In the realm of international politics, few figures have so adeptly embraced the role of both statesman and performer as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His handling of the Pahalgam incident – a tragic terrorist attack that claimed the lives of more than 28 Indian civilian and one soldier – seemed more like an audition for a role in the geopolitical drama than a measured response to an act of terrorism. His actions, which have since been framed as a deliberate attempt to extract strategic advantage from the horrific event, raise troubling questions about the depth and maturity of India’s diplomatic approach. To an outside observer, Modi’s posturing in the wake of the incident seems almost theatrical, as if he were playing a role crafted by his political advisors, closely mirroring the bold, aggressive stance of US President Donald Trump.
Yet, this apparent mimicry of Trump’s approach is dangerous for the already tense relationship between India and Pakistan. The alleged terror attack of Pahalgam, while horrific in its own right, has become the focal point for the latest chapter in the long-running rivalry between the two nuclear-armed nations. Modi’s reaction, however, has the distinct flavor of strategic exploitation. Rather than working towards understanding or seeking a resolve against alleged terror attack. India, under Modi’s leadership, seems intent on using the incident as a tool to justify further aggressive actions against Indian Muslims, especially Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir’s innocent Muslims and Pakistan. This dangerous escalation raises a crucial question: What happens when one nation continues to push the other into a corner? History has shown us time and again that when a nation feels trapped, retaliation is often the only recourse left.
While India and Pakistan may not find themselves in direct competition in all aspects of national development or regional influence, the issue of Pakistan’s sovereignty is undeniably one of the most sensitive and consequential. India’s repeated attempts to undermine Pakistan’s territorial integrity have raised serious concerns, not just about the balance of power in South Asia but about the broader regional and global security landscape. Modi’s aggressive stance, coupled with India’s increasing reliance on US support, raises an unsettling question: Can India’s territorial integrity truly be safeguarded if its only pillar of support is the United States? This question becomes even more pertinent in the light of Pakistan’s relentless focus on its survival, and the need to maintain control over its sovereign rights.
What has become increasingly clear, however, is that pushing Pakistan too far is a dangerous game. Pakistan, for all its challenges, is a resilient nation that has long prided itself on its ability to stand firm against external pressures. In this sense, any attempt by India to escalate tensions further will inevitably invite retaliation. The international community must watch closely and hope that India, in the midst of its political theatre, will remember the importance of diplomacy, restraint, and strategic maturity. Pakistan’s response to India’s actions has been unequivocal. The government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has firmly rejected India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, calling the diversion of water from the Indus River as an act of war. Water is not just a resource for Pakistan – it is a matter of national survival.
In a region where the population is rapidly growing and resources are dwindling, Pakistan’s water rights are sacred. The National Security Committee (NSC) in Pakistan has made it clear that the country, along with its armed forces, is fully prepared to respond to any miscalculation by India. It is also evident that the diplomatic front is not being left to chance. In a move that speaks volumes about the escalating tensions, Pakistan has designated certain Indian diplomats as undesirable, ordering their departure alongside their support staff. The political response has not been confined to diplomatic channels alone. Pakistan has taken significant steps in limiting India’s presence in the country, including reducing the Indian High Commission’s staff to just 30 personnel. Additionally, Pakistan has closed its airspace to all Indian-owned or operated airlines, further escalating the diplomatic standoff.
These moves, though severe, are not without context. Pakistan has made it clear that its response is directly linked to the violation of its sovereign rights and the manipulation of tragic events for political gain. The message is clear: Pakistan will not sit idly by while its national interests are trampled upon. Moreover, the suspension of all trade transactions with India, whether directly or through third-party countries, is another significant step in Pakistan’s efforts to isolate India diplomatically and economically. The Pakistani leadership has also reiterated the capacity of the nation’s armed forces to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, drawing parallels to the swift and decisive response following India’s border violations in 2019. These actions, while certainly provocative, should be viewed as a reminder of the fragile and volatile nature of relations between the two countries.
At the heart of this crisis is the issue of Kashmir – a long-standing point of contention that remains unresolved despite numerous UN resolutions. Modi’s government continues to violate these resolutions, further exacerbating tensions. The political exploitation of the Pahalgam incident, for all its short-term strategic gains, only deepens the divide between the two nations. Pakistan’s leadership has made it clear that such tactics are counterproductive, offering nothing but further destabilization. The continued presence of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a convicted Indian spy in Pakistan, stands as a testament to India’s covert operations against Pakistan and serves as a constant reminder of the complexities in the relationship between the two nations.
