Since its inception, Pakistan has pursued friendly and peaceful relations with all neighbouring and allied countries. However, India has consistently regarded Pakistan as an arch-rival and has left no opportunity unused to undermine it, both internally and externally.
Pakistan has fought four wars against India, all prompted by Indian provocation and hegemonic designs. Most recently, India attacked Pakistani territory by launching “Operation Sindhoor” in May this year, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist incident, without solid justification for striking a nuclear-armed neighbour with a formidable defence system. The attacks of 6 and 7 May were met with a decisive Pakistani response on 10 May: “Operation Buniyanun Marsoos”, which destroyed India’s S-400 defence system, eliminated BrahMos missile storage facilities, and resulted in the downing of six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales.
Recognising the grave consequences of the ongoing war, US President Donald Trump intervened and mediated an immediate ceasefire between the two nations. Credit is also due to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who engaged with the leadership of both countries simultaneously at this crucial moment to defuse tensions and restore peace.
India, however, has downplayed the role of this mediation—much to the irritation of President Trump, whose frustration has been evident in public remarks. Relations soured further when, at the June G7 Summit in Canada, President Trump bypassed a meeting with Prime Minister Modi and instead returned to Washington to host a state dinner for Pakistan’s Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir.
Trump has since praised Pakistan’s political and military leadership as “great and wise people to work with”, while making critical remarks about Indian leadership following what he called a humiliating defeat for India—particularly in air combat, where the Pakistan Air Force established clear dominance.
Political experts have described the shift in US policy towards prioritising Pakistan’s interests over India’s as a remarkable diplomatic achievement by Pakistan’s government, foreign office, career diplomats, and military leadership. Military analysts have also expressed astonishment at the aerial combat performance, acknowledging the PAF’s downing of six Indian jets.
International media, along with Indian defence commentators, have conceded that India suffered a serious setback. Yet, rather than learning from its mistakes, India has launched a fresh wave of hostile rhetoric, including threats of a new offensive, “Operation Mahadev”.
India must reflect on its failures, acknowledge Pakistan’s defensive capabilities, and abandon illusions of regional hegemony. Instead of persisting in hostility, it should seek negotiations to resolve outstanding disputes—such as Jammu and Kashmir (IIOK), the Indus Waters Treaty, and cross-border militancy—through dialogue.
For both nuclear-armed neighbours, it is imperative to abandon hegemonic ambitions, end hostilities, and embrace cooperation in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Only then can the region move towards lasting peace and prosperity.
PROF. SAJJAD KHATTAK,
Attock.
