2 August 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Simplified

House of Wars

Parliament Clash on Operation Sindoor

• Government and Opposition argued in Parliament.

• Both praised India’s armed forces.

• No agreement beyond that.

What is Operation Sindoor?

• India’s military response to Pahalgam terror attack (April 22, 2025).

• 26 people killed.

• 3 terrorists eliminated just before debate.

• Govt said they were Lashkar-e-Taiba members from Pakistan.

Government’s Position

• Wants to change Pakistan’s behaviour.

• Aims to reassure people in India.

• Claims success in:

  • Launching military action.

  • Ending war without pressure.

• Sees military action as new normal.

• PM avoided answering Donald Trump’s ceasefire mediation claim.

• Ruling party showed chest-thumping.

• Blames past leaders for current problems.

Opposition’s Stand

• Asked tough questions on:

  • Effectiveness of govt's strategy.

  • Failure to stop the terror attack.

• Rahul Gandhi asked PM for clear answer on Trump’s role.

• Criticised lack of self-reflection.

• Said blaming old leaders is not helpful.

Problems in Government’s Message

• Says operation was a success, but also says it is still going on.

• Parliament did not discuss the risks of the new military strategy.

• No plan shared to stop such attacks in future.

Short-Lived Unity

• Govt sent joint teams (including Opposition MPs) abroad to gain support.

• But unity didn’t last long.

Final Message

• India must rely on its own strength.

• Questioning patriotism of rivals avoids real issues.

• This blame-game approach may not work for long.

Deep Ties: India Needs Stronger Neighbourhood Bonds

PM Modi’s Visit to Maldives

• Modi visited Maldives as special guest for its 60th Independence Day.

• Invited by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu.

• Visit restored close ties seen during former President Ibrahim Solih’s time.

Past Tensions Between India and Maldives

• In 2023, ties worsened after:

  • Muizzu's surprise win backed by “India Out” campaign.

  • Led to “Boycott Maldives” campaign in India.

• Relations have improved steadily since then.

India’s Economic Help to Maldives

• During Muizzu’s 2024 India visit:

  • India gave lines of credit and currency swap support.

• In 2025, India announced:

  • $565 million (₹4,850 crore) new credit line.

  • 40% reduction in Maldives’ debt from earlier loans.

Steps to Boost Trade and Development

• Started India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks.

• Signed MoUs for cooperation in:

  • Fisheries

  • Meteorology

  • Digital solutions

  • Pharmaceuticals

• Agreed on digital and rupee–rufiyaa currency payments system.

Security Partnership in the Region

• India and Maldives have a strong 60-year-old security tie-up.

• Includes trilateral security talks with Sri Lanka.

• After Modi’s visit, Maldives also hosted Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Reaffirming ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy

• Visit shows India is focusing again on its neighbours.

• Comes at a tough time for Indian foreign policy:

  • U.S. trade tariffs

  • Wars in Ukraine and Gaza

  • Tensions with Pakistan (after Pahalgam attack)

  • Strain in ties with Bangladesh

India’s Limited Outreach to Neighbours Recently

• After Operation Sindoor, India reached out globally but not to neighbours.

• Now preparing to welcome Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli (not invited for a year).

Symbol of India-Maldives Friendship

• Maldives released a stamp showing traditional boats from both countries.

• Modi said it reflects both nations as “fellow voyagers on a shared journey”.

Conclusion: Why Neighbourhood Ties Matter

• In global economic uncertainty:

  • India must stay closely engaged with neighbours.

  • Support their development and economic needs where possible.

Election of Vice President

Trump to Deploy Nuclear Submarines

Reason for Deployment

• U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines.

• Action taken in response to “highly provocative” comments by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

“Just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.”

Trump’s Statement

• Posted on Truth Social.

• Warned:

  “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences.”

• Hoped this would not turn into one of those situations.

Details Not Specified

• Trump did not say whether submarines are:

  • Nuclear-powered or

  • Nuclear-armed.

• He also did not mention deployment locations — these are kept secret by the U.S. military.

U.S. Nuclear Strategy

• U.S. keeps nuclear-armed submarines on regular patrol.

• Part of the nuclear triad: land, sea, and air-launched weapons.

• U.S. and Russia control most of the world’s nuclear weapons.

Medvedev’s Comments

• Trump did not quote Medvedev directly.

• Medvedev posted on Telegram:

  • Criticised Trump.

  • Referred to the “fabled ‘Dead Hand’” — a Cold War-era automated nuclear launch system.

Background of the Tension

• Medvedev’s post followed Trump’s attack on the “dead economies” of Russia and India.

About Medvedev

• Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council.

• Vocal supporter of President Putin’s war in Ukraine.

• Known for antagonistic views toward the West.

United Nations Role