While memorials like the IPKF site in Colombo preserve the sacrifices of Indian soldiers abroad, the absence of similar recognition at home reflects a paradox in how India honours — or overlooks — sacrifices of bravehearts at the altar of  regional stewardship

On India’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alluded to India’s strategic sovereignty (autonomy) while dealing with US tariffs, while honouring Op Sindoor, a non-contact undeclared war. Britain had ruled over all of South Asia and South-East Asia except Nepal and Thailand, which were not colonised. Both were hereditary kingdoms. India inherited the trappings of British colonial power without the intellectual and military instruments to exercise influence over South Asia after Independence, though it assumed derived authority was intact and would be respected. Tibet was the first casualty, even after British generals had recommended its occupation, which was said to be not feasible, for which India has had to pay a heavy price.

Similarly, the 1962 war with China was due to illusions of power and failure to recognise the enemy. India, on the other hand, was able to successfully integrate 565 princely states, including Hyderabad and J&K, which required employment of expeditionary forces. Portuguese and Dutch colonies likewise required the use of force. Overall, the record was impressive, though military assets had been depleted; divided between India and Pakistan.

The first test of India’s diplomacy was in the Himalayan kingdoms of Nepal, Sikkim, and Bhutan, where Treaties of Peace and Friendship were re-negotiated between 1949 and 1950 based on earlier arrangements with........

© The Pioneer