On July 26th, 2024, Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi delivered a speech at the “Kargil War Memorial” in Drass, Ladakh. In his speech, Mr. Modi congratulated the whole nation on the “Kargil Victory Day” and applauded the sacrifices made by the Indian Soldiers during the War. No doubt such speeches serve to remined the nation of its military’s valour and importance of remembering and respecting those who have laid down their lives in defense of the country.
But Mr. Modi’s speech feigned the Indian victory in the Kargil War. The 1999 Kargil War also holds a significant place in the history of Pakistan, emphasizing the historical and emotional weight of the conflict. The Kargil War, resulted in approximately 1000 combined deaths and soldiers wounded on both sides. It officially came to an end on July 26th, 1999.
Ironically, India celebrates this date as “Kargil Vijay Dewas” or “Kargil Victory Day.” But the fact is that immense international and domestic pressure forced the Pakistani troops to withdraw back to their pre-war positions. Throughout his speech, Mr. Modi continuously fabricated the reality of Kashmir, targeting his political opponents and Pakistan with baseless and contradicting statements.
Mr. Modi spoke about the optimistic future of Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, while completely ignoring the sentiments of local population. He also criticized Pakistan and blamed it for consistently engaging in misadventures against India. He labeled Pakistan as a master of terror and accused it of supporting terrorism and proxy wars.
During his speech, Mr. Modi said “Jammu-Kashmir is looking towards a great future and big dreams.” He further stated that along with infrastructure and development, the tourism sector is also growing and cinemas are reopening in the region after decades. However, this positive description of Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) stands in stark contradiction to the reality.
Since, Mr. Modi revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir region by abrogating the Article 370 in 2019, massive resentment has been shown by the people of IIOJK. People have taken to the streets to protect their rights, and many have lost their lives due to the brutal tactics of the Indian Military.
According to the report of Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), since the abrogation of Article 370, nearly 792 Kashmiri’s have been martyred and thousands have been wounded in the IIOJK. Nonetheless, the people of IIOJK continue their struggle for self-determination.
The political leaders of the IIOJK region have also commented on their ongoing struggle to restore the autonomous status of IIOJK. In 2023, when the Supreme Court of India upheld the abrogation of Article 370, Mr. Omar Abdullah, the vice president of National Conference and the former Chief Minister of IIOJK responded by saying “We are prepared for the long haul, disappointed but not disheartened. The struggle will continue.” Similarly, Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, the chief of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) called the decision as, “nothing less than a death sentence.”
However, Mr. Modi’s disregard for local sentiments and his distortion of the on-ground realities have severely undermined the will of IIOJK people and their right of self-determination.
In response to the belligerent remarks made by Mr. Modi regarding Pakistan during his speech, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued a statement and criticized the Indian leaders for their rhetoric statements and jingoism that threatens the regional peace and stability. The statement also pointed out India’s destructive role to destabilize the regional peace such as, targeted assassinations, subversion and terrorism in foreign territories.
Mr. Modi has consistently been a major critic of Pakistan, repeatedly blamed it for supporting nationalist ideology, terrorism and proxy wars. However, the ruling party of Mr. Modi, the Bhartiya Janta party (BJP), has been at the forefront in supporting its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The RSS, an extremist organization, advocates the ‘Hindutva Ideology’ and ‘Hindu supremacy,’ and has been involved in committing atrocities against minorities. The ‘Hindutva Ideology’ promoted by the RSS has also been central to BJP government policies, resulted in increased violations of minority rights and the marginalization of non-Hindus, especially Muslims, within India.
Moreover, the Indian intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) has been actively involved in supporting terrorism and separatist groups within Pakistan, exclusively in Balochistan. In 2023, a commander of the Baloch Nationalist Army (BNA) admitted that India was supporting terrorism in Balochistan.
Besides, the arrest of the Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, also highlighted the role of India in cross-border terrorism against Pakistan. In his confession Jadhav stated, “I was picked up by RAW in 2013 end. Ever since I have been directing various activities in Balochistan and Karachi at the behest of RAW and deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi. My purpose was to hold meetings with Baloch insurgents and carry out activities with their collaboration. These activities have been of criminal nature, leading to killing of or maiming of Pakistani citizens.”
The government of Mr. Modi has also become notorious for its aggressive military and covert operations that have undermined the sovereignty of many states. For instance, the 2019, Balakot airstrike by India was a noteworthy misadventure against Pakistan and a violation of its territorial sovereignty. In response, Pakistan retaliated by shooting down an Indian fighter aircraft, escalating an already volatile situation to the brink of potential nuclear conflict. Due to which this incident was referred to as the “Cuban Missile Crisis of South Asia” by many scholars.
The story of territorial violations and ineffective counter-terrorism activities do not stop here. India has also been involved in the assassination of many individuals across the globe, labelling them as defectors or supporters of separatism movements within India. Since 2020, Indian intelligence agents have covertly killed at least 20 people inside Pakistan. Moreover, the involvement of the Indian government in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar has raised concerns about India’s global killing spree.
India’s support for cross-border terrorism along with aggressive military and covert operations requires global attention, because such actions not only spread violence and chaos, but also challenge the sovereignty of other countries.
India is the 5th largest economy in the world in terms of GDP, and a major market for global export. Its international reputation and significant role in the world economy have enabled it to become a member of regional and international organizations. India is also seeking a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to enhance its diplomatic influence. That is why, India’s growing diplomatic influence has made it less susceptible to international pressure and obligations.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s diplomatic position has often been fragile. The Kashmir issue remains a persistent source of conflict between Pakistan and India, and it will continue to do so until it is resolved through the United Nations resolutions on Kashmir’s status. Therefore, Pakistan should actively vocalize the Kashmir issue at international forums and counter India diplomatically at all fronts.
In-order to make voice effective globally, Pakistan needs to overcome its internal political issues and focus on improving its international reputation by forging alliances and strengthening trade relations. Additionally, it should aim to join regional and global organizations and expand its diaspora across the world.
