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Jun 04, 2026
Viren S Doshi

Guardians, Not Conquerors: Timeless India’s Military Legacy

Overview Indians have traversed the globe for millennia through trade, scholarship, and cultural exchange, building connections from Southeast Asia to Africa and beyond. In the last two centuries, migration intensified under colonial pressures, economic needs, and global opportunities. Beyond indentured labour and professional pursuits, military service has been a profound channel. Though India has never pursued imperial conquest or territorial invasion of distant lands, its soldiers have served valiantly under various banners—colonial, allied, and international—often fostering diaspora communities through settlement, skills transfer, and family migration. This history highlights a unique profile: Indian-origin personnel as reliable, non-malevolent, loyal, valiant, and intelligent contributors to defence efforts. Their record positions India as a potential provider of dedicated human resources to righteous nations seeking trustworthy partners for security. Kshatriya Dharma: The Bedrock of Indian Warrior Values At the core of Indian military tradition lies Kshatriya Dharma (the righteous duty of the warriors), drawn from ancient texts like the Vedas, the Manusmriti, the Ramayan, the Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharat. Kshatriya Dharma emphasises protecting the innocent, upholding justice (dharma), courage on the battlefield, loyalty to rightful causes, mercy toward the defeated where possible, and readiness to sacrifice one's life rather than compromise honour. It rejects aggression for personal gain or conquest, focusing instead on defensive righteousness and moral conduct even in war. This probably is the reason that the Indian Armed Forces have never crossed the lines of Dharma and there have never been military coups in India, though it is surrounded by undemocratic ruling dispensations in adjoining lands infested with military coups or even proxy military rule, with democracies being just in name. This righteous ethos transcends specific castes today and permeates the broader Indian Armed Forces culture, inspiring soldiers across backgrounds—Rajputs, Sikhs, Gurkhas, and others—to embody valour, discipline, and ethical warfare. It explains why Indian forces have excelled in service without themselves becoming tools of unprovoked expansion or unjust usurpation of power in Independent India. A modern epitome is Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman VrC, an Indian Air Force fighter pilot who, during the 2019 Balakot airstrike aftermath, engaged enemy aircraft in superior numbers, downed a Pakistani jet, and upheld dignity while in brief captivity. Awarded the Vir Chakra for conspicuous gallantry and exceptional duty, his actions exemplify typical “Kshatriya” fighting resolve—fearless courage combined with restraint, composure and moral strength. Recent Valiant Chapters: Standing Firm Against Expansionism Apart from the massive victory in 1971 war and the stupendous victory later in the uphill war in Kargil in 1999; the Indian Armed Forces have demonstrated this same spirit in direct confrontations with nuclear-armed adversaries in the current decade. In June 2020, during the Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh, Indian troops engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat against soldiers of the Communist Regime occupying or ruling China and Tibet. Despite brutal conditions and improvised weapons used by the intruding forces, Indian soldiers successfully pushed back the aggressors, preventing further incursions and restoring positions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). India lost 20 soldiers, while reports indicate significantly higher casualties on the opposing side (estimates ranging from 38 to over 40). This episode underscored India's resolve to defend its territory without uncalculated or unwarranted escalation into full-scale war. In May 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor in response to a Pakistan-backed terrorist attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The operation involved precise strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, escalating into a short but intense four-day military confrontation. Indian forces achieved dominance, targeting terror camps, air defences, and related assets while facing a nuclear-armed adversary backed by the nuclear-armed Communist Regime occupying China and Tibet. This regime has huge nukes arsenal and it provided direct open technical support to Pakistan. The operation demonstrated India's capability to conduct calibrated, high-intensity responses against hybrid threats, reinforcing deterrence. These episodes highlight the Indian military's effectiveness in high-altitude and multi-domain operations against numerically or technologically supported adversaries. Even when the Indian nation remained colonised for centuries due to overarching political failures amid exemplary brilliant military and political successes like that of Maharaja Dahir Sen, Maharaj Prithviraj Chauhan, Maharana Pratap, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the 1857 War of Independence, the saga of Indian soldiers’ performance on complex battlefronts continued even during dark phases as the enemy rules depended on the Indian warriors and recruited them in the forces. These warriors, though known for their loyalty, did act as potential forces for independence in 1857, and in 1944 in the aftermath of the victory of Azad Hind Fauz, because of their righteousness. Colonial Service: The British Indian Army and Global Deployments The British Indian Army, evolving from East India Company forces, recruited extensively from the subcontinent, particularly "martial races" like Sikhs, Gorkhas, Punjabis, and Rajputs after the 1857 Revolt. It became a vital “imperial” asset. In World War I (1914–1918), over 1.5 million Indians served, with more than one million deployed overseas. They fought on the Western Front, in Mesopotamia, East Africa, and notably at Gallipoli alongside ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) forces. Indian Expeditionary Forces, including Gurkhas and Sikhs, reinforced the campaign; the 29th Indian Brigade participated in key actions like the Third Battle of Krithia. Approximately 1,500 Indian soldiers died at Gallipoli, supporting logistics with mule corps and medical units. Their contributions forged bonds with ANZAC troops. In World War II (1939–1945), the Indian Army grew into the largest all-volunteer force in history, with approximately 2.5 million personnel. They fought in North Africa, Europe, Italy, Burma against Japan, and other theatres, suffering around 87,000 deaths. Azad Hind Fauj: Fighting for India's Freedom from Foreign Soil, in exile Subhas Chandra Bose (Netaji) sought alliances against colonial rule. In Germany in 1941, he helped form the Indian Legion (also known as the Free India Legion or Azad Hind Fauj precursor), primarily from Indian prisoners of war. It grew to around 3,000. Bose later expanded the Indian National Army (INA) or Azad Hind Fauj in Southeast Asia, which fought in the Burma campaign to liberate India. Though militarily limited, it was so vigorous and forceful that it galvanised the independence movement. Post-Independence: UN Peacekeeping and Regional Guardianship Independent India has contributed immensely to global stability without aggressive expansion. Since the 1950s, it has deployed over 290,000 troops and police across more than 50 United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions—one of the highest contributions. As of 2026 data, India maintains a significant presence in active missions, with over 180 peacekeepers having made the supreme sacrifice. Indian-Origin and Gorkha-Origin Personnel in Free Nations Today Indian-origin and Gorkha (Nepali but closely linked through recruitment and tradition) personnel continue to serve with distinction in allied forces. In the United Kingdom, the Brigade of Gurkhas numbers around 4,000 active personnel (as of 2026), with ongoing recruitment. Many veterans settle in the UK. In Singapore, the Gorkha Contingent consists of hundreds of Nepalese Gorkhas valued for professionalism. In the United States, thousands of Indian-origin personnel serve across branches under broader Asian demographics. Similar service occurs in Canada, Australia, and other democracies. India's Defence Support to Neighbours: A Record of Benevolence India has responded to calls for assistance from friendly nations- Sri Lanka: Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in 1987–1990. Bhutan: Long-standing training and strategic support. Maldives: Operation Cactus (1988) thwarted a coup. India continues defence cooperation and capacity-building in the Indian Ocean region. The Potential: India as a Reliable Human Resource Partner With the world's second-largest active military (approximately 1.43 million personnel plus reserves), India offers disciplined, skilled, and loyal human resources. Indians have proven to be non-invaders—focused on defence and peace. Their Kshatriya-inspired loyalty, valour (evident in Galwan and Operation Sindoor), intelligence, and benevolent conduct make them ideal partners for righteous nations, including against threats from the Communist Regime occupying or ruling China. Partnerships could include expanded recruitment models (like Gorkhas), joint training, or support for just causes, strengthening global security while benefiting India's diaspora. This legacy—from ancient seafarers to colonial sepoys, Azad Hind heroes, UN blue helmets, and modern professionals—embodies adaptability and contribution guided by timeless dharma. As the world seeks reliable defenders, India's human capital stands ready: valiant yet restrained, intelligent yet principled.

Jun 03, 2026
Siddhartha Dave

Pakistan Embarrassed in Japan as Illegal Mosque Inaugurated by Ambassador Faces Demolition

From Early Warnings on Religious Tensions to the Kawagoe Mosque Controversy, Japan's Debate on Immigration and Integration Enters a New Phase Pakistan has found itself in an embarrassing position in Japan after an illegally constructed mosque, inaugurated in the presence of Pakistan's Ambassador to Japan, now faces demolition orders from Japanese authorities. The controversy surrounding the Japan Jame Masjid Ramzan in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, has not only triggered diplomatic embarrassment for Islamabad but has also reignited a larger debate within Japanese society about immigration, demographic change, cultural integration, and the future character of the Land of the Rising Sun. In a statement issued on May 31, 2026, the Pakistan Embassy in Japan urged Pakistani nationals to comply with Japanese laws, particularly regarding mosque construction, and distanced itself from the controversial project. However, the damage had already been done. Japanese authorities have since ruled that the structure was built illegally on protected forest land in an urbanisation-controlled zone and have ordered its demolition. The controversy has become a national talking point, raising questions not merely about one building but about the challenges accompanying rapid demographic and religious changes in Japanese society. A Warning Raised Three Years Ago For careful observers of Japan, the Kawagoe controversy did not emerge in isolation. Nearly three years ago, writing in Organiser on June 14, 2023, this author examined the changing religious landscape of Japan in an article titled "Religious Tensions in Japan Grows Amidst Burgeoning Muslim Population in the Land of the Rising Sun." The article highlighted the rapid growth of Japan's Muslim population, the increasing number of mosques across the country, and the emerging tensions between Japan's traditionally assimilative Shinto culture and more exclusivist religious worldviews. At the time, it was noted that Japan's Muslim population had grown dramatically—from approximately 20,000 in 2000 to nearly 200,000 within a generation. Likewise, mosques, once a rarity in Japan, had increased from merely 15 in 1999 to more than 113 by 2021. The article also documented growing public concerns after incidents involving attacks on Shinto religious symbols and the emergence of social media debates questioning whether certain religious doctrines could coexist with Japan's unique cultural ethos. While many dismissed these concerns as isolated incidents, the events in Kawagoe suggest that those anxieties have neither disappeared nor diminished. Instead, they appear to have become more pronounced as Japan grapples with unprecedented demographic pressures. The Kawagoe Mosque Controversy The mosque at the centre of the controversy was constructed in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, on land classified as forest land under Japanese records. Residents reportedly began objecting to the construction in late 2024 after noticing the emergence of a large mosque structure in an area subject to strict building restrictions under Japan's City Planning Act. Local authorities subsequently issued multiple stop-work notices. Yet construction allegedly continued despite official objections. The controversy deepened when the mosque's owners reportedly attempted to argue that the structure had existed previously and therefore should be regularised. Japanese authorities rejected this claim after examining official records and historical images, which reportedly showed no previous structure at the location. The resulting demolition order has become a major embarrassment for Pakistan because the mosque's inauguration done by the country's ambassador, lending the project an aura of legitimacy before its legal status came under scrutiny. Equally significant is the allegation that individuals associated with the mosque had links to Tablighi Jamaat, an organisation that has attracted scrutiny in several countries, including Bharat. These allegations have intensified public debate and increased concerns among sections of Japanese society regarding the activities of foreign-funded religious networks. A Different Story from Japan The Kawagoe controversy stands in sharp contrast to another significant development that took place in Japan just a year earlier. In March 2025, this author reported in Organiser on the unveiling of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Japan. The article described the memorial as a remarkable example of transnational cultural synergy and civilisational friendship between Bharat and Japan. The Shivaji Maharaj memorial symbolised something fundamentally different from the controversy unfolding today. It represented cultural exchange without confrontation, civilisational pride without exclusivism, and international cooperation grounded in respect for local laws and social sensitivities. The memorial was welcomed as a bridge between two ancient civilisations that share deep respect for heritage, tradition, and national identity. Rather than generating tensions, it strengthened cultural ties and enhanced mutual understanding. The contrast is revealing. One development became a symbol of harmony and friendship. The other has become associated with allegations of illegal construction, disregard for local regulations, and diplomatic embarrassment. Together, these two events illustrate that the question is not whether foreign communities or cultures should be present in Japan. The real question is whether those communities integrate respectfully into Japanese society or seek to operate outside its established legal and cultural framework. Japan's Demographic Dilemma The backdrop to this debate is Japan's worsening demographic crisis. Japan's fertility rate has fallen to one of the lowest in the world. Births continue to decline year after year while the elderly population continues to grow. Labour shortages are becoming acute across several sectors of the economy. Consequently, policymakers have increasingly turned toward immigration as one possible solution. However, immigration is never merely an economic phenomenon. It also carries social, cultural, and civilisational implications. Japan has historically maintained a strong sense of cultural continuity rooted in Shinto traditions, social discipline, community harmony, and respect for public order. The arrival of large immigrant communities inevitably raises questions about how these traditions will adapt to new realities. The Kawagoe Mosque controversy has become a focal point for these concerns because many Japanese citizens perceive the issue not as one of religious freedom but of legal compliance and social integration. Shinto Civilisation and Cultural Cohesion Japan's religious culture differs significantly from many missionary traditions. Shintoism, much like Sanatan civilisation, possesses an inherently accommodative character. It does not insist upon exclusivity and has historically coexisted with Buddhism and various other traditions. Japanese identity evolved around the principle of cultural harmony rather than religious competition. This author’s, 2023 Organiser article had highlighted this distinction, noting that many Japanese commentators were increasingly debating whether certain exclusivist theological frameworks could comfortably coexist with Japan's historically pluralistic outlook. The Kawagoe episode has brought these discussions from the margins into the mainstream. For many Japanese citizens, the issue is not directed against individual Muslims. Rather, it concerns whether immigrant communities are willing to adapt to Japanese norms or whether they expect Japanese society to adapt to them. Lessons Beyond Japan The demolition order against the Kawagoe Mosque may concern a single structure, but the debate it has unleashed extends far beyond Kawagoe. The progression is striking. In 2023, concerns were raised about demographic change and emerging religious tensions. In 2025, the unveiling of a Shivaji Maharaj memorial demonstrated how civilisational exchange can enrich a host society while respecting its traditions. In 2026, the illegal mosque controversy has forced Pakistan itself to publicly urge its nationals to obey Japanese laws while distancing its embassy from a project inaugurated in the presence of its ambassador. Taken together, these developments offer an important lesson for nations across the world. Immigration and multiculturalism can succeed only when newcomers respect the laws, traditions, and civilisational ethos of the societies they enter. Japan's challenge today extends beyond reversing demographic decline. It must also preserve the social cohesion, cultural confidence, and civilisational ethos that have long defined Japanese society, even as rising Muslim immigration raises new questions about integration, identity, and the future character of the Land of the Rising Sun. The controversy in Kawagoe has ensured that this conversation can no longer be avoided. References Dave, Siddhartha. (2023, June 14). Religious Tensions in Japan Grows Amidst Burgeoning Muslim Population in the Land of the Rising Sun. Organiser. https://organiser.org/2023/06/14/178906/world/religious-tensions-in-japan-grows-amidst-burgeoning-muslim-population-in-the-land-of-rising-sun/ Dave, Siddhartha. (2025, March 14). Commemorating Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Japan: A Monument to Transnational Cultural Synergy. Organiser. https://organiser.org/2025/03/14/281656/world/commemorating-chhatrapati-shivaji-maharaj-in-japan-a-monument-to-transnational-cultural-synergy/ PS: Content of this article, got published at https://organiser.org/author/siddhartha-dave/