The concocted narrative surrounding Pakistan and terrorism has often been falsely portrayed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government. In a recent interview with Lex Fridman, Modi once again accused Pakistan of supporting terrorism and being a source of extremism in South Asia. He stated that Pakistan must abandon the path of state-sponsored terrorism, which he claimed was responsible for proxy wars and attacks on India. This continued narrative from Modi and the Indian government has sparked a strong response from Pakistan, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs denouncing the accusations as misleading and one-sided. Pakistan’s government has called on India to stop spreading this “anti-Pakistan narrative,” which not only distorts the truth but also hampers the possibility of peace between the two nations.
The criticism levelled by India against Pakistan is rooted in a long-standing dispute over Kashmir, which has been unresolved for over seven decades. Modi’s statements, while focusing on terrorism, conveniently ignore this core issue and the ongoing struggles faced by the people of Kashmir under Indian rule. In addition to that, Pakistan has pointed out that India’s record of state-sponsored terrorism and oppressive actions cannot be overlooked. While Modi accuses Pakistan of exporting terrorism to India, it is crucial to look at the broader context and the role India plays in destabilizing its neighbours.
India’s accusations against Pakistan have become a part of a wider narrative that paints the country as a haven for terrorists. This label has been applied in various international forums. However, this simplistic characterization ignores the complexities of the situation, particularly India’s role in fostering extremism both within its borders and in the region. India has often been accused of orchestrating subversive activities in Pakistan, including supporting militant groups in Balochistan. The recent attack on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan is just one example of how India’s alleged involvement in sponsoring terrorism has been highlighted. Pakistan’s military leadership has declared India the primary sponsor of such attacks, and the chief minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, has publicly stated that Pakistan has solid evidence of Indian involvement.
Moreover, the capture of Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav in 2016, who was allegedly involved in espionage and sabotage activities in Balochistan, was another example of Indian involvement in terrorist activities. Jadhav, who was arrested by Pakistan’s security forces near the border region of Chaman, was later tried and sentenced to death for his role in promoting instability in Pakistan. Even though the case was brought to the International Court of Justice, where Pakistan’s stance was largely upheld, this incident serves as a clear indication of the kind of activities India has been accused of supporting.
India’s accusations against Pakistan also seem to ignore the fact that its intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has been implicated in fostering terrorism and instability not only in Pakistan but also in neighbouring Afghanistan. Pakistan’s political leadership, including Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, has repeatedly pointed to RAW’s involvement in terrorist activities, particularly those targeting Pakistan. According to him, Afghan soil has been used as a base for these activities, making the situation even more complex.
Pakistan’s government has consistently advocated for peace and dialogue with India. Despite the challenges, it has called for constructive engagement to resolve the issues between the two countries, including the Kashmir dispute. However, India’s rigid approach and hegemonic ambitions have made meaningful dialogue increasingly difficult. The Indian government, instead of reflecting on its actions and the history of conflict in the region, continues to cast blame on Pakistan without acknowledging the role it has played in the region’s instability.
It is also important to address the issue of extremism within India itself. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Modi, has been widely criticized for its support of extremist ideologies, particularly those associated with Hindu nationalism. The party’s stance on various issues, including its treatment of religious minorities, has been a source of tension both domestically and internationally. The rise of extremist tendencies within India, supported by the BJP, undermines the country’s claims to be a victim of terrorism. Some of these very ideologies and practices align closely with the kind of extremism that India accuses Pakistan of fostering. For instance, the BJP’s stance on Kashmir, its treatment of Muslim populations, and the growing instances of hate crimes in India suggest a troubling trend of homegrown extremism that is being perpetuated by state-sanctioned rhetoric.
India’s continued accusations against Pakistan are a matter of diplomatic friction and a distraction from its internal issues. The rise of extremism, the ongoing conflict in Kashmir, and India’s involvement in destabilizing neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan point to a larger pattern of aggression and interventionism. Instead of addressing these issues and reflecting on its role in perpetuating violence in the region, the Indian government has chosen to point fingers at Pakistan.
