SURAJ NANDREKAR
In moments of national crisis, truth often emerges with blinding clarity.
This week, as India decisively retaliated against Pakistan’s provocation—penetrating deep into Lahore, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar, and downing an F-16 fighter—one truth stood taller than the rest:
India’s defence preparedness has saved countless lives and upheld our sovereignty. And those who once mocked, politicized, and vilified the purchase of Rafale jets and the S-400 air defence systems must now confront reality—and apologise to the nation.
When the Rafale deal was signed, a chorus of critics rose—labelling it a scam, an unnecessary expenditure, and a tool for political manipulation.
From media debates to opposition speeches, the narrative was consistent: that India had overspent and overreached. Similarly, when India procured the S-400 systems from Russia, many questioned its relevance, calling it outdated or provocative. Today, those criticisms lie in ruins—swept aside by the blistering accuracy of Rafale strikes and the impenetrable shield of the S-400 system.
These weren’t just “big-ticket” acquisitions—they were strategic investments. The Rafale’s stealth capabilities and long-range strike power enabled India to neutralize targets deep inside enemy territory without sustaining losses.
The S-400’s advanced radar and missile systems ensured our skies remained secure despite potential retaliatory threats. Without these, the story today could have been very different—one of vulnerability instead of dominance.
What is most galling is that much of the criticism was never really about defence policy—it was political theatre. National security was used as a weapon in election battles, with little regard for consequences.
In doing so, critics not only undermined the morale of our armed forces but also jeopardized the public’s understanding of strategic priorities.
To question is democratic. But to mislead, to trivialize national security for votes or headlines, is a disservice to the country.
Now, with India standing firm and victorious in this round of escalation, those voices have fallen silent. But silence is not enough.
There must be acknowledgement—and accountability. Those who called the Rafale deal “a scam” must admit they were wrong.
Those who questioned the S-400 purchase as “unnecessary” must own their misjudgment. And most importantly, they must apologise—not to the government, but to the nation.
This is not about vindication. It’s about learning from history. National defence must never again be sacrificed at the altar of political expediency. India cannot afford to treat strategic preparedness as a partisan issue. We need bipartisan support for our armed forces, consensus on critical procurements, and respect for the institutions tasked with safeguarding our sovereignty.
Let this moment be a turning point. Let it mark the end of political opportunism in defence debates.
Let it remind every citizen that security is not a luxury—it is a necessity paid for not only with money but with foresight, conviction, and sometimes, lives.
To those who doubted Rafale and S-400: your apology is overdue. The nation waited, and endured the noise—and today, it stands vindicated.
