending so many drones and missiles into India but not effectively. India, on the other hand, sent a limited number of missiles and drones and was able to hit its targets."He earlier remarked that India had "snatched defeat from the jaws of victory" following the ceasefire understanding announced on May 10.
India Today
28-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
India won Op Sindoor fight but slow to set global narrative: Analyst Brahma Chellaney
India may have emerged militarily superior in the recent four-day conflict with Pakistan, but it moved too slowly when it came to setting the all-important international narrative, noted geostrategist Brahma Chellaney airstrikes achieved their objective of crippling major Pakistani airbases without provoking an all-out war, Chellaney analysed, while warning that a failure to shape global perception could undermine India's long-term strategic goals. "India's sluggish response time [in setting the global narrative] has cost it diplomatic capital," Chellaney me be frank. India won the battle but lost the narrative. Indian strikes achieved the objective of imposing costs without triggering an all-out war. But India failed to translate its short-term victory into achieving the larger goal of advancing the overall struggle against a rogue neighbour that exports terrorism," he told India Today TV. According to Chellaney, India's airstrikes on key Pakistani airbases like Nur Khan and Bholari not only avoided confirmed retaliation but also exposed the vulnerabilities of the Chinese weapons platforms used by Pakistan. Despite this, he said, "Losing the international narrative holds significance. It signifies failing to influence broader international perception and understanding of the core issue - Pakistan's cross-border terrorism."India launched Operation Sindoor with precision strikes on nine terror camps in the early hours of May 7, retaliating to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, killing 100 terrorists. In the days that followed - May 8, 9 and 10 - Pakistan attempted strikes on Indian military installations. India, however, hit back hard, delivering substantial damage to several critical Pakistani military assets, including airbases, radar sites, air defence systems and command the evening of May 10, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that both countries had agreed to an immediate halt to all military actions, across land, air and points to two major reasons for India's faltering on the global front. He said that successive Indian governments have focused too narrowly on shaping domestic opinion while "ceding the international narrative by default".He added, "Operation Sindoor is merely the latest example. Sending delegations of MPs abroad was the equivalent of seeking to close the stable door after the horse had bolted.""India's sluggish response time has cost it diplomatic capital. In keeping with India's bureaucratic culture, India often responds too slowly, allowing others to define the narrative first," he cited specific missteps, including a delayed response to US President Donald Trump's boast that he brokered the ceasefire. "India took two full days to respond. By then, the world had come to believe that the US mediated an end to hostilities," he said. "To shape international opinion, we must act swiftly with timely statements and rebuttals to counter disinformation."In a particularly sharp critique, Chellaney said, "The irony is this, India framed Operation Sindoor in powerful symbolism as Indian women avenging the murder of 26 husbands. But that powerful symbolism was not backed up by a proactive public diplomacy campaign."advertisementThe veteran expert believes that India is now scrambling to repair the damage through diplomatic offensives but that the international narrative has already hardened. "What can delegations of MPs do now?" he seven all-party delegations led by Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Baijayant Panda (BJP), Kanimozhi (DMK), Supriya Sule (NCP) and Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena) are in several countries to brief the governments on Operation Sindoor and India's fight against Pakistan-sponsored Chellaney said India "snatched defeat from the jaws of victory," while reacting to the unexpected ceasefire understanding announced between India and Pakistan on May 10. Voicing disappointment over the development, the veteran expert said India failed to learn from history and is merely repeating past strategic mistakes."The military movement was in India's favour. Pakistan's air defences proved to be much weaker than Pakistan had expected. They were sending so many drones and missiles into India but not effectively. India, on the other hand, sent a limited number of missiles and drones and was able to hit its targets," Chellaney told India Today Watch IN THIS STORY#India-Pakistan#Operation Sindoor#Jammu and Kashmir
India Today
10-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
India snatched defeat from jaws of victory: Top geostrategist on ceasefire with Pak
India "snatched defeat from the jaws of victory," said noted geostrategist Brahma Chellaney, reacting to the unexpected ceasefire announced between India and Pakistan on Saturday. Just hours earlier, fears of a full-blown war loomed large as Pakistani troops moved closer to the border and India remained on high alert. But by evening, a surprising calm had set voicing disappointment over the development, said India has failed to learn from history and is merely repeating past strategic military movement was in India's favour. Pakistan's air defences proved to be much weaker than Pak had expected could see that from the rival drones. They were sending so many drones and missiles into India but not effectively. India, on the other hand, sent a limited number of missiles and drones and was able to hit its targets," Chellaney said. He questioned the rationale behind India's decision to de-escalate despite holding a clear upper hand militarily."It underlines India's long political position of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory," he said, wondering why India decided to de-escalate. "Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory has become a repeating pattern. That is why India continues to repeat history. We never learn from history. So, history repeats itself," he compared the current situation to past instances where, in his view, India surrendered military or diplomatic leverage without gaining lasting strategic benefit."In 1972, we gave away our war gains onto the negotiating tables without securing anything in return from Pakistan. 2021, we vacated the strategic Kailash heights, forfeiting our only bargaining chip in negotiations, and then we agreed to Chinese-designed buffer zones in Ladakh areas and now Operation Sindoor," Chellaney said."Operating Sindoor had such a powerful symbolism of India's women avenging the murders of 26 husbands and yet today the way we ended this operation after Pakistan even fired a missile at Delhi leaves many questions unanswered," he said.'History will not look kindly upon India's decision today,' Chellaney added, calling the conclusion of Operation Sindoor a strategic and symbolic misstep that raises more questions than remarks come after India and Pakistan announced that they have agreed to a ceasefire after two days of strikes and counterstrikes. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Pakistan reached out to India, and the two countries negotiated directly and agreed to a ceasefire, the government said on Saturday, confirming the surprise truce after days of military escalation and heightened tensions between the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan called the DGMO of India at 15.30 hours (3.30 pm) this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would cease all firing and military action on land, in the air, and at sea with effect from 1700 hours (5 pm)," he announcement of the ceasefire came as a big surprise as it was only this morning that the Foreign Secretary, in a briefing, said that Pakistan was moving its troops to border areas and the Indian Armed Forces were on alert. The statement sparked fears of a further escalation from Pakistan's side, whose Defence Minister repeatedly made statements in the media confirming that a war was knocking on the doors.
