Since its rise to power in 2014, Narendra Modi ushered a well-articulated policy to weaken Pakistan politically and economically. It always alleged Pakistan for cross border terror attacks without any evidence while directly supporting terror and sabotage activities inside Pakistan. India has always endangered the regional peace by staging false flag terror incidents, making grounds for surgical strikes inside Pakistan. It never adhered to international norms and bilateral treaties hence unilaterally announced revoking special status of IIOJK under article 371 of Indian constitution and the recent suspension of Indus Water Treaty mediated by the World Bank. These escalatory measures were exploited mainly for political gains and also to project India’s military, economic and technological power to be recognized as a regional and global power.
On 22 April 2025, Narendra Modi orchestrated another false flag operation in Pahalgam area and without wasting time, alleged Pakistan for the attack. As usual, the attack was followed by media provocations, mobilization of forces and public promises to avenge the attack. It immediately announced suspension of Indus Water Treaty and diversion of legitimate water share of Pakistan. In addition, distracted with the illusion of military dominance, economic strength and technological edge, Indian prime minister announced cross border strikes. Despite Pakistan’s responsible reaction to Indian allegations, unabated condemnation of the Pahalgam incident and offers for third party transparent investigations, Indian warmongering continued. However, Pakistan warned India to refrain from undertaking any misadventure and pledged to ensure its self-defence and preserve its sovereignty at all cost.
The global voices for restraint went on Indian deaf ears and they attempted air strikes in Pakistan on 10th May 2025. The effective Pakistan’s self defence strategy caused humiliation to India after losing five aircrafts including the most renowned French Rafael. Modi’s media, disinformation campaign, illusion of military power and intended political interests collapsed however, he continued pressing for violence under pressure from Hindu nationalists. The exchange of missiles alarmed the world community about threats of further escalation who mediated a ceasefire between the two states.
Since Modi’s intended objectives from escalation with Pakistan including his political interests, could not be achieved, therefore despite ceasefire, neither Indian war rhetoric nor its unilateral stance on Indus Water Treaty could be harnessed. Instead it urged immediate construction of dams on the three rivers to deny its flow into Pakistan. Moreover, it also urged Afghan Taliban government to accelerate its dam construction process on the rivers flowing into Pakistan. Narendra Modi publically reiterated that similar attacks will be carried out against Pakistan in response to terror attacks in India to secure India’s peace and sovereignty. Pakistan also witnessed upsurge in Indian sponsored terror attacks in various parts of the country including bombing of a school bus in Baluchistan, reflecting Modi’s future designs. These measures enunciate that Hindu nationalism is overwhelmed by revengeful intent and would soon resort to violence against Pakistan to restore its global image and regional influence.
The current ceasefire is just a temporary pause in the prolong war between India and Pakistan. BJP government would not withdraw from its ideological dream of ‘Akhand Bharat’ and would continue pursuing the restoration of its ‘glorious past’. India is also acquiring cutting edge military technology from the US, France, Russia and Israel to prepare for a decisive battle with Pakistan. Indian sponsored terrorism inside Pakistan and weaponization of water will lead to an immediate clash between the nuclear rivals which would endanger global peace.
Hence, the Pahalgam incident has marked the beginning of a new warfare in South Asia with no hope of perpetual peace amid Indian future intentions. The future war would be technology based, short lived and casualty intensive which would require nation’s resilience, unity and support for the armed forces. Since armed forces of Pakistan defeated Indian forces, therefore, India would incite political rifts, economic deterioration and sectarian clashes in Pakistan to widen the gap between various factions. We as a nation should stand by our armed forces and should not fall prey to the misinformation campaigns and Indian sponsored social media platforms. Our survival and freedom lies in the security of our motherland which are pledged by strong association between nation and its forces.
The global community should remain cognizant of the fact any future war between nuclear arch rivals can go beyond nuclear threshold which would cause devastation for the world. This is the time that global community takes notice of the Indian hegemonic designs, atrocities against the Muslim and step ahead for resolution of the age old issue of IIOJK. The active role of the global forums and leading states would help force India refrain from aggression thereby leading to perpetual peace and prosperity.
Dr. Muhammad Farooq is a freelancer who writes for different journals. He has done PhD from Punjab University in international relations. His interest area is India and South Asia and monitors the recent development in the region. He can be contacted on mfarsam14@yahoo.com