By embracing troops in border areas and taking to the skies in a domestically produced warplane, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sends a powerful message of self-reliance and pride in India's capabilities, two strategic affairs pundits have said.
The comments of Indian Army veteran Major Manik M. Jolly and Binay Kumar Singh, a senior fellow of strategic studies at the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation think tank, come days after Modi was lauded by several current and former military officers for flying in a Tejas aircraft during his visit to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the South Asian nation's aviation major.
"Successfully completed a sortie on the Tejas. The experience was incredibly enriching, significantly bolstering my confidence in our country's indigenous capabilities, and leaving me with a renewed sense of pride and optimism about our national potential," Modi said in a post on Twitter, now X.
First Indian PM to Fly a Fighter Jet
Interestingly, Modi became the first Indian leader to fly in an indigenous combat aircraft.
Earlier, the 73-year-old politician celebrated the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali with soldiers at a forward base in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh.
However, Modi spending time with defence personnel is nothing new. After becoming Prime Minister in 2014, Modi announced an unprecedented move, deciding to celebrate key Indian festivals with soldiers.
Since then, he has carried on with the tradition, making sure that he's with soldiers at a time when the entire nation is engrossed in festivities on occasions such as Diwali.
In this context, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation's Singh stressed that Modi's leadership has been marked by moments of both success and resilience amid challenges, each playing a crucial role in shaping his image.
Leader Who's Devoted to Upholding National Spirit
According to him, a notable aspect of his approach is his engagement with defence personnel, sports stars, and ISRO scientists. Whether the nation celebrates a sports victory or faces a setback, Modi's willingness to meet or call these individuals reflects his commitment to upholding the national spirit.
"Such interactions not only acknowledge their efforts but also boost the morale of these key contributors to the country's success and resilience," Singh told Sputnik India.
The think tanker pointed out that an exceptional display of Modi's commitment to indigenous achievements was made evident when he took a sortie on the made-in-India Tejas aircraft.
He added that this act not only showcased support for the nation's defence capabilities but also symbolized confidence in the country's technological advancements. By embracing and promoting domestically produced innovations, Modi sent a powerful message of self-reliance and pride in India's capabilities.
Narendra Modi
© Photo : X (Former Twitter)/@narendramodi
Modi's Interactions with Troops Cultivate Camaraderie and Appreciation
"Modi's active participation in celebrating festivals alongside the defence forces displays his attachment to these dedicated individuals. By sharing in the festivities with those who safeguard the nation, the Prime Minister not only acknowledges their sacrifices but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and appreciation," Singh asserted.
He mentioned that this symbolic gesture not only boosts the spirits of the defence forces but also underscores the unity between the leadership and those on the front lines, reinforcing a collective commitment to the nation's security and well-being.
Moreover, these actions contribute to positioning Modi as one of the most down-to-earth and people-oriented leaders on a global scale, Singh maintained.
The ability to connect with individuals at different levels is a reflection of a leader who understands the nation's diverse fabric. These interactions resonate with the public, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose, the geopolitical analyst explained.
Modi's Global Standing Strengthens
In turn, this strengthens Modi's global standing as a leader who remains rooted in the aspirations and achievements of the people he serves, Singh noted.
"Whether it is a moment of triumph or challenge, Prime Minister Modi's engagement with sports personalities and scientists, coupled with symbolic acts like flying in the Tejas, not only influences the morale of key contributors but also establishes him as the tallest global leader," Singh observed.
Similar sentiments were shared by retired veteran Manik M. Jolly, who expressed that Modi has set an unprecedented example and a much-appreciated trend of spending festivals with troops of the Indian Army on the border and in field areas.
This, in his view, brings immense joy to the soldiers deployed in far-flung areas as they see the leader of their nation remembering them on these festive occasions, which never used to happen earlier, except for an odd visit by ministers once in a few years.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
© AP Photo / Carolyn Kaster
One Country - One Family
On the leadership side, Jolly noted that PM Modi followed the manual of great leaders, where personal connect is a very formidable and required factor.
He stated that Modi's ability to mingle with the troops, talk to them on a personal level, and show them that he prioritizes them over festivities in the national capital goes a long way in establishing a solid bond between the leader and his soldiers.
"A single visit by PM has the ability to cheer up an entire body of troops fighting the terrain, weather, and enemy in these areas," Jolly remarked.
India's Ministers Compelled to Keep Up With Modi's Pace
Modi's visits also push other ministers to follow the trend, which everyone has seen transpiring. These visits effectively bridge the proverbial gap between leadership in Delhi and the soldiers stationed in high-altitude areas, resulting in the ministers getting a much-improved understanding of the on-ground problems.
Besides, the soldiers and military leaders get an opportunity to share their successes and challenges with the national leadership one-on-one.