Dr Bilawal Kamran
In the aftermath of the tragic incident in Pahalgam, India’s BJP-led government has sought to weaponize the event by pointing fingers at Pakistan—without presenting any verifiable evidence. This approach appears to be part of a broader, long-standing strategy to isolate Pakistan on the international stage. However, the effort has largely failed to gain traction globally, with many of India’s key allies and international institutions choosing not to endorse this narrative.
From the outset, New Delhi seemed convinced it could turn global opinion against Islamabad. By swiftly blaming Pakistan for the violence in Pahalgam, the Indian government likely hoped to build diplomatic momentum for isolating its neighbor. Yet, this attempt has not resonated with the wider international community. Notably, even India’s strategic partners like the United States have responded with caution rather than alignment.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who was in India during the time of the attack, issued a measured statement. While he encouraged Pakistan to cooperate with any investigation, he was equally clear in urging India to act responsibly and avoid measures that could spark a wider conflict. His message was a call for restraint, not support for India’s accusatory stance.
Similarly, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, highlighted the dangers of escalating tensions. Her comment that “escalation helps no one” reflected a broader fatigue within the international community, already overwhelmed by major ongoing crises such as the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. The world appears unwilling to add South Asia to its growing list of geopolitical flashpoints.
In contrast to India’s inflammatory rhetoric, Pakistan has adopted a diplomatic approach. Officials in Islamabad have remained engaged with international counterparts, offering their perspective and urging for calm. Pakistan’s Prime Minister has met with key Gulf state envoys, reinforcing bilateral relations and seeking to prevent any misinterpretation of intentions. The foreign minister has also been active, connecting with influential global players to communicate Pakistan’s stance clearly.
At the same time, the Pakistani military has signaled it will not be caught off-guard, emphasizing preparedness in case India’s threats materialize into action. This is a defensive posture, meant to deter aggression, rather than provoke further instability.
Nevertheless, the Indian government persists with its attempt to corner Pakistan diplomatically. Beyond bilateral tensions, New Delhi has appealed to international financial institutions like the IMF to reconsider economic assistance to Pakistan. This move underscores a punitive, zero-sum mindset. Rather than seeking the truth or promoting regional peace, India appears to be using the tragic attack as a political tool. It fits into the ideological framework of the current ruling party, which is heavily influenced by Hindu nationalist narratives and often portrays Pakistan as an existential threat.
What stands out most, however, is the lack of tangible proof behind India’s accusations. No credible evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident has been made public. Moreover, India has rejected Pakistan’s offer for a joint investigation. This refusal raises serious questions: if New Delhi is confident in its claims, why not allow an impartial inquiry? Transparency could lend legitimacy to India’s position, but the reluctance to engage in collaborative fact-finding suggests a different agenda.
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Meanwhile, India’s domestic discourse has become increasingly toxic. Nationalist media channels and government-aligned voices are fueling anti-Pakistan hysteria, which not only inflames public opinion but also complicates any future diplomatic engagement. This belligerent tone is creating long-term damage to the fabric of Indo-Pak relations.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, several foreign powers have urged calm. There’s growing consensus that the United Nations Security Council should get involved. Greece, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the UNSC, has indicated that the matter may be taken up soon. Pakistan’s envoy to the UN has echoed this, calling for the global body to step in before the situation deteriorates further.
A Security Council intervention could serve as a platform for both countries to present their cases. India could lay out any evidence it has—if it truly exists—while Pakistan would be able to respond and defend itself on equal footing. This type of multilateral forum could be instrumental in preventing a dangerous escalation, and might offer both sides a diplomatic off-ramp.
In conclusion, the international community is clearly not interested in fueling another conflict in South Asia. Instead of issuing inflammatory statements or relying on jingoistic media campaigns, India has the opportunity to pursue its case through legal and diplomatic channels. If it truly believes Pakistan is behind the Pahalgam attack, presenting solid proof at the United Nations would be the most credible route.
Pakistan, for its part, is already engaging constructively and showing readiness to cooperate with any impartial investigation. Both nations owe it to their people—and to the region—to avoid war-mongering and embrace transparency.
At a time when the world is already struggling with numerous crises, another conflict in a nuclear-armed region would be catastrophic. Cooler heads must prevail. Instead of exploiting tragedy for political gain, responsible leadership on both sides should prioritize peace, dialogue, and stability. Only then can South Asia hope to move beyond its cycle of suspicion and confrontation.
