Former diplomat Ajay Bisaria has cautioned against letting public sentiment dictate military decisions with Pakistan, emphasizing the need for strategic calculation amid soaring tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The ex-Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan stressed that successful operations require “speed, surprise and secrecy” rather than emotional responses.
“We must prepare for worst-case scenarios including full-scale war if we escalate,” Bisaria stated in an ANI interview, highlighting the need for clear military capacity and political will before any action. His remarks come as both nations deploy additional troops along the border following India’s accusations of Pakistani involvement in the April 22 Kashmir attack.
Strategic analyst Sushant Sareen painted a grim picture of potential consequences, warning that missile exchanges could devastate major cities on both sides. “If Islamabad and Lahore become targets, Delhi remains equally vulnerable,” he noted, underscoring the nuclear risks inherent in uncontrolled escalation between the atomic-armed neighbors.
Sareen raised pointed questions about India’s foreign policy assumptions, particularly regarding Russia’s reliability as an ally. Noting Moscow’s neutral stance in the current crisis, he challenged prevailing views about Russian support in potential India-China conflicts. “They didn’t back us against Pakistan – why expect different with China?” he asked, urging reevaluation of strategic partnerships.
The experts’ warnings coincide with visible military preparations on both sides. Pakistan recently tested its nuclear-capable Abdali missile, while India has conducted high-altitude air defense drills. Both nations have expelled diplomats and severed cultural exchanges, with India additionally blocking Pakistani YouTube channels to disrupt “propaganda revenue streams.”
Bisaria, who served in Islamabad during the 2019 Balakot crisis, emphasized that India must retain complete operational autonomy. “We cannot depend on international mediation – this battle must be fought on our own terms,” he stated, advocating for measured responses that maintain escalation control.
The sober assessments contrast with rising war rhetoric in both countries’ media ecosystems. Security establishments reportedly maintain backchannel communications to prevent accidental clashes, though official diplomatic contacts remain frozen.
As global powers call for restraint, the experts’ interventions highlight the delicate balance between demonstrating resolve and avoiding catastrophic conflict. With Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine permitting first-use and India adhering to no-first-use, the risks of miscalculation remain acute in the current charged environment.
The government faces mounting pressure to respond decisively to the Pahalgam attack while navigating these complex strategic realities. The coming weeks may prove decisive in determining whether the crisis de-escalates or spirals into greater confrontation.
Disclaimer: Views expressed are of experts quoted and don’t reflect official positions. Strategic assessments may evolve as the situation develops.
Source: NDTV
