In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, one voice has risen prominently across Indian screens and digital feeds: Palki Sharma, Managing Editor at Firstpost and anchor of the flagship show Vantage. Her sharp, articulate, and unflinching coverage has placed her at the centre of the national and global discourse, as India responds to one of the most significant national security developments in recent years.
Who is Palki Sharma?
Palki Sharma is one of India’s most respected news anchors and foreign affairs journalists. With over two decades of experience, she has worked with Doordarshan, CNN-News18, and WION before joining Firstpost in 2023. Her show Vantage with Palki Sharma has quickly become a trusted destination for Indian and global viewers seeking fact-based and insight-driven news with an Indian lens.
Sharma is recognized for simplifying complex geopolitical events, defining India’s diplomatic and strategic interests, and bringing to attention stories that are neglected in global news reporting. She is English, Hindi, and French proficient, and possesses a master’s degree in journalism.
Context: Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor
On April 22, 2025, terrorists attacked civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, killing 26 innocent people, including women and children. The attack sent shockwaves across India and led to nationwide mourning. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor in early May 2025, a cross-border precision strike targeting terrorist launchpads and infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The government described the operation as a calibrated, intelligence-backed action meant to dismantle threats to national security. Indian officials said the mission was successful and significantly degraded the capacity of hostile elements.
Palki Sharma’s Role in the Coverage
Throughout this sensitive period, Palki Sharma led Firstpost’s comprehensive coverage on Vantage. Her segments provided verified information, clear timelines, and in-depth analysis of the strategic dimensions of Operation Sindoor.
On May 16, Sharma released a segment titled “Social Media Users Mock Pakistan After Operation Sindoor”, in which she reported on how Indian citizens used wit and sarcasm to respond to contradictory statements from Pakistani authorities. She highlighted the unity and resilience of the Indian public in the face of threats.
In another Vantage segment, she explained the geopolitical importance of the operation, backed by satellite imagery, official statements, and verified third-party data. She clearly laid out India’s objectives, emphasizing that the response was not retaliatory for vengeance, but strategic and necessary for national defense.
Her calm, factual tone combined with strong storytelling captured the sentiment of millions of Indians while maintaining editorial responsibility.
Social Media Momentum
Following these broadcasts, Palki Sharma became one of the most mentioned Indian journalists on social media in May 2025. Hashtags like #VantageWithPalkiSharma, #OperationSindoor, and #IndiaStrikesBack trended across platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.
Excerpts from her Vantage show were widely shared and lauded by top defense experts, celebrities, and citizens alike. Memes and tweets called her the “voice of clarity” during times of turmoil. Her delivery pattern, sharp, assertive, and calm, resonated with a broad group, ranging from students to elderly policymakers.
Recognition and Trust
Palki Sharma’s credibility lies in her long-term dedication to journalistic integrity and national interest. Her capability to deliver a balanced story that gives importance to facts has gained her respect across media and diplomatic circles.
Her Oxford Union speech in 2023, where she eloquently defended India’s democratic values and progress, was lauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and became one of the most-watched Indian political speeches globally.
Today, Sharma is not just a news anchor but a symbol of India’s rising voice in global journalism someone who ensures that India’s perspective is not lost in translation.
Clarity in Crisis
During a crisis, the demand for truth, clarity, and responsible journalism is the greatest. Palki Sharma’s reportage on the India-Pakistan escalation after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor has reminded viewers of the potential of educated journalism based on national values.
She continues to anchor Vantage every weeknight on Firstpost, shaping not just how news is reported, but how India sees itself, and how the world understands India.
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