India is sending a clear message to Pakistan: it will not be cowed by threats of nuclear escalation and insists on addressing all issues bilaterally. This firm stance comes amid heightened tensions following recent cross-border skirmishes and accusations of supporting terrorism. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during a recent visit to Germany, explicitly stated that India will "never succumb to nuclear blackmail" from Pakistan. This resolute declaration underscores India's commitment to its national security and its refusal to be intimidated by its neighbor's nuclear arsenal.
The context for this statement is the recent upsurge in tensions between the two countries, triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack, which led to India launching Operation Sindoor in retaliation. India has long accused Pakistan of supporting terrorist activities on its soil, and this latest incident has only reinforced that belief. India's military response, targeting alleged terrorist camps and Pakistani military positions, has further strained relations.
India's insistence on bilateral talks is a long-standing policy, rejecting any third-party mediation in its disputes with Pakistan. This position has been reiterated by the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasizing that "any India-Pakistan engagement has to be bilateral." This stance reflects India's belief that it can directly address and resolve issues with Pakistan through direct dialogue, without external interference. However, India has also made it clear that "talks and terror don't go together," setting a precondition for any meaningful dialogue.
The nuclear dimension of the India-Pakistan relationship is a constant source of concern for the international community. Both countries possess nuclear weapons, and the potential for escalation in any conflict is ever-present. India has a declared "No First Use" (NFU) policy, pledging to use nuclear weapons only in retaliation. However, recent statements from Indian leadership have hinted at a possible reconsideration of this stance. Pakistan, on the other hand, has not adopted an NFU policy, reserving the option of preemptive use, particularly as a deterrent against India's larger conventional forces. According to the Arms Control Association, India possesses approximately 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan has around 170.
Despite the nuclear overhang, India maintains a clear military advantage over Pakistan in conventional forces. India's military is ranked fourth globally, while Pakistan is ranked twelfth. India has a significantly larger active military personnel, a larger air force, and a more formidable navy. India's defense budget far exceeds that of Pakistan, allowing for greater investment in military modernization and technological advancements.
India's strategy towards Pakistan is multi-pronged. Diplomatically, it insists on bilateral talks while demanding an end to cross-border terrorism. Militarily, it demonstrates a willingness to respond decisively to any attacks, as seen with Operation Sindoor. Nuclear-wise, it projects a posture of strength and deterrence, making it clear that it will not be blackmailed. India's message is that it seeks peaceful relations with Pakistan, but not at the cost of its national security and sovereignty. The path forward remains challenging, requiring a fundamental shift in Pakistan's approach to terrorism and a commitment to peaceful dialogue.
