In a recent event at Chatham House in London, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made inflammatory remarks regarding Pakistan and Kashmir, further cementing India’s aggressive and revisionist stance in the region. His assertions that the “stolen part of Kashmir” referred to as Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir must be returned to India reflect not only dangerous territorial ambitions but also a desperate attempt to shift the focus from India’s declining global image. This rhetoric comes in the wake of Narendra Modi’s humiliating visit to Washington, where his presence was met with protests and significant international criticism over his government’s authoritarian policies, human rights abuses, and suppression of minorities.
During his talk, a dramatic scene unfolded outside- pro-Khalistan protesters breached security, with one tearing the Indian flag before being apprehended. This incident starkly highlighted the internal fractures and growing dissent within India, even as Jaishankar attempted to project an image of strength and unity through his inflammatory rhetoric. Instead of addressing the real crises brewing within India’s borders, he chose to deflect attention by reigniting regional tensions.
Jaishankar’s remarks on Kashmir and Pakistan are nothing new, but this time they come at a moment of extreme insecurity for India on the global stage. His claim that Pakistan must vacate Kashmir is a blatant disregard for historical realities and international law. The people of Kashmir have long resisted Indian occupation, and the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 only deepened their suffering under an oppressive military regime. Despite India’s efforts to showcase so-called “development” in Kashmir, the region remains heavily militarized, with thousands of political prisoners, enforced disappearances, and a communication blackout. Instead of addressing these glaring human rights violations, Jaishankar conveniently resorts to nationalist rhetoric to distract from the real issues.
Jaishankar’s reckless statements on Kashmir and Pakistan are symptomatic of a government that is losing its grip on international legitimacy. Instead of addressing the real concerns raised by global powers- such as democratic backsliding, press suppression, and religious persecution- India’s leadership chooses to stoke regional tensions to deflect criticism. Modi’s visit to Washington, far from being a diplomatic success, has exposed the cracks in India’s global image. The world is watching, and India’s aggressive rhetoric will only serve to isolate it further.
While Jaishankar rants about Pakistan and Kashmir, the real embarrassment for India has been Modi’s recent visit to Washington, which exposed the declining global perception of his leadership. Contrary to the carefully curated images of Modi being embraced by U.S. officials, the visit was overshadowed by mass protests, criticism from human rights organizations, and growing concerns about India’s shift toward authoritarianism. Several U.S. lawmakers openly boycotted Modi’s events, citing his government’s role in persecuting religious minorities, curbing press freedoms, and fostering a climate of fear for political dissenters.
The irony is that while India presents itself as a rising global power, its leader is increasingly seen as a liability on the international stage. Washington’s engagement with India is largely strategic, focused on countering China rather than endorsing Modi’s policies. The Biden administration, while maintaining diplomatic ties, has subtly distanced itself from directly endorsing Modi’s brand of governance, a fact that the Indian government is keen to downplay. This explains why Jaishankar’s latest comments are so aggressive- they are meant to shift focus away from India’s diminishing credibility and onto its usual scapegoat: Pakistan.
The timing of Jaishankar’s statements suggests a calculated effort to distract both domestic and international audiences. Modi’s government is well aware that global attention is increasingly scrutinizing India’s democratic backsliding, so it turns to nationalist fervor as a tool to rally support. By reigniting tensions with Pakistan and making unrealistic claims about Kashmir, the Indian government attempts to galvanize its voter base ahead of upcoming elections. The message is clear: if Modi and his party cannot win global approval, they will double down on regional aggression and jingoistic rhetoric to maintain power at home.
This approach is not new. Whenever India faces economic distress, diplomatic failures, or internal unrest, its leadership resorts to anti-Pakistan rhetoric. It serves as a convenient distraction from pressing issues such as rising unemployment, religious violence, and a crackdown on dissent. Instead of addressing these concerns, the government perpetuates a war-mongering narrative that serves its political interests while pushing the region closer to instability.
Modi’s visit to Washington in February 2025 now appears embarrassingly ineffective, as it was immediately followed by the deportation of 119 Indian nationals from the U.S. Instead of securing stronger protections for the Indian diaspora, Modi’s trip seemingly paved the way for a swift crackdown on undocumented Indian immigrants. The timing of the deportations- just a day after his meeting with Trump- suggests that rather than negotiating better terms for Indians living in the U.S., Modi was merely a spectator to America’s unilateral decisions.
Trump calling India a “tariff king” and imposing new tariffs show how India’s outdated trade policies are hurting its global position. His remark that “India will do what is right” sounds more like a command than a friendly statement, yet Modi, despite his strongman image, did nothing to push back. India’s high tariffs not only make it less competitive but also show that it is struggling to adapt to global trade. Modi’s visit, instead of being a success, only made India look weaker- trade problems remain unsolved, and Indian citizens are being sent back from the U.S. in large numbers. Instead of standing firm, India once again let others dictate the terms. The fact that a leader who prides himself on strong diplomacy returned home only to witness his citizens being sent back in droves paints the visit as more of a diplomatic setback than a success.
Moreover, Modi’s reception in Western capitals is growing colder. While India remains an important economic partner for many countries, there is increasing reluctance to overlook its human rights abuses. The recent Washington visit made it clear that while the U.S. sees India as a counterbalance to China, it does not fully endorse Modi’s domestic policies. This should serve as a warning sign for India’s leadership that their belligerent approach to Kashmir and Pakistan will only further alienate them from the global community.
The choice before India is clear: continue down the path of ultra-nationalism and international alienation, or genuinely commit to democratic values, regional peace, and respect for human rights. So far, the Modi government has chosen the former- a path that will only lead to further embarrassment and global rejection.
