by Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal
Pakistan and India share a complex and troubled history, shaped by deep-seated animosities and unresolved conflicts. While geographical proximity makes them neighbors, India’s attitude towards Pakistan since Partition in 1947 has been anything but like intolerable enemy. From direct military confrontations to covert operations aimed at destabilizing Pakistan, India has consistently demonstrated hostility. Despite numerous peace overtures by Pakistan, India has maintained an aggressive stance, engaging in activities that range from waterborne terrorism to extremism in sports, and direct involvement in terrorist incidents within Pakistan.
One of the most glaring examples of Indian subversion was the arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian spy who was caught in Balochistan in 2016. A serving officer of the Indian Navy, Jadhav was operating under a false identity and admitted to orchestrating terrorist activities in Pakistan. His confession before Pakistani authorities provided undeniable evidence of India’s involvement in fomenting unrest in Balochistan and Karachi. The Indian government, instead of disowning him, rushed to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to defend him, further exposing their deep engagement in espionage and terrorism against Pakistan.
Similarly, the case of Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman in 2019 highlighted India’s reckless aggression. Following the Pulwama attack, India launched an airstrike in Balakot on February 26, 2019, claiming to have targeted terrorist camps—a claim that was widely debunked. The very next day, Pakistan’s Air Force successfully intercepted Indian fighter jets violating Pakistani airspace, leading to the capture of Abhinandan. This incident not only exposed India’s false narratives but also showcased Pakistan’s military preparedness. The fact that Abhinandan was returned as a goodwill gesture did not soften India’s hostility, proving once again that peace initiatives are often met with suspicion and aggression.
India’s involvement in supporting separatist elements in Balochistan is another area where its anti-Pakistan agenda is evident. Pakistani security agencies have repeatedly provided evidence of Indian funding and training of Baloch insurgents. In 2020, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister presented a dossier containing irrefutable evidence of India’s state-sponsored terrorism, including financing anti-Pakistan groups such as BLA (Balochistan Liberation Army) and BRA (Baloch Republican Army). These groups have been responsible for attacks on security forces and vital infrastructure, including the Chinese consulate in Karachi and the Gwadar Port, which is a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Another recent example is the sabotage of the Jaafar Express, a passenger train targeted by terrorists in Balochistan. Investigations pointed towards Indian-backed elements attempting to create chaos within Pakistan. The international community, including the United Nations, has condemned the kidnapping and terrorism linked to the Jaafar Express attack in clear terms, yet decisive actions against those directly and indirectly responsible remain pending. This reflects the broader issue of global inaction when it comes to India’s subversive activities in Pakistan. The reality is simple: unless the dead dog is pulled out of the well, the water will not be clean, no matter how many buckets are taken out. Half-hearted responses and mere condemnations will not curb Indian-backed terrorism; it requires firm, actionable measures to dismantle the networks orchestrating such attacks.
Beyond direct acts of terrorism, India has also weaponized water against Pakistan. As an upper riparian state, India has frequently violated the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 by constructing dams and altering water flows, thereby impacting Pakistan’s agricultural sector. Projects like the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric plants on the Jhelum and Chenab rivers have raised serious concerns about India’s attempts to control Pakistan’s water resources. This form of water aggression threatens Pakistan’s economy and food security, making it an existential issue.
Even in the realm of sports, India has displayed hostility towards Pakistan. A glaring example of India’s politically motivated stance in sports is its refusal to play matches in Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Despite Pakistan being the official host of the tournament, India has insisted on playing its matches at a neutral venue, which has reportedly been agreed upon as Dubai. This move comes despite the fact that top cricketing nations, including England, Australia, and New Zealand, have recently played in Pakistan without security concerns. India’s decision is clearly a political maneuver rather than a genuine concern for security. A similar scenario unfolded during the 2023 Asia Cup when India refused to play in Pakistan, resulting in a hybrid model where its matches were held in Sri Lanka. By constantly avoiding playing in Pakistan, India is not only undermining the integrity of international sports but also attempting to isolate Pakistan on the global stage.These actions highlight that even in the sphere of sports, where politics should ideally take a backseat, India continues its antagonistic approach.
Given this historical and contemporary reality, Pakistan must abandon any illusions about India’s intentions. It is naïve to expect goodwill or fair treatment from a country that has persistently sought to undermine Pakistan at every opportunity. While diplomatic channels and regional cooperation must remain open, Pakistan’s policymakers must adopt a pragmatic approach, reinforcing national security and strengthening alliances that counterbalance Indian aggression.
A strong and self-reliant Pakistan, capable of thwarting enemy designs, is the best way to counter Indian hostility. Strengthening internal stability, bolstering defense capabilities, and continuing to expose India’s malicious activities on international platforms should remain key priorities. The sooner we recognize that India is not just an unfriendly neighbor but a long-term adversary with expansionist ambitions, the better prepared we will be to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and national interests.
