One of the major achievements of Operation Sindoor was neutralizing the nuclear blackmail of Pakistan. Pakistan often threatened India with the use of ‘Tactical Nuclear Weapons (TNWs)’ whenever India crossed a certain threshold in conventional war against India. It was because of this nuclear blackmail that India was constrained to restrict its offensive options across the Line of Control (LOC) in the past. During Operation Sindoor on 7 May, India demonstrated a ‘New Normal’ by destroying terror hubs not only inside POK but also at Muridke and Bahawalpur, both inside Pakistan’s Punjab province.
When Pakistan escalated the conflict on 8 May by targeting border towns and habitation on the LOC, India retaliated in a calibrated manner by targeting the air defence and radars of Pakistan. This happened for the first time after 1971 Indo-Pak war. When Pakistan did not stop even then, India gave a strong response by destroying 11 strategic airfields of Pakistan on 9 and 10 May. By striking the military airfields of Pakistan, India challenged the nuclear threshold of Pakistan. Normally, Pakistan would have threatened to use TNWs against India as per its earlier stand. But instead of nuclear sabre rattling, Pakistan pleaded for ceasefire with India on 10 May evening. Thus, India had successfully called off the nuclear blackmail of Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
So, what has emboldened General Asim Munir’s nuclear threat to India from the American soil, three months after the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan since 10 May. The first signal by was given by President Trump when he hosted General Munir for lunch on 18 June. Not only General Munir offered US access to Iran from Pakistani soil, he went on to praise President Trump, worthy of Nobel peace prize. The second signal obviously is President Trump’s tariff tyranny by imposing 25%+25% tariff against India. Around the same time, General Munir found another opportunity to visit the US to join the farewell ceremony of General Michael Kurilla, US Central Command Commander.
“It may be dangerous to be America’s enemy, but to be America’s friend is fatal”. This famous quote is attributed to Henry Kissinger, former US Secretary of State. General Munir is trying to be friends with America and the results are already dismal. The economy of Pakistan is in its worst phase, with no signs of recovery any time soon. Pakistan is surviving on loans from the IMF, China and some gulf countries. The suspension of Indus Water Treaty (IWT) by India has already hit Pakistan hard. After the rains, the impact would be more visible. Thus, we find the vocal cords of Pakistani leadership crying hoarse over the IWT in the last few days.
It is noteworthy that Pakistan and its leadership have been shaken up with the harsh reality of military damages suffered during Operation Sindoor. On 9 August, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh gave a vivid account of downing at least six fighter aircraft and other military infrastructure of Pakistan. Backed by satellite and aerial photographs, the severe damage inflicted on Pakistan’s military facilities was for all to see. Now in order to do the damage control, we find General Munir resorting to nuclear sabre rattling and even threatening missile strike on the oil refinery at Jamnagar. His utterances are nothing but a failed attempt to address the domestic constituency of Pakistan.
The sudden change in the diplomatic fortunes of Pakistan under President Trump 2.0 is another example of his temperamental foreign policy outcomes. A large section within the US wants cordial relations with India. In my opinion, the so-called downturn in Indo-US relations is a temporary phase which would be overcome in its own time. It is similar to seasonal cough and cold which takes seven days to cure with medicines and gets cured in one week without medicines. India is already a major global power and thus the American leadership has to respect the sentiments of world’s largest genuine democracy. Indian diplomacy has the skills to get the Indo-US relations on track for the mutual benefit of both the nations. Pakistan would remain a crying baby.
As regards Pakistan, India should not stoop to the level of General Munir and Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif. India’s MEA has already issued a dignified reply to the nuclear threat of Pakistan. But India may consider raising the irresponsible nuclear threat of Pakistan, not only with the Security Council of the UN but also with major groupings like the European Union, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), ASEAN, African Union etc. If necessary, then India may send all party delegation to various parts of the world to name and shame Pakistan. The nuclear blackmail of Pakistan, particularly in the hands of an irresponsible general, has to be condemned at the international level.
I am sure that Operation Sindoor is going to find a significant mention in PM Modi’s speech from the ramparts of Red Fort on 15 August. PM Modi is certainly going to convey his world view and also address the common people of Pakistan through his speech. India took extra care not to target civilian population of Pakistan during Operation Sindoor even under grave provocation. Thus, India means no harm to the common people of Pakistan even in a conflict and would like to share friendly relations with them. The problem is Pakistani government, fully under the control of their Army Chief. The stark difference in the destiny of two nations separated on the lines of religion is for the people of Pakistan to understand. India is on the path to become the third largest economy soon and Pakistan is economically doomed.
In the long run, India through the population of Pakistan has to ensure change in their existing power structure. Pakistan has to become a genuine democracy where the Army is under civilian control. For Pakistani Army, their idea of existential threat from India and keeping Kashmir issue alive can only bring more misery to their common people. The renewed attempt of nuclear blackmail is actually an existential crisis for a failed General Munir. India is in a different league and has the ability to deal with the threats emanating from Pakistan or its supporters. As long as we Indians are united in our pursuit to make Viksit Bharat@2047, no power on earth can stop our growth trajectory. Jai Bharat!
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