India’s Operation Sindoor: China’s Involvement with Pakistan
On June 19, 2025, the Swadeshi Shodh Sansthan (China Desk) organized the second lecture on “India’s Operation Sindoor: China’s Involvement with Pakistan”, delivered by Prof. Srikant Kondapalli, Professor of Chinese Studies, Centre for East Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. The event, held at 4:00 PM, was graced by distinguished guests including Shri Kashmiri Lal Ji (Sangathak, Swadeshi Jagran Manch), Shri Satish Kumar Ji (Seh-Sangathak, Swadeshi Jagran Manch), and Prof. Nandini Sinha Kapoor (Chair), with Prof. Suresh Kumar (Co-Chair). The session was moderated by Dr. Reeta Kumari.
Prof. Kondapalli began the lecture by detailing the Pahalgam terrorist attack that occurred on April 22, 2025. He explained how the attack was orchestrated and prepared over a long period by the terrorists.
He then elaborated on China’s alleged involvement in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. He argued that the satellite phone used by the terrorists was receiving signals from a Chinese satellite, which had reportedly been active in the region for the past two to three months.
Prof. Kondapalli explained India’s Operation Sindoor, conducted on May 6–7, 2025, as a response to the barbaric terrorist attack and the killing of civilians. He emphasized that New Delhi made it clear during a press conference that it did not wish to escalate the situation. The operation was restrained in nature. He also discussed the various layers of escalation and reiterated that India has no desire to be drawn into a prolonged conflict, as seen in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which remains unresolved even after three years.
He highlighted China’s double standards, noting how it initially demanded a fair investigation into the Pahalgam attack, but after Operation Sindoor, the Chinese Foreign Minister called the operation “regrettable” and insisted that Pakistan’s sovereignty must be respected.
In the context of the United States, Prof. Kondapalli pointed out that Pakistan has been a non-NATO ally since the Cold War. He also mentioned that 81% of China’s total defense exports go to Pakistan, along with significant military aid.
Prof. Kondapalli further pointed out the loopholes in the Indian government’s strategy during Operation Sindoor, particularly in the Narrative War. He explained how Pakistan launched a narrative offensive post-Operation Sindoor by releasing around ninety lakh (9 million) videos. He emphasized the growing importance of narrative and psychological warfare in the modern geopolitical arena.
Prof. Kondapalli concluded his talk with a few key recommendations:
- India needs to reverse brain drains;
- There should be greater focus on research and development to strengthen narrative warfare;
- Public funding must be used to develop indigenous fighter jet engines, as China has done, to foster nationalism in India;
- “We need to strengthen psychological warfare to win people’s trust and reinforce nationalist sentiments”.
