Surprise Element Sri Krishna’s Doctrine

“What appears to be, may not be. And what will be, won’t even give a hint.”

This statement is not just the essence of Lord Krishna’s diplomacy, but today it also mirrors India’s modern strategic mindset. History testifies that the most decisive battles are often fought in silence — and sometimes, the greatest victory lies in a step that appears, outwardly, to be a withdrawal.

When King Jarasandh of Magadh repeatedly attacked Mathura, exhausting its defenses and threatening the Yadava clan’s survival, Lord Krishna took an unexpected decision — he left Mathura and built the city of Dwarka deep in the sea. This wasn’t cowardice; it was foresight. It wasn’t an escape from battle, but a strategic move to avoid one and secure victories in many. That is why he came to be known as Ranchhod (the one who leaves the battlefield), yet he ultimately returned with Bhima to defeat Jarasandh. The most critical component of this strategy was the Surprise Element — the unpredictable path that ensured survival and long-term success.

Fast Forward to 2025

On April 22, 2025, a brutal terrorist attack by Islamic extremists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir took the lives of 26 innocent civilians. The nation was shaken. Media, opposition, and citizens were certain that this time India wouldn’t remain silent. But for a week, there was no action. Doubts started creeping in — “Has the government decided to step back?”

And then came May 7 — and India launched Operation Sindoor, a precise and unannounced missile attack on terrorist bases in Pakistan and POK.

What followed on May 8 and 9 were nights of intense tension — drone attacks, heavy border firing, and missile movements. Global analysts were sure: India and Pakistan were heading into a full-scale war.

And just when the world prepared for the worst, India announced a sudden ceasefire on the evening of May 10.

This was not retreat — it was restraint with preparation. Much like Krishna’s overnight move from Mathura to Dwarka, it was quiet, calculated, and complete.

Management Lessons from Krishna and Modi Doctrine

1. Don’t Confuse Noise with Strength

Loud responses are not always effective. Both Krishna and Modi demonstrate that timing and precision matter more than instant reactions. Leaders must know when to pause, when to strike, and when to surprise.

2. Long-Term Vision Over Short-Term Validation

Krishna left Mathura not for immediate applause but for long-term survival and strategic advantage. Similarly, Modi’s temporary silence after the Pahalgam attack confused many — but it laid the groundwork for a carefully executed plan. Great leaders think in years, not days.

3. Surprise is a Strategic Asset

Predictability is a liability in diplomacy, warfare, and corporate competition. By keeping intentions unclear, both leaders used the element of surprise to dominate. In management, never reveal your full playbook too early — let your actions speak when the time is right.

4. Strategic Withdrawal is Not Defeat

Krishna’s departure from Mathura wasn’t weakness — it was repositioning. In business too, stepping back from a market, product, or fight can be the smartest move if it protects your resources and prepares you for a better opportunity.

5. Emotional Control in High-Stakes Situations

Even after the terror attack, Modi didn’t allow public anger to dictate immediate retaliation. Like Krishna, he showed emotional discipline, a hallmark of high-caliber leadership. Managers too must avoid reactive decisions under pressure.

6. Shock Value as a Brand

Just as Dwarka rose from the sea, and just as missiles struck without a warning, the world is learning that India no longer follows predictable patterns. In leadership and branding — the power to surprise positively creates a lasting image of strength and sophistication.

To understand the Modi Doctrine, one must understand this: the goal is never unclear, but the path is often unexpected and situationally crafted. That’s why, when the world saw India hurtling toward war, the sudden peace proposal stunned everyone. And this ability to surprise wisely has become India’s new superpower.

This is the very lesson Krishna left us with  “Leaving the battlefield is not weakness if it preserves your power and readies you for future victory.” And this same lesson was echoed by the Modi government in 2025.

From every angle, the decision was bold, visionary, and a carefully planned step toward global stability.

This was Krishna’s Doctrine , and this is Modi’s policy.

Jai Shri Krishna.