Former Army Chief NC Vij has stated that Pakistan is "incorrigible" and that "lying is part of its ethos". This statement comes amid renewed focus on the role of the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) after a recent ceasefire was declared between India and Pakistan, following a call between officers holding that rank in both countries. The DGMO is responsible for planning and overseeing military operations.
General Vij's statement reflects a long-held perception in India regarding Pakistan's trustworthiness, particularly in matters of national security. He suggests that deceit and dishonesty are inherent characteristics of the Pakistani state, making it difficult, if not impossible, to engage in meaningful dialogue or negotiations. This perspective is likely shaped by historical events, including the Kargil War, during which General Vij served as the DGMO, and numerous instances of cross-border terrorism and ceasefire violations.
The recent declaration of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan has brought the role of the DGMO into sharp focus. While some view the ceasefire as a positive step towards de-escalation and stability in the region, others remain skeptical, citing Pakistan's history of reneging on agreements and supporting militant groups. General Vij's statement underscores this skepticism, suggesting that any progress made through dialogue may be superficial and short-lived.
The statement also highlights the deep-seated mistrust and animosity that continue to plague India-Pakistan relations. Despite occasional attempts at reconciliation, the two countries remain divided by a range of issues, including Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, and nuclear proliferation. General Vij's assertion that "lying is part of its ethos" suggests a fundamental lack of faith in Pakistan's willingness to engage in honest and transparent dealings.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently warned about Pakistan's alleged plans to use taxpayer money to support Masood Azhar, who is designated as an international terrorist by the UN. Such actions, if true, would further erode trust and confidence between the two countries, reinforcing the perception that Pakistan is unwilling to abandon its support for terrorism.
Furthermore, recent analysis suggests that India's air defense network presented a "never seen before" disruptive technology for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. This operation was reportedly a counterstrike in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam and involved hitting 13 targets, including eight airbases, at strategic locations in Pakistan. The details of how India executed this operation with such precision, and why Pakistan's defenses failed, have led to much speculation.
