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The recent success of India in strengthening its air superiority with the Rafale fighter jets has reignited discussion over how military victories are viewed around the world. India's 2019 surgical strikes and the Balakot airstrike garnered international attention, although the reaction has frequently been subdued or politically nuanced, particularly from Western media and think tanks. This begs the crucial question: Are world powers, especially the West, ignoring India's significant victory over Pakistan?

A Historical View of the 1991 U.S. v. Iraq Conflict

The United States led a strong coalition against Iraq in the Gulf War in 1991. The United States lost 63 aircraft in combat and accidents during the conflict, despite having a clear numerical and technological advantage. But because of the strategic results and the precision airstrikes that left Saddam Hussein's troops devastated, the operation was widely hailed as a huge military triumph.

Despite the number of aircraft lost, no one questioned the effectiveness of U.S. air power. Instead, the conflict served as a case study for American military supremacy and contemporary air combat.

The Rafale's Contribution to India's Air Force Modernisation

Let's fast-forward to 2019. India carried out airstrikes deep into Pakistan's Balakot region following the terrorist attack on Pulwama, a move that necessitated careful preparation and highly developed aviation capabilities. In order to give India's air force the advantage in precision targeting and survivability in hostile airspace, the country purchased Rafale planes from France.

The Indian Air Force's operational advantage was evident despite domestic political controversy and international scrutiny surrounding the Rafale deal. Rafale jets offered India a strategic edge over Pakistan's aging fleet, according to military analysts around the world.

Why Does the West Keep Silent About India's Progress?

One can wonder why India's precision-driven strike is minimized or even disregarded in international strategic discussions if the United States can be praised for its Gulf War victory in spite of equipment losses.

There could be a number of causes:

Geopolitical Bias: Greater geopolitical interests frequently influence Western perspectives. It's possible that many Western powers don't agree with India's assertive regional approach.
Media Framing: Indian military decisions are frequently overshadowed by Western media, which prefers to focus on problems like procurement disputes over war victories.

Perception of Scale: Despite the political and military importance of India's operation for South Asia, it might not be seen through the same "scale of conflict" prism as the Gulf War, even though it was focused and accurate.

The More Comprehensive View

There is no denying India's military development. India is establishing itself as a major military force with its own innovations, such as the Tejas fighter plane, and strategic alliances with nations like France and Israel. Despite being politicized, the Rafale controversy shouldn't overshadow India's capabilities and strategic victories, particularly when compared to previous Western military engagements.

 conclusion

India has achieved a military milestone in South Asia with its employment of the Rafale to ensure aerial dominance and its decisive strikes after Pulwama. History will recall it as a watershed in India's defense story, even if the West doesn't emphasize it.

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