KKN Gurugram Desk | The recent release of BSF soldier Purnam Kumar from Pakistan is a significant event that symbolizes India’s assertive approach to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and soldiers. This release mirrors the changing dynamics of India’s foreign policy, where the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken an increasingly strong stance on protecting its people, both at home and abroad. From the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan after the Balakot airstrike to the repatriation of naval officers sentenced to death in Qatar, the Modi government’s efforts on international platforms have been remarkable. The case of Purnam Kumar’s return serves as yet another testament to India’s rising power and influence on the global stage.

Historical Context: The Significance of Purnam Kumar’s Release
The case of Purnam Kumar has once again brought the long-standing issue of the 54 missing Indian soldiers from the 1971 India-Pakistan war into the spotlight. These soldiers, presumed to be held in Pakistani prisons, have been a source of ongoing distress for their families, who have been waiting for their loved ones’ return for over four decades. The recent release of BSF soldier Purnam Kumar has revived hope among the families of these missing soldiers, fueling their belief that the Indian government under Modi’s leadership will also address their plight.

For years, these families have held on to the hope that their loved ones might be freed, and the swift return of Purnam Kumar signals that the government is now paying attention to these long-standing issues. This event highlights the growing strength of India’s diplomatic, military, and social influence, underscoring the country’s active role in securing the well-being of its citizens and its increasing geopolitical stature.

Purnam Kumar’s Release: A Symbol of Strong Diplomacy
The story of Purnam Kumar’s release illustrates the active role that India is playing in securing its nationals. Reports suggest that the Indian Army had captured a Pakistani Ranger in retaliation, which forced Pakistan to come to the negotiating table and eventually release the BSF soldier. This exchange reflects the growing military assertiveness of India and its ability to employ strategic tactics to ensure the safety of its soldiers.

Purnam Kumar’s release is emblematic of a new India—one that does not shy away from confronting adversaries, whether on the battlefield or through diplomatic channels. India’s response to the escalating tensions in Kashmir, the Balakot airstrike, and the swift return of Wing Commander Abhinandan are prime examples of the country’s new foreign policy outlook. The release of Purnam Kumar, therefore, further reinforces the message that India is no longer a passive player but an active and assertive force in global diplomacy.

The 54 Missing Soldiers: A Long-Standing Issue
The 54 missing Indian soldiers, who were captured during the 1971 war, have remained a mystery for decades. These soldiers were believed to be held in Pakistani prisons, and their families have been desperately awaiting any information regarding their whereabouts or status. Despite repeated appeals and diplomatic efforts, little has been done to secure their release.

In 2019, the Indian Ministry of Defence released the list of these 54 soldiers, reigniting the hope among their families. However, despite these efforts, the government has been criticized for not taking more concrete steps toward securing the release of these soldiers. For many, the failure to secure the release of these soldiers remains one of the most painful chapters in the history of Indo-Pakistani relations.

The Hypocrisy of the Shimla Agreement
Following the 1971 war, the Shimla Agreement was signed, leading to the release of 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war (PoWs). However, the issue of the 54 missing Indian soldiers was never adequately addressed. While Pakistan took the opportunity to secure the release of its soldiers, India was left to grapple with the fate of its own soldiers who remained unaccounted for.

Brigadier (Retd.) H.S. Ghuman, a veteran military officer, remarked that it is ironic that India released 93,000 Pakistani PoWs but failed to secure the release of 54 of its own soldiers. This disparity is a source of deep frustration for the families of the missing soldiers, who have been left to cope with the loss and uncertainty. Despite their sacrifices, these soldiers remain forgotten by the Indian government, leaving their families to languish in hope.

The Tragedy of Sarabjit Singh
The tragic case of Sarabjit Singh, an Indian prisoner who died in Pakistani custody, serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of political neglect. Sarabjit, an Indian farmer, was arrested in 1990 on charges of espionage and was later sentenced to death for his alleged involvement in bombings in Lahore and Faisalabad. Despite claims of his innocence, he was attacked in prison and died in 2013, marking a tragic chapter in India-Pakistan relations.

Sarabjit’s case highlighted the vulnerability of Indian citizens in Pakistan’s custody and the lack of effective diplomatic intervention on their behalf. At the time of his death, India was still regarded as a “soft state” in international diplomacy. However, the changing landscape of India’s foreign policy since then has been evident in the handling of subsequent cases, such as the release of BSF soldier Purnam Kumar and the ongoing saga of Kulbhushan Jadhav.

Kulbhushan Jadhav: A Diplomatic Victory for India
Kulbhushan Jadhav, a former Indian Navy officer, was arrested by Pakistan in 2016 on charges of espionage. Pakistan claimed that he was involved in subversive activities in Balochistan, but India has consistently maintained that Jadhav was abducted from Iran, where he was conducting legitimate business activities. In 2017, a military court in Pakistan sentenced Jadhav to death, sparking widespread protests in India.

India approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ruled in favor of India, suspending Jadhav’s execution and ordering Pakistan to grant him consular access. The ICJ’s ruling was a significant diplomatic victory for India, showcasing the country’s growing influence in the international arena. Despite Pakistan’s reluctance to comply fully with the ICJ’s order, India’s continued pressure has prevented Jadhav’s execution and highlighted the role of international legal forums in holding nations accountable.

The ongoing efforts to secure Jadhav’s release and the slow pace of the review process in Pakistan reflect India’s growing diplomatic clout. The case also highlights the importance of a robust foreign policy that not only protects citizens abroad but also ensures that international law is respected by all nations.

The Return of Abhinandan and the Changing Face of India’s Foreign Policy
The return of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman after his capture in Pakistan following the 2019 Balakot airstrike marked a turning point in India’s approach to international relations. After shooting down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet, Abhinandan’s MiG-21 was struck, and he was forced to eject over Pakistani territory, where he was captured.

The diplomatic and military pressure applied by India led to Abhinandan’s swift return, underscoring the country’s aggressive and assertive approach to foreign policy. The international community, including the United States, supported India’s stance, further highlighting the growing diplomatic influence of India under Modi’s leadership.

A New India: Aggressive Diplomacy and Military Power
The release of BSF soldier Purnam Kumar and the return of other Indian prisoners, including Wing Commander Abhinandan and Kulbhushan Jadhav, demonstrate the shifting dynamics of India’s foreign policy. India’s military and diplomatic power is increasingly being recognized on the global stage, and its assertive approach to securing its citizens is a clear indication of the country’s evolving role in international relations.

The swift actions taken by India, both diplomatically and militarily, in securing the release of its citizens and soldiers send a powerful message to the world: India will no longer tolerate any compromise when it comes to the safety and security of its people.

The release of BSF soldier Purnam Kumar from Pakistan is a powerful symbol of India’s rising influence on the global stage. It is a reflection of the country’s growing military and diplomatic strength, as well as its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. From the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan to the ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure Kulbhushan Jadhav’s release, India is proving that it will no longer be passive in its approach to international relations. The events of recent years have showcased a new India—one that is bold, assertive, and willing to take strong actions to protect its interests and citizens both at home and abroad.