In contrast, Russia continues to maintain a time-tested rapport with India

As the dust settles on yet another tense standoff between India and Pakistan, a wave of introspection has swept across India’s strategic and civil circles. From geopolitical alignments to domestic cohesion, the conflict has laid bare uncomfortable truths, prompting many in India to reassess both alliances and national priorities.

One of the starkest revelations has been the geopolitical reality of international loyalties. Despite diplomatic pleasantries and economic ties, Turkey, China, and even the United States appear to consistently position themselves favorably toward Pakistan in times of heightened tensions. For India, this has raised pressing questions about the reliability of its global partnerships, especially when diplomatic neutrality could mean indirect support for hostile narratives or platforms.

In contrast, Russia continues to maintain a time-tested rapport with India, providing a semblance of consistency in an otherwise fluid global arena. While Russia navigates its own complex global relationships, its stance during South Asian crises often reflects a strategic inclination toward New Delhi—an anchor India appears increasingly dependent on.

Beyond diplomacy, the conflict has once again exposed India’s chronic weakness in information warfare. As narratives around the conflict played out across global media, India’s digital diplomacy and media engagement seemed sluggish. Pakistan’s ability to frame its position more compellingly on international platforms left many in India questioning the effectiveness of their country’s strategic communications machinery.

Adding to this frustration is the perceived silence of influential Indian voices—notably from Bollywood, elite athletes, and prominent non-resident Indians in the corporate world. During moments of national crisis, these figures often choose a neutral or muted stance, citing professional boundaries. Critics argue that their silence stands in contrast to their massive influence and the need for soft power mobilization during geopolitical flashpoints.

Yet, amidst external disillusionment and internal criticism, one aspect remains clear: in moments of war or national threat, India stands united. Across states, religions, and political ideologies, there emerges a sense of collective identity and resilience. The surge in public solidarity during conflict is a testament to the depth of national consciousness that still binds the country.

However, concerns over international financial institutions have also intensified. Observers argue that bailouts and financial packages, particularly to economically unstable states with militant linkages, risk indirectly funding destabilizing activities. While not officially acknowledged, the perception that financial support can be misappropriated is gaining traction in Indian public discourse.

The recent episode has forced India into a mirror. It reflects a nation with immense potential and unity, but also with vulnerabilities—diplomatic, informational, and strategic—that demand urgent attention. If anything, the lessons from the conflict point not just to threats from without, but also to gaps within that India must address to navigate an increasingly complex global order.

The discussion, which focused on Pakistan’s role as a global hub for jihadist activities, shed light on the historical, geopolitical, and ideological factors enabling this menace and explored strategies to counter its spread.

Pakistan: The Epicenter of Global Terror

Dr. Chaulia opened the episode by framing Pakistan as “Terroristan,” a nation that has become a global menace due to its long-standing habit of nurturing terrorism. Highlighting India’s recent military operation, Operation Sindoor, which destroyed nine terrorist training camps in Pakistan using precision-guided munitions, he emphasized the operation’s dual role as a military strike and a global exposé of Pakistan’s terrorist infrastructure.

“The scale of destruction and the videos of funerals and smashed buildings showed the extent of the problem festering in that country,” Chaulia noted, setting the stage for a deep dive into why Pakistan has become the epicenter of global terror.

Zahack Tanvir, introduced as a peace activist and director of Milli Chronicle, a platform dedicated to monitoring jihadist propaganda, provided a comprehensive historical perspective. He traced Pakistan’s trajectory back to its founding in 1946 by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, noting that the country was established on religious bigotry rather than ethnicity or language.

“Pakistan was called the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, purely based on religious identity,” Tanvir explained. He pointed to key historical moments, including the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which emboldened Islamists globally, and the 1980s Afghan jihad against the Soviets, during which Pakistan became a hub for global mujahideen, supported by the United States and Gulf countries.

Tanvir highlighted how Pakistan redirected these militias toward Kashmir after the Soviet conflict, with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba wreaking havoc. “Pakistan has a history of nurturing militancy,” he asserted, citing its footprints in major terrorist attacks, including 9/11, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the recent Pulwama and Pahalgam attacks.

He also referenced the discovery of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan and admissions by Pakistan’s defense minister about funding terrorists on behalf of Western powers.

The Role of ISI and Radical Madrassas

Tanvir identified four key factors sustaining Pakistan’s terrorist ecosystem. First, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has extensive experience training not only Kashmiri insurgents but also Chechen, Bosnian, and Taliban fighters, including the Haqqani network. “ISI sustains this whole ecosystem,” he said, noting Pakistan’s policy of “bleeding India with a thousand cuts” as revenge for the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war.

Second, he pointed to the role of radical madrassas in Pakistan, where impoverished and illiterate youth are recruited and given military training, unlike madrassas in India, which do not engage in such activities.

Tanvir shared an anecdote from his interactions with Pakistanis from Peshawar and Waziristan, describing their extreme illiteracy and vulnerability to exploitation by groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, backed by the state and ISI.

Third, Pakistan’s strategic location, sharing borders with Afghanistan and the Line of Control, facilitates the smuggling of drugs and weapons into India. Tanvir recounted his 2023 visit to the Suchetgarh border, where India uncovered and sealed tunnels used by Pakistan for smuggling.

Finally, he addressed the role of foreign powers, particularly the United States, which historically financed and armed jihadist groups via Pakistan, and China, which has turned a blind eye to Pakistan’s jihadist activities to counter India.

“China vetoed UN sanctions against Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Masood Azhar until 2019,” Tanvir noted, highlighting China’s strategic support for Pakistan’s military capabilities, including supplying drones and bombs.

Complicity of Regional Powers

The discussion also explored the role of regional powers like Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia in enabling Pakistan’s jihadist agenda. Tanvir explained that Turkey’s support is driven by its ambition to revive an Ottoman-style caliphate, with initiatives like training Pakistan’s Dolphin police unit and promoting propaganda through dramas like Ertugrul, which was broadcast on Pakistan’s national television in 2020.

Azerbaijan’s support, though less pronounced, stems from Pakistan’s backing during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict against Armenia, influenced by Turkey and Israel.

Dr. Chaulia emphasized the need to “name and shame” these countries for indirectly sponsoring terrorism by supporting Pakistan. He noted that 81% of Pakistan’s military imports over the past five years have come from China, with Turkey supplying offensive weapons, including drones used against India post-Operation Sindoor.

Countering the Jihadist Narrative

A significant portion of the discussion focused on countering the jihadist ideology propagated by Pakistan, which thrives on a victimhood narrative claiming that Muslims are persecuted and must fight to defend Islam.

Tanvir debunked this narrative, contrasting the treatment of minorities in Pakistan and India. “In 1946, Hindus made up 30% of Pakistan’s population; now they have vanished,” he said, noting the dwindling Christian minority as well. In contrast, India’s Muslim population has grown from 9% to 15-18%, with diverse Muslim sects enjoying freedom to practice their faith.

Tanvir, a proud Muslim, emphasized that Indian Muslims are safe and thriving, with the ability to travel freely from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. He contrasted this with Pakistan, where ethnic groups like Pashtuns and Punjabis face restrictions, and celebratory gunfire with AK-47s during events like Eid or cricket matches often leads to civilian casualties.

“Indian Muslims are educated and respected globally as engineers, doctors, and AI experts,” he said, lamenting the lack of such recognition for Pakistani Muslims.

To counter Pakistan’s propaganda, Tanvir advocated amplifying the voices of Indian Muslims who refute claims of persecution. He cited instances where Indian Muslims, including himself, used social media to challenge false narratives propagated by figures like UK-based Islamist Mohammed Hijab, who urged Indian Muslims to support Pakistan.

“Indian Muslims came forward and said, ‘We are safe, and your narrative is not true,’” Tanvir recounted.

A Call for Global Action

Dr. Chaulia concluded the episode by underscoring that Pakistan’s use of religion for geopolitical gain, driven by its military and clerical establishment, is the root of its “Terroristan” status. He praised India’s military response but stressed the need for a broader ideological struggle to win the hearts and minds of young people, particularly moderate Muslims.

“The voices of moderate Muslims from India must show that faith and nationalism can coexist,” he said, rejecting Pakistan’s “fake nationalism” based on hatred and violence.

Tanvir’s appearance on Doordarshan was hailed as a significant moment for raising global awareness about Pakistan’s role in terrorism. “His courageous work with Milli Chronicle, often at personal risk”, was lauded by Dr. Chaulia, who thanked him for his insights and activism.

As the episode wrapped up, Chaulia called for concerted action by like-minded countries and social movements to wage a “long counter-jihad” in the ideological sphere.

“This is not a clash of civilizations but a challenge to show that Muslims and non-Muslims can coexist,” he said, urging a generational transformation to dismantle Pakistan’s jihadist mentality.

The discussion, broadcast on India’s national television, underscored the urgency of addressing Pakistan’s role as a global terror hub and highlighted the pivotal role of informed voices like Zahack Tanvir in shaping a counternarrative to foster peace and coexistence.

Speaking at the Convention for Overseas Pakistanis in Islamabad—with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in attendance—General Munir declared that Pakistan was created on the basis of “every possible difference” between the two religious communities.

“Our religion is different. Our customs are different. Our traditions are different. Our thoughts are different. Our ambitions are different,” Munir said, invoking the ideological foundation laid by Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the 1940s. “You must tell this to your children so that they never forget the story of Pakistan.”

But this “story” is not just about differences—it’s a carefully preserved narrative used by Pakistan’s military establishment to maintain a stranglehold on power, distract the public from economic failures, and perpetuate enmity with India. It is a story that has long come at the cost of regional peace, minority rights, and Pakistan’s own internal harmony.

Munir’s speech, delivered with a religious tone befitting his reputation as a “Hafiz-e-Quran”, did little to hide the Army’s obsession with defining Pakistan solely through what it is not—India. His remarks reflected the establishment’s enduring dependence on the ideological rhetoric of 1947, a time when the wounds of Partition were still fresh, and the world had not yet seen the consequences of such rigid identity politics.

A Doctrine Past Its Expiry Date

The Two-Nation Theory has not aged well. If anything, it collapsed under its own contradictions in 1971, when Bangladesh—originally East Pakistan—broke away in a bloody war that exposed the myth of religious unity. Despite sharing the same religion, East Pakistanis rejected the economic and political dominance of West Pakistan, shattering the illusion that Islam alone could form a cohesive national identity.

And yet, here we are in 2025, with the head of Pakistan’s most powerful institution lecturing overseas citizens to hold tight to that expired ideology. What purpose does this serve, other than reinforcing xenophobia, hostility, and a warped sense of nationalism rooted in exclusion and antagonism?

Critics across the globe have not held back. Indian strategic expert Aditya Raj Kaul accused Munir of “exposing his hate for Hindus and India,” while prominent Pakistani journalist Taha Siddiqui called the remarks an attempt to “brainwash youth” with dangerous falsehoods.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the speech a reminder of the stark ideological divide between the two nations, urging India to stop harboring illusions about reconciliation with its western neighbor.

The Real Jugular: The Army’s Grip on Pakistan

Munir’s speech also touched on Pakistan’s usual talking points—Kashmir and Balochistan. His threat-laced comments about Baloch rebels further illustrated how the military sees dissent as terrorism, rather than a call for justice. Kashmir, once again called Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” is less a heartfelt issue and more a strategic tool—one that sustains the military’s budget, influence, and unchallenged supremacy in Pakistan’s political life.

As Delhi-based journalist Rishi Suri rightly pointed out, Kashmir has become more of a “business model” for Pakistan’s generals than a national cause. Strategic analyst Sonam Mahajan summed it up bluntly, “Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein, which explains why Pakistan has been in the ICU for 78 years, sustained only by IMF oxygen and jihadist morphine.”

An Unyielding Establishment in a Changing World

The tragedy of General Munir’s speech is that it wasn’t surprising. It’s the same tired script the Pakistan Army has relied on for decades—where religion is used to unify, enemies are used to justify military supremacy, and history is rewritten to prevent progress.

Pakistan’s establishment had a choice. It could have embraced a narrative of peace, coexistence, and modern statehood. Instead, it chose to double down on identity politics rooted in fear and historical grievances.

By clinging to an outdated and divisive ideology, General Asim Munir and the Pakistan military aren’t just looking backward—they’re actively obstructing the possibility of a forward-looking, inclusive, and stable Pakistan.

And perhaps that is by design. Because in a truly democratic and progressive Pakistan, the Army might no longer be the most powerful voice in the room.

JP Singh is a name synonymous with diplomatic resilience and strategic acumen.

Jitender Pal Singh, commonly known as JP Singh, is a 2002-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer. His career began with probationary training at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service. His initial postings took him across various Indian missions worldwide, including Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

While his tenure in Turkey remains less documented, it was a crucial stepping stone in his diplomatic journey. In Afghanistan, he was exposed to post-conflict diplomacy, gaining firsthand experience in handling crisis situations.

Role as Deputy High Commissioner in Pakistan

One of the most defining moments of his career came during his tenure as Deputy High Commissioner in Pakistan, particularly in 2017. He played a pivotal role in the high-profile rescue of Uzma Ahmed, an Indian woman who was tricked into a forced marriage in Pakistan.

JP Singh meticulously oversaw her legal representation, appointed Pakistani lawyers, and ensured the necessary documentation to assert her rights. His personal involvement, including attending court hearings, provided moral and official support. His efforts culminated in Uzma Ahmed’s safe return to India on May 24, 2017, as he personally escorted her to the Wagah Border.

Strengthening India’s Relations with Afghanistan

JP Singh was posted in Kabul between 2008 and 2012, a period marked by two major terrorist attacks on the Indian embassy. Despite the dangers, he remained on the ground, continuing to work towards India’s diplomatic and developmental goals in Afghanistan.

During his tenure, India undertook major infrastructure projects, including:

Zaranj-Delaram Highway: A 218-km road completed in 2010 to facilitate the movement of goods to the Iranian border, connecting with the Garland Highway that links Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif, Herat, and Kunduz.

Afghan Parliament Building: Built and gifted by India as a symbol of friendship.

India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam (Salma Dam): A 42-MW hydropower and irrigation project in Herat, completed in 2016, benefiting thousands of families.

Stor Palace Restoration: India restored this historic building in Kabul under a tripartite agreement with Afghanistan and the Aga Khan Development Network.

Healthcare and Infrastructure Development: India constructed healthcare centers in border provinces like Badakhshan, Balkh, Kandahar, Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar, Nimruz, Nooristan, Paktia, and Paktika.

220kV Transmission Line: From Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul, improving electricity supply.

Military and Transport Aid: India provided 100s of buses for Kabul’s transportation system, 285 military vehicles for the Afghan National Army, Mi-25 and Mi-35 helicopters for the Afghan Air Force, ambulances, and Airbus aircraft for the national airline.

Role in India-Iran Relations

JP Singh played a crucial role in fostering India’s strategic ties with Iran. One of his most significant contributions was advancing the Chabahar Port Project, a joint initiative between India and Iran that provides Afghanistan with direct access to the Indian Ocean. The port has facilitated the shipment of humanitarian aid, including millions of tonnes of wheat, to Afghanistan.

Additionally, Singh was instrumental in the historic India-Iran-Afghanistan trilateral transit pact, which streamlined trade between the three nations, bolstering regional economic activities.

India-Iran-Armenia Trilateral Engagement

More recently, JP Singh has represented India in the India-Iran-Armenia trilateral dialogue, focusing on connectivity, multilateral engagement, trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. His role has been critical in strengthening India’s strategic outreach in the region.

Leadership in PAI Division (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran)

As Joint Secretary for the PAI Division, JP Singh was responsible for shaping India’s policies toward Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. His diplomatic expertise was put to the test following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. While India feared Afghanistan aligning with Pakistan, Singh ensured continued diplomatic engagement with the Taliban regime.

He visited Afghanistan at least four times, engaging with key figures such as Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob. His efforts facilitated the delivery of humanitarian aid, laying the groundwork for higher-level interactions, including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s meeting with Taliban officials in Dubai. His swift maneuvering helped maintain Kabul’s alignment closer to New Delhi than Islamabad.

India’s Next Ambassador to Israel

As of 2025, JP Singh is set to take on one of the most crucial diplomatic postings of his career as India’s Ambassador to Israel. His appointment comes at a time when India maintains close ties with both Israel and the Arab world. This posting will allow him to engage in high-stakes negotiations and influence regional geopolitics.

Key diplomatic priorities in Israel under Singh’s leadership may include:

• Strengthening bilateral defense and technological cooperation.
• Reviving multilateral engagements such as the I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-US) group.
• Expanding the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
• Enhancing India-Israel trade, investment, and intelligence collaboration.

The Diplomat: A Film Inspired by His Story

JP Singh’s extraordinary career has not only shaped India’s foreign policy but has also inspired cinema. The upcoming film “The Diplomat,” starring John Abraham, is based on his role in the rescue of Uzma Ahmed. His ability to navigate complex international negotiations and safeguard India’s interests in volatile regions has cemented his reputation as one of India’s most influential diplomats.

JP Singh is a name synonymous with diplomatic resilience and strategic acumen. From rescuing an Indian national in Pakistan to strengthening India’s ties with Afghanistan, Iran, and Israel, his contributions have left a lasting impact on India’s foreign policy. As he takes on his next challenge in Tel Aviv, his legacy as a skilled negotiator and a committed diplomat continues to grow. His journey serves as a testament to the power of diplomacy in shaping global relations.

The Article is curated based on the X-Thread of Tanmay Saukur.