THE Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies’ victory in the Bihar Assembly elections has once again bolstered Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political confidence.
Achieved amidst record unemployment, escalating rural protests and internal fissures within his own party, the triumph is less a testament to governance than to Modi’s mastery of political theatrics. As domestic challenges mount, the Prime Minister has reverted to a familiar strategy: projecting external threats, particularly Pakistan, to divert attention and consolidate public support. The old narrative of India besieged by an adversary across the border has been revived with renewed intensity.
India’s economic indicators tell a story of strain. Rising food inflation, stagnant rural incomes and a near-record unemployment rate among youth have left many citizens disillusioned with Modi’s promises of transformation. Yet, in times of domestic vulnerability, Modi consistently turns outward. Pakistan becomes the convenient scapegoat—a focus for nationalist rhetoric and a distraction from growing domestic discontent. The timing is never coincidental. Immediately after the Bihar results, Indian media outlets—especially those aligned with Hindutva politics—erupted in triumphal commentary, framing the victory as a mandate for a tougher stance against Pakistan. Simultaneously, India conducted sudden military drills, increased troop deployments along the Line of Control and issued aggressive statements from senior leaders. The pattern is familiar: internal weaknesses are masked by external posturing and the public is presented with the illusion of a looming security crisis.
In this heightened environment, the recent blast in New Delhi became a perfect vehicle for political leverage. Without waiting for preliminary investigations or forensic evidence, Indian media and political leaders hastily suggested Pakistan’s involvement. Yet early assessments by Indian investigators, combined with technical details from the site, pointed toward an internal cause with no cross-border link. Attempts to internationalize the incident were largely dismissed abroad, highlighting the limitations of propaganda divorced from facts. Pakistan, by contrast, condemned the blast, called for transparent investigation and reminded the world that it has long been a primary victim of terrorism. The contrast in conduct is stark: India weaponized the incident for domestic gain, while Pakistan responded responsibly, projecting restraint and credibility.
Despite rising rhetoric from New Delhi, Pakistan has chosen a posture of strategic calm combined with full readiness. Under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the defence forces remain alert, capable and prepared to respond decisively to any provocation. The lessons of May 2025, when India’s limited military adventurism was effectively countered, continue to inform Pakistan’s posture. Any misadventure on India’s part will now be met with timely and overwhelming response. This preparedness is underpinned by political cohesion rarely seen in Pakistan’s recent history. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s measured leadership, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s diplomatic and economic management and Field Marshal Munir’s strategic direction have produced a unified national response. Civilian and military coordination has strengthened Pakistan’s deterrent posture and enhanced its international credibility.
Global powers, while seeing India as a strategic counterweight to China, are acutely aware of the catastrophic consequences of conflict between two nuclear-armed neighbors. Consequently, Modi no longer enjoys the diplomatic latitude he once did. Western capitals are increasingly cautious about providing cover for Indian adventurism. Pakistan’s consistent and transparent diplomatic messaging has exposed Indian propaganda and positioned Islamabad as a responsible actor committed to regional stability. This evolving reality has created a new strategic equilibrium. Pakistan’s improved command and control, rapid response capability and institutional confidence demonstrated during the 2025 standoff send an unmistakable signal: India cannot escalate without consequence. Any future provocations will be met with measured yet decisive action. There is no emergency hotline waiting to shield New Delhi from the consequences of its own choices. No foreign power is prepared to intervene on India’s behalf. Pakistan has demonstrated that it can protect its sovereignty through diplomacy when possible and through strength when necessary.
Modi and his government must come to terms with this new strategic landscape. War rhetoric may still excite elements of the Indian electorate, but it no longer alters the balance of power in South Asia. The region’s stability now depends less on India’s theatrics and more on Pakistan’s disciplined, confident and responsible approach. Sooner or later, New Delhi will have to confront this reality. Pakistan’s enhanced defensive capabilities, strategic clarity and coherent national leadership leave no room for miscalculation. The message is clear: Pakistan will defend its territory, its sovereignty and its national dignity—through wisdom, strength and decisive collective action. South Asia has entered a phase where irresponsible adventurism will no longer be tolerated and the strategic balance is firmly in Pakistan’s hands.
—The writer is a Supreme Court lawyer and former member & Chairman Standing Committee of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council. Islamabad
