Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and its neighbourhood, Issue: India-Pakistan relations.
Context:
As India recently faced a brief military conflict with Pakistan in early May, it is Important to understand the recurring nature of these conflicts in a broader historical and civilisational context.
Key Takeaways:
- Civilizational contrast: India’s civilisational legacy and secular democratic model stand in contrast to Pakistan’s ideological foundations.
- Pakistan’s Hostile Posture: Pakistan has a consistent history of provoking India into conflict every few years by following a doctrine to “bleed India by a thousand cuts.”
- Threat to India: Pakistan’s approach to India is shaped by a military-dominated mindset and rejection of India’s secular and democratic existence.Pakistan seeks to destabilize India through terrorism, proxy wars, and direct military engagements.
- India’s Challenge: A peaceful, secular, and democratic India is an anathema to Pakistan’s ideology.India must always be prepared for conflict given Pakistan’s unpredictable behaviour.
Pakistan’s Current Political Landscape:
- Military dominance: Pakistan is seen as a military dictatorship under the guise of democracy.The military retains real power; elections are manipulated, as seen in the case of Imran Khan.
- Religious Extremism: Former Army Chief Asim Munir declared that Pakistan is a religious state, not a democracy.He asserted that Pakistan’s identity is opposed to Hindu values and traditions.
What Lies Ahead:
- Religious Nationalism: Expected rise in religious nationalism in Pakistan and broader South-West Asia may encourage a resurgence of anti-India sentiments.
- Escalation Dominance: Recent India-Pakistan clash showcased India’s ability to establish “escalation dominance.” Swift response capacity shown through use of military power in a short timeframe.
- Cyber Capabilities: India displayed capability in electronic warfare during the recent conflict.This includes enemy jamming, evasion tactics, and technological superiority.
- Technological Revolution in Warfare: Future conflicts likely to be shaped by advanced technologies like AI (Artificial Intelligence), Cyber warfare, Drone technology and Hypersonic weapons. India’s technological edge provides a strategic advantage but also raises the stakes for rapid escalation.
- Changing Nature of Warfare:
- Air-to-air warfare is evolving: Use of Rafale jets, S-400 air defence system, and Akash missiles.
- Electronic countermeasures and “kill chains” have become critical components of modern conflicts.
Conclusion:
India must prepare for frequent provocations by Pakistan.No easy solutions exist and India needs constant preparedness.Strategic foresight, military readiness, and technological advancement are key.
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/pakistans-india-war/article69637307.ece
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar : 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
