Islamabad, Pakistan – When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed parliament on July 29, more than two months after the four-day May clash with Pakistan, he hailed India’s military action – dubbed “ Operation Sindoor ” – as a “victory”, but said it was not over.

“Operation Sindoor remains active and resolute,” Modi said during his 102-minute address.

Two months later, after India beat Pakistan in a gripping Asia Cup cricket final on September 28, Modi invoked the spectre of war again while congratulating the victors. “Operation Sindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same – India wins! Congrats to our cricketers,” he posted on X.

The message, say analysts, was clear: The Asia Cup, meant to celebrate cricket across the world’s largest continent, had become a battlefield be

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