India Will Be ‘Relegated to History’ If It Attempts Misadventure Against Pakistan: Defence Minister
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned India against any "misadventure," stating it would be "relegated to history."
- Asif criticized remarks by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and accused India of facing foreign policy embarrassment.
- He also commented on potential India-Israel nexus and the Indus Waters Treaty, asserting Pakistan's strong regional status.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stark warning to India, asserting that any future "misadventure" against Pakistan would result in India being "relegated to history" and its geography altered. Speaking on Geo News, Asif directly addressed recent statements by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, interpreting them as an attempt by India to regain lost respect following what Asif described as a "devastating" response from Pakistan's armed forces during a previous confrontation. This strong rhetoric underscores the persistent tensions and adversarial relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
As a nation, India thinks that its esteem has been damaged.
Asif further elaborated on Pakistan's perceived diplomatic standing, suggesting that India is currently facing significant "embarrassment on the foreign front." He pointed to strained relationships with neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, which he claimed no longer view India as an extension of itself. In contrast, Asif highlighted Pakistan's achievement of a "highly reputable status" in the region, positioning Pakistan as a key player in South Asian geopolitics.
If India attempts any misadventure against Pakistan, it would be relegated to history and its geography would be changed.
The Defence Minister also touched upon the complex geopolitical landscape, acknowledging a potential "resemblance in the objectives" between India and Israel. He suggested that Israel's regional strategy might involve aligning with India to counter perceived threats or rivals. On a more constructive note, Asif referenced the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a decades-old agreement governing the sharing of river waters between India and Pakistan. He emphasized the treaty's robust dispute resolution mechanism and its resilience, citing a recent Permanent Court of Arbitration decision that favored Pakistan, thereby reinforcing the importance of established international frameworks in managing bilateral water disputes.
By making those kinds of remarks, the Indian army chief is trying to regain his lost respect.
From Pakistan's perspective, these statements reflect a confident assertion of national security and regional influence. The government aims to project an image of strength and strategic foresight, countering any narrative that might portray Pakistan as vulnerable. The emphasis on historical consequences for aggression and the highlighting of regional diplomatic successes serve to bolster national pride and reinforce the government's security narrative. The discourse around India's foreign policy challenges and the potential for geopolitical alignments are key elements in Pakistan's ongoing strategic calculations.
Israel doesn’t want anyone more powerful in this region other than its partner, India.
Originally published by Dawn in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.