Supporters of Prime Minister Modi argue: “If Mrs. Indira Gandhi is credited with India’s victory in the 1971 war, then why shouldn’t the triumph of 2025 be attributed to Mr. Narendra Modi?”

If Indira Gandhi was celebrated for the success of 1971, then surely Modi deserves recognition for the latest achievement.

While this comparison seeks parity, we must first acknowledge a fundamental distinction—the 1971 war was decisive, altering the geopolitical landscape permanently. Yet, did Indira Gandhi monopolize the credit for that historic victory? This is where our understanding often falters. The assumption that Indira Gandhi alone claimed the glory is historically inaccurate.

Imagery and Leadership in War

The visual markers of both eras offer crucial insights. The most defining image of 1971 does not feature Indira Gandhi, but rather General Arora, overseeing Pakistan’s General Niazi’s surrender—an indelible moment in India’s military history. Contrast this with 2025, where Modi’s presence in military attire dominates public discourse. But does symbolism alone define wartime leadership?

The Role of Military Commanders

Since Field Marshal Cariappa, India has had 29 Army Chiefs, yet no name resonates quite like Field Marshal Manekshaw. While Manekshaw did not wield political power like Indira Gandhi, his military expertise and public stature were undeniable. However, the wartime credit in 1971 was not shared between Indira Gandhi and Manekshaw alone, the then Defence Minister Jagjivan Ram’s role was equally acclaimed. In 2025, however, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remains largely absent from public recognition. Similarly, while we may know that General Upendra Dwivedi is the Army Commander during the recent conflict, it is difficult to recall who commanded the forces during the Balakot surgical strike. Instead, public memory firmly associates Modi with military success—a reflection of how leadership narratives are shaped over time.

Politics and the Narrative of War

Examining electoral dynamics challenges the belief that Indira Gandhi’s political success was directly linked to the war. The India-Pakistan war erupted in December 1971, whereas Lok Sabha elections had already concluded earlier that year, meaning she could not have used the victory as a campaign tool. Ironically, despite India’s triumph, Indira Gandhi lost the next general elections she faced in 1977. In contrast, Modi actively campaigned on the legacy of surgical strikes, a strategy that proved politically advantageous.

The Changing Perception of Leadership in War

This comparison highlights a fundamental shift in how wartime success is perceived in political leadership. In 1971, victory was framed as a collective national achievement, credited to military leadership and strategic execution. In 2025, the framing is markedly different, revolving around individual political branding. The question isn’t merely about wartime leadership—it’s about how victories are framed, remembered, and leveraged across different eras.