South Asia is again bleeding where the only real loss is humanity itself. However, incompetent leaders bring suffering to nations, not because of enemies, but because of their own failures. This region has always faced turmoil and animosity, but the new wave of clashes is deeply disturbing, for the first time in history, both countries are launching drones against each another. Undoubtedly, we are living in an anarchic international system, where neither any country nor any international organization holds the supremacy to resolve wars. The declining US-led world order and the rise of major middle powers are defining a new global order, where several states are holding an equal share of power.
The rise of xenophobic and inept leadership in various countries is causing serious blows to global peace. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu are cases in a point. After the Russia- Ukraine and Israel-Palestine wars, a new chapter of confrontation has opened in South Asia. India and Pakistan are nuclear-powered countries and possess the capacity to cause massive destruction. I have already written a detailed analysis of the Pahalgam attack and its future ramification in my previous article. However, the recent escalation and absence of strong diplomacy are exacerbating the peace of the region and the world.
The irresponsible behavior of the Indian government in blaming Pakistan for its own intelligence failure without credible evidence, is a shameful act. The fifth-largest economy and the most populated country, which claims to be the world’s biggest democracy, is acting childishly toward its neighbor. This poses serious challenges to the emergence of a peaceful society in the region. The creation of war hysteria by Indian Media and the infusion of hatred against Pakistan have negative consequences.
From t the first war between both countries, around seven thousand military personnel died on both sides. In the 1965 war, approximately, 6,800 soldiers were killed. During the Indo-Pak war in 1971, over three million civilian causalities occurred, and thousands of combatants died. Not only that but the Kargil war, and regular skirmishes along Line of Control have also claimed hundreds of innocent soldiers’ lives. No one wins a war but it’s a loss of humanity, where the victim are always the poor people from both sides.
Both countries are already grappling with myriad social challenges and high unemployment, creating a war-like scenario is a failure, and leadership of India clearly be blamed for this. It started this escalation by shutting the door on diplomacy. As seen in the Pulwama attack that how Indian BJP government has tactically used diversionary wars for political gain and electoral capital.
Hence, John F Kennedy rightly said that the ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all. That’s what is happening today. The rise of Narender Modi is undoubtedly a threat to the security of all.
Pakistan has offered full cooperation in investigating the Pahalgam attack and identifying the perpetrators. However, India refused the offer and instead blamed Pakistan without substantiate proof and killed various civilians by attacking the Mosque in Pakistan. India is violating Geneva convention, targeting innocent civilians and critical infrastructure.
People on both sides of the border are cheering for wars. The social media posts from citizens of both nations demonstrating that we are failed societies, unable to understand the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war. Observing the public attitude in both countries, one can rightly say that more wars have been caused by foolish pride and failed leadership than by necessity.
Despite the presence of international arbitration bodies organizations and the United Nations, no decisive steps have been taken yet. The international community is ignoring the ongoing escalation in the South Asian region which could prove disastrous if nuclear war were to occur. The absence of strong diplomatic channels and recklessness of Indian leadership in waging war despite having enough proof of the true culprits behind the pahalgam attack is shameful. Indian authorities have blamed the Resistance Front terrorist, linking with Lahkare Taiba terrorist organization without any substantial evidence. Even, if their allegations were true, India has no right to attack a sovereign country and kill non-combatants. Pakistan has a standing army and is a nuclear power. it was reckless act of the Modi government to launch drone strikes.
India is clearly intending to escalate war in the region. The operation Sindoor and the drone strikes by India in various parts of Pakistan are condemnable act. India is blatantly violating Article 51 of the Geneva Convention. After conducting the National Security Council meeting Pakistan launched operation Bunyan Marsoos to retaliate under Article 51 of United Nation security council charter on self- defense right.
Undoubtedly, India is taking impressions from Israel and violating international law. In war, it is not leaders who suffer but the common people who bury their loved ones. It is essential to stop this war and prioritize diplomatic engagement to avert bloodshed and save the lives of innocent people lives on both sides. The selfish motives of politicians must never be placed above human life. Both nations exercise restraint and work toward the peaceful coexistence of their societies and a prosperous South Asia depends on it.
The author is a PRCCSF fellow and research analyst having keen interest in foreign policy,history,geopolitics, and international relations.
