Opinion | Why The Israel-Iran War Vindicates PM Modi's 'Mission Sudarshan Chakra'

In an age where Iran's strikes on civilians and Pakistan's threats to economic lifelines expose cost of complacency, PM Modi's vision ensures India won't be caught off guard

In the smouldering playout of the Israel-Iran conflict, the world has witnessed a chilling escalation that underscores the fragility of global security.

Iran’s brazen missile and drone barrages on Dubai, Riyadh and other pivotal cities across the Middle East – not sparing civilian hubs like bustling commercial districts and residential areas – have shattered longstanding taboos.

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These attacks, launched under the guise of retaliation, targeted non-combatant infrastructure with reckless abandon, killing scores and attempting to cripple economies. Dubai’s glittering skyline, a symbol of regional prosperity, bore the brunt of hypersonic projectiles that evaded initial defences, setting ablaze oil refineries and tourist landmarks.

Such aggression doesn’t just inflame immediate tensions, it establishes a perilous precedent, inviting copycat strikes in an era where rogue actors and non-state militants proliferate. As the dust settles, one truth emerges starkly: in a world where missiles rain from the skies without warning, national defence isn’t a luxury – it’s an existential imperative.

SHADOW OF THREAT FROM ACROSS THE BORDER

Closer home, India’s civil and commercial infrastructure faces an eerily similar vulnerability from its rogue neighbour, Pakistan, whose military leadership has openly signalled aggressive intent.

In a provocative speech delivered in Tampa, Florida, in August 2025, Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir had explicitly threatened to target Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat – a crown jewel of India’s economic might and the world’s largest single-site refining complex – during any future conflict.

This brazen rhetoric, which included vows to destroy Indian dams with missile strikes and nuclear sabre rattling, marks a dangerous shift toward economic warfare against civilian assets.

It is precisely against these asymmetric threats from unstable adversaries that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foresight in prioritising robust defence apparatus becomes not just commendable, but indispensable for safeguarding the nation’s future.

PM MODI’S PROVEN DEFENCE ACUMEN

It is in this volatile context that Prime Minister Modi’s unwavering commitment to fortifying India’s defences shines as a beacon of foresight.

While the Middle East grapples with the fallout of inadequate preparedness, India’s trajectory under Modi offers a masterclass in proactive combat statesmanship. Recall his address to Parliament last year, where he revealed one of the less talked-about successes of ‘Operation Sindoor’ – whereby India neutralised over 1,000 incoming missiles and drones using the indigenous Akash anti-missile system.

This wasn’t mere rhetoric, it was a testament to India’s evolving shield against asymmetric threats. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash system’s radar-guided precision intercepted projectiles mid-flight averting what could have been a catastrophic incursion.

Modi’s disclosure wasn’t just about past triumphs, it was a clarion call for the future. He subsequently announced ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’ – a comprehensive blueprint to render India impregnable in the coming decades.

BUILDING AN IMPENETRABLE FORTRESS

Named after Bhagwan Krishna’s legendary discus weapon, symbolising unerring accuracy and divine protection, ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’ represents the pinnacle of Modi’s defence vision.

At its core, the plan integrates multi-layered defences across air, land, sea, and space domains, leveraging cutting-edge technology to create a foolproof fortress. It begins with an advanced integrated air and missile defence network, expanding on the Akash system’s success to incorporate S-400 systems from Russia, indigenous ballistic missile defence phases, and AI-driven predictive analytics, aiming to detect and neutralise threats at ranges exceeding 400 km by 2030.

Complementing this is a focus on space-based surveillance and countermeasures, deploying a constellation of dedicated satellites for hypersonic glide vehicle tracking and electronic warfare, thereby elevating India into the elite club of nations with orbital defence assets to deter satellite-killing missiles. The mission also addresses hybrid warfare through cyber and electromagnetic fortifications, allocating billions to quantum-encrypted networks and EMP-hardened infrastructure that protect critical assets like power grids and financial systems from digital sabotage – drawing direct lessons from Iran’s cyber incursions during the war.

Underpinning it all is a push for indigenous innovation and self-reliance via ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, mandating 70 percent domestic production of defence tech and fostering collaborations with startups for drone swarms, laser weapons, and autonomous interceptors, which not only reduces import dependency but positions India as a global exporter of security solutions.

PROPELLING INDIA INTO A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN

What truly sets Mission Sudarshan Chakra apart and propels India into a different league is its holistic, forward-looking ethos.

Unlike piecemeal upgrades in other nations, it anticipates a multipolar world rife with proxy wars and technological arms races. By 2047, India envisions a 360-degree shield that integrates with allies via frameworks like Quad, ensuring collective deterrence.

This isn’t just about hardware; it’s about strategic depth, with investments in human capital through specialised training academies and R&D hubs.

LEADER WHO CHAMPIONS PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH

Modi’s acumen in navigating this ambitious path is unparalleled. A leader who has tirelessly championed peace and unequivocally asserted that “this is not the era of war", he understands that true security stems from strength, not naivety.

His tenure has transformed India from a reactive player to a proactive powerhouse, outpacing predecessors who often prioritised diplomacy over defence.

In an age where Iran’s strikes on civilians and Pakistan’s threats to economic lifelines expose the cost of complacency, the Prime Minister’s vision ensures India won’t be caught off-guard. As the Israel-Iran war rages, it vindicates his approach: peace through preparedness.

The world is watching India and, perhaps, learning the art of unlearning.

(The writer is a national spokesperson of BJP, besides being an acclaimed author. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views)

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