Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a towering figure in Indian politics, once aptly remarked, “You can change your friends, but not your neighbours.” This timeless observation encapsulates the geopolitical reality India faces today. Despite its aspirations for peace and prosperity, India finds itself encircled by increasing hostility—an unfortunate but undeniable truth of its geographical and diplomatic landscape.
Historically, India has coexisted with complex neighbours, but recent developments have intensified the challenges. Some formerly cordial nations have turned adversarial, while traditional rivals continue to exploit every opportunity to undermine India's security and stability. In this regard, India finds a rare parallel in Israel, a country similarly surrounded by hostility and plagued by persistent terrorist threats. Israel’s approach—uncompromising retaliation and a robust intelligence apparatus—raises an important question: Should India adopt a more assertive model akin to Israel's?
India, however, must tread carefully. Unlike Israel, India shares borders with a nuclear-armed adversary that wields religion as a political weapon, both domestically and abroad. Pakistan’s strategic use of religious identity has not only fueled extremism but also complicated efforts toward peace. While India harbors no animosity toward Pakistani citizens, the recurring interference by Pakistan’s state machinery and its support for cross-border terrorism cannot be ignored.
Adding to the challenge, global geopolitics plays a murky role. Some major powers, driven by strategic and economic interests, continue to support or tolerate Pakistan’s actions. Despite being labelled a "rogue state" by some analysts, Pakistan remains useful to certain international players, making it difficult to isolate diplomatically. The idea of moral clarity often loses ground when pitted against realpolitik.
So what can India do?
1. Diplomatic Isolation:
India must continue its efforts to expose Pakistan's duplicity on the global stage. This is easier said than done, given the vested interests of powerful nations. Yet, persistent diplomacy, coalition-building, and leveraging platforms like the United Nations and G20 remain crucial. Every instance of cross-border terrorism or human rights violation must be highlighted with evidence and resolve.
2. Economic Strategy:
Perhaps the most effective long-term strategy is to contribute to Pakistan's economic weakening—not through direct confrontation, but by leveraging regional trade policies, strategic alliances, and counter-terror financing initiatives. An unstable economy may eventually compel Pakistan’s civil society to push for internal reforms. If Pakistan continues to meddle in India's internal affairs, India should consider reciprocating through indirect means such as supporting democratic movements or highlighting internal dissent within Pakistan.
3. Nuclear Threat Mitigation:
The most sensitive and potentially transformative issue is Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. With rising extremism and fragile civilian control over the military, the risk of nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands is real. While denuclearizing Pakistan seems implausible today, initiating a global dialogue around nuclear security in the subcontinent is not. This would require coordination with allies, international watchdogs, and possibly even engagement with Pakistan under global pressure.
Amidst these external threats, India must also look inward. National unity, social harmony, and strong institutions are its best defense. At a time when adversaries aim to exploit internal fault lines, India must prioritize cohesion over division, and integrity over opportunism. Only a strong, united, and visionary India can weather the storm of regional hostility and rise to its true potential on the global stage.
