During his recent visit to Laddakh on the event of 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Kargil war memorial Drass, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the soldiers who fought Kargil war. Narendra Modi availed himself the opportunity to give make statements concerning terrorism and border protection vis-à-vis China and Pakistan. During the visit, he laid the foundation foundations of Shinkun La tunnel, which appears to be a strategic move concerning the mobility of Indian forces in the region, which will ensue a power imbalance thereby triggering a regional arms race.
In his speech, Modi branded Pakistan as “aatank ke aaqa”(architect of terrorism), emphasizing Delhi’s stance that Pakistan is responsible for exporting terrorism into India. His remarks were particularly poignant given the recent surge in indigenous armed struggle activities in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which India attributes to Pakistani-backed freedom fighters. Modi’s rhetoric in Ladakh highlighted India’s resolve to counteract terrorism and defend its borders. By labeling Pakistan as a key instigator of terrorist activities, Modi reinforced the narrative that India is under continuous threat from its Western neighbor, necessitating a strong military and counterterrorism response. This strong condemnation of Pakistan was a central theme in Modi’s speech, reflecting ongoing tensions and India’s aggressive posture towards its neighbor amidst the complex regional security dynamics.
Security Dilemma and Escalation
Modi’s statements exacerbate the security dilemma in South Asia. By classifying Pakistan as the architect of terrorism, India’s aggressive rhetoric escalates tensions, compelling Pakistan to take reciprocal actions. This contributes to a cycle of mutual distrust and military buildup, undermining regional security and stability. The heightened focus on counterterrorism measures and military readiness increases the risk of miscalculation and conflict.
Power Projection and Militarization
Modi’s rhetoric serves as a form of power projection, signaling India’s military strength and readiness to counter perceived threats from Pakistan. By emphasizing Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism, Modi justifies India’s militarization in Jammu and Kashmir. This aggressive posturing disrupts the balance of power, prompting Pakistan to bolster its defenses and contribute to an arms race in the region.
Nationalism and Aggressive Posturing
Modi’s branding of Pakistan as “aatank ke aaka” taps into nationalist sentiments, consolidating domestic political support. This aggressive posturing not only legitimizes India’s military expansion but also frames its actions as necessary for national security. By portraying Pakistan as a terrorist state, Modi strengthens his political standing and mobilizes public opinion against an external enemy, diverting attention from internal issues.
Constructivism and Threat Perception
From a constructivist perspective, Modi’s statements shape the national identity and threat perception in India. By consistently labeling Pakistan as a terrorist state, Modi constructs a narrative that portrays India as a victim of external aggression, necessitating a robust military response. This identity construction fosters a unified national stance against Pakistan, justifying India’s aggressive actions and military spending.
Strategic Signaling and Hegemony
Modi’s rhetoric can be seen as strategic signaling aimed at asserting India’s dominance in South Asia. By condemning Pakistan as the mastermind of terrorism, Modi signals India’s intention to take a hardline stance against terrorism and its sponsors. This hegemonic aspiration disrupts the regional balance of power, compelling neighboring countries to counterbalance India’s influence through their strategic measures.
Counterterrorism and Regional Instability
India’s branding of Pakistan as an exporter of terrorism amid the recent surge in resistance activities in Jammu and Kashmir highlights its counterterrorism stance. By attributing local resistance to Pakistani-backed freedom fighters, Modi seeks to legitimize India’s aggressive counterterrorism measures. This narrative not only escalates bilateral tensions but also undermines efforts for peace and stability, as it frames the conflict in binary terms of terrorism versus national security.
Transnational Terrorism Allegations
Despite Modi’s strong condemnation of Pakistan, India itself faces allegations of involvement in transnational terrorism. Reports and accusations from Canada, the US, and Pakistan suggest that India has engaged in covert operations and support for separatist movements and terrorist activities beyond its borders. These allegations highlight a hypocritical stance where India condemns Pakistan while participating in similar activities, further destabilizing regional and global security.
Recent Armed Struggle in IIOJK: A Catalyst for Renewed Resistance
The martyrdom of Burhan Muzaffar Wani, a young Kashmiri freedom fighter, by Indian forces in 2015 revitalized resistance sentiments among the youth in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Since the BJP’s rise to power in 2014, India had planned to abrogate the special status of IIOJK. However, after facing significant challenges in establishing their control, the Modi government revoked Article 370 in 2019, causing widespread distress among the occupied territory’s populace. The extrajudicial killing of Burhan Wani and the abrogation of Article 370 catalyzed anti-India sentiments, resulting in a renewed wave of armed struggle against Indian forces.
On July 8, 2024, the anniversary of Wani’s martyrdom, freedom fighters attacked an army convoy, resulting in the deaths of five Indian soldiers and injuries to six others. Another significant attack occurred on July 16, 2024, in Doda district, where four Indian soldiers were killed. Reports indicate that at least 48 Indian soldiers have been killed by freedom fighters in the past 32 months. Despite the BJP-led Delhi government’s efforts to maintain control through force, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections have shown that Kashmiris favor resistance over the facade of normalcy imposed by India.
The recent wave of armed struggle appears to be indigenously motivated by the relative deprivation posed by the Indian government rather than externally driven. PM Modi’s accusations against Pakistan of terrorism seem to deflect attention from the BJP’s crimes against humanity in IIOJK.
India’s Transnational Terrorism
A 2024 report by The Guardian implicated New Delhi in target killings in Pakistan, and provocative remarks by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh reflect India’s assertive foreign policy under Modi, raising concerns about regional stability and global security. India’s alleged involvement in transnational terrorism complicates its international relations, questioning its evolving role. India’s hybrid warfare against Pakistan, characterized by proxy warfare and the propagation of Hindutva ideology, extends to global fronts, impacting Sikh activists and drawing international scrutiny. Transnational terrorism acts have surged since the killing of Sikh activists in Canada by Indian intelligence agencies.
India, leveraging impunity provided by the US, projects itself as an irresponsible state, creating rifts and conducting terrorist activities in other states, particularly Pakistan, while accusing the latter of terrorism. This duality highlights the complex and contradictory stance of the Modi government in its foreign policy and regional engagements.
Conclusion
PM Modi’s statements in Ladakh, branding Pakistan as “aatank ke aaqa,” illustrate India’s aggressive posture in the region. By emphasizing Pakistan’s role in terrorism and justifying military buildup in Jammu and Kashmir, India disrupts the balance of power and contributes to an arms race. Modi’s rhetoric, while consolidating domestic support, increases regional instability and the risk of conflict. Additionally, allegations of India’s involvement in transnational terrorism reveal a complex and contradictory stance.
