Vikram Sood, the former chief of India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has delivered a scathing critique of Pakistan, characterizing it as a "banana republic" led by an army with a "Jihadi General" at its helm. In an interview with ANI, Sood highlighted the ideological underpinnings of the Pakistani Army, contrasting it with the professional ethos of the Indian military. He argued that the Pakistani military views itself as having a divine right to rule.
Sood's remarks come in the wake of controversies such as the Asia Cup 2025 trophy incident, which he described as symptomatic of a dysfunctional state. He was referring to reports that Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Mohsin Naqvi took the Asia Cup trophy with him. Sood emphasized the serious implications of such behavior, especially considering Pakistan's nuclear capabilities. He stated, "That's what we've got as a neighbour. A banana republic with a nuclear weapon".
The former RAW chief also addressed the evolving situation in Balochistan, where he noted the increasing participation of the educated middle class in the public movement. He suggested that this development makes the situation "more dangerous" and "far more serious than I remember seeing it for the last 20 years".
Sood further speculated on Pakistan's economic strategies, particularly its pursuit of rare earth minerals. He hinted at potential geopolitical plays involving American interests and financial misappropriations. He said that Pakistan is "probably looking for protection from the Americans by showcasing their rare earth minerals on a plate". Sood also suggested that Pakistan will get some money out of it, and some of it will get transferred to the Cayman Islands or Geneva, Zurich, London.
In addition to his comments on Pakistan, Sood has also voiced concerns about the strengthening ties between the United States and Pakistan, suggesting that a "deep state" in the U.S. is working to thwart India's economic progress. He argued that this "deep state," comprising corporations and military intelligence, influences U.S. policy and views India and China's economic rise as a threat. He believes that these actors are manipulating events to control them in a way that benefits them. Sood mentioned powerful corporations like Lockheed Martin and think tanks like the Council on Foreign Relations as examples.
Sood has a history of taking a hardline stance on Pakistan. In the past, he has stated that dialogue with Pakistan is pointless unless it changes its approach and shuts down its "machinery of terrorism". He has also downplayed Pakistan's leverage over India, particularly in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national in Pakistani custody.
Vikram Sood served as the head of RAW from 2000 to 2003. He is currently an advisor to the Observer Research Foundation, where he regularly writes on national security, foreign relations, and strategic issues. He is the author of "The Unending Game: A Former R&AW Chief's Insights into Espionage," which is described as a beginner's guide to intelligence and espionage.
