On May 15, 2025 Indian Defence Minister Mr Rajnath Singh in his address with Indian troops, questioned the legitimacy of Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence when he said, “Can we trust Pakistan’s nukes?” It is important to clearly define the purpose of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal which is to maintain balance of power in South Asia to deter aggression from India – led by Narendra Modi.
Mr Singh must understand that Pakistan is not Bhutan or Sikkim. It is a nuclear armed responsible state, able to face off with any hegemon in the region. If ever Pakistan’s sovereignty is infringed by any belligerent, it reserves the right to defend itself with all means at its disposal including the nuclear weapons.
The motivation of Indian misadventure during the month of May 2025 is all too obvious. PM Modi has a domestic need for war hysteria to make his political machination work. His recent electoral victory was with a very thin margin and after humiliation from the hands of China in 2022 he wanted to boost his popularity. India is also increasing its collusion with Israel and both are showing that they have very little regard for international law. It is safe to assume that Indian assessment of situation has gone awry when it planned a false flag terrorist incident to blame Pakistan.
Modi’s government miscalculated Pakistan’s reaction to Indian aggression. Pakistan’s well calculated response to missiles and drone attacks that killed and injured a large number of innocent Pakistanis, caused a mayhem in India. Precision attacks by Pakistani armed forces against India’s military installations forced India to ask for a ceasfire.
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Pakistan’s calculated response in attacking Indian military installations, downing its fighter jets including much trumpeted Rafale and targeting S400 system showed India that even with sophisticated technology they cannot coerce Islamabad. India, failed in its objective faced with a Hobson’s choice, asked the US for a ceasefire. Pakistan on the other hand, yet again acted responsibly to prefer peace over conflict. The ceasefire was accepted and further escalation called off.
It is safe to say that Mr Rajnath Singh is only playing to its domestic audience, the main objective of the whole episode. He even went further in his address to Indian troops and suggested that IAEA should take control of Pakistan’s nukes. Nothing could be more preposterous and foolish than this wishful demand.
The world at large, has witnessed a policy of nuclear restrain and ability to guard its frontiers with lesser but modern conventional means. It has ensured safeguard of its sovereignty by climbing the escalation ladder one rung at a time. Not only that, but its diplomatic demeanour has also received the international community’s approval by welcoming the ceasefire, de-escalation and putting aside unnecessary jingoism.
Mr Modi also miscalculated the intrinsic national cohesion in Pakistan, Pakistanis live together die together – there are certain domestic issues but no general threat. Moreover, Pakistan is a not a diplomatically alienated state, standing firm by its side. It is time for India to wake up to the reality of Pakistan as a major regional player.
Muhammad Aleem Anwar is a graduate of National Defence University, Islamabad. The writer has worked as senior analyst at a government department
