India and Pakistan, born out of the same historical womb in 1947, have shared a relationship characterized by distrust, hostility and frequent escalations. Despite several attempts at reconciliation, Pakistan has time and again chosen a path that undermines peace and stability in the region. While India has often exercised restraint in the face of provocation, there is a growing sentiment that Pakistan continues to test India’s patience through its repeated actions be it through proxy wars, support to terrorism, cross-border ceasefire violations or diplomatic double games. This pattern, continuing for decades, has now reached a point where New Delhi is compelled to reassess its posture and policy towards Islamabad.
The animosity between the two nuclear-armed neighbours is not new, but what makes the situation more precarious is the frequency and intensity of provocations emanating from Pakistan. India, having emerged as a regional power with global responsibilities, has consistently tried to extend the olive branch be it through formal dialogue processes, people-to-people contact, or participation in regional forums. However, Pakistan’s response has more often than not been disruptive and deceitful. It continues to harbour and promote non-state actors that target Indian interests, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Every time there is hope for dialogue, it is sabotaged either through terror attacks or political rhetoric spewed by Pakistan’s military-backed establishment.
Terrorism remains one of the central issues that test India’s patience. The attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008, the Pathankot airbase assault in 2016 and the Pulwama suicide bombing in 2019 are grim reminders of how deeply entrenched the terror infrastructure is on Pakistani soil. These acts were not just attacking on Indian soil, they were attacks on the spirit of peace and diplomacy. After each of these incidents, India presented concrete evidence of the involvement of Pakistan-based groups such as Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Yet, the response from Pakistan has always been denial or diversion. This habitual evasion has not only frustrated Indian authorities but has also drawn concern from the international community.
The problem is further exacerbated by Pakistan’s military establishment, which holds significant control over the country’s foreign policy, especially with regard to India. While civilian governments have at times shown interest in improving relations, the deep state – primarily the Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence has used anti-India sentiment as a tool to maintain its dominance within Pakistan. This calculated hostility ensures that the military continues to extract disproportionate influence over the civilian government and the country’s budgetary priorities. The India-Pakistan rivalry thus becomes a means to an end for the Pakistani military: it allows it to project itself as the protector of national security while keeping civilian politicians on a short leash.
India, under various governments, has tried multiple times to build bridges with Islamabad. From Vajpayee’s historic bus journey to Lahore in 1999 to Modi’s impromptu visit to Nawaz Sharif’s residence in 2015, Indian leaders have demonstrated willingness to transcend historical grievances. But each time, optimism has been dashed by betrayals in the form of either militant attacks or diplomatic backtracking. The duplicity is especially evident in Pakistan’s narrative calling for peace on one hand while glorifying militants as martyrs on the other. It is a duplicity that India can no longer ignore
Another element that aggravates India is the repeated ceasefire violations along the Line of Control. These violations often lead to civilian and military casualties and contribute to an atmosphere of fear and instability in the border areas. Despite a renewed agreement in 2021 to uphold the ceasefire, there have been several reported breaches. The use of unprovoked shelling and sniper attacks have raised serious concerns about Pakistan’s commitment to peace. Every soldier martyred and every civilian killed in these violations adds to the emotional and political cost of maintaining a peaceful facade. For India, each violation is a direct affront, an attempt to bleed by thousand cuts.
Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir remains another core issue. While it claims to support the Kashmiri people, in reality, it has systematically sought to destabilize the region. India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 in August 2019 further intensified tensions, with Pakistan launching a global campaign against the move. However, most nations recognized it as an internal matter of India. Islamabad’s repeated attempts to internationalize the Kashmir issue at the United Nations and in forums like the OIC have failed to garner significant support. Yet, instead of accepting the geopolitical reality, Pakistan continues to stoke separatism through misinformation, funding and training of infiltrators. Its role in promoting digital propaganda and cyber warfare targeting Indian institutions also illustrates its evolved strategy in hybrid warfare.
Diplomatically, Pakistan has also tested India’s patience by playing the role of a perpetual victim while actively encouraging hostility. It seeks international sympathy for being at the receiving end of terror, even as it gives shelter to globally designated terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar. Despite Financial Action Task Force warnings and being on the grey list for years, Pakistan has dragged its feet on genuinely dismantling the terror infrastructure. The world is waking up to this duplicity, but the pace is slow and, in the meantime, India bears the brunt of Pakistan’s actions.
India’s strategic restraint has often been praised globally, especially in the face of grave provocations. However, this restraint should not be mistaken for weakness. The surgical strikes in 2016 and the Balakot airstrike in 2019 were indicators that India is now ready to respond to provocations in kind. These actions also sent a clear message: if Pakistan crosses the line, there will be consequences. This shift in India’s doctrine from reactive diplomacy to proactive deterrence marks a significant evolution. It reflects a nation unwilling to be perpetually provoked, a nation ready to defend its sovereignty with both words and weapons.
The domestic mood in India has also changed. Citizens today expect a stronger response from their government when the country is provoked. The political leadership cannot afford to appear soft on Pakistan-backed aggression. Media, civil society and general public are more vocal about seeking accountability, both domestically and internationally. This creates additional pressure on policymakers to ensure that peace does not come at the cost of national pride and security. India’s rising stature on the global stage has also enabled it to build partnerships that isolate Pakistan diplomatically. Strategic alliances with the US, France, Japan and others have brought increased scrutiny on Pakistan’s role in global terrorism. Yet, Pakistan’s establishment continues its old playbook, seemingly blind to the changing geopolitical dynamics.
Internally, Pakistan is grappling with economic collapse, political instability and civil-military tensions. Instead of focusing on domestic reforms and economic revival, its leadership continues to divert public attention by playing the anti-India card. This short-sightedness not only hampers regional peace but also prevents Pakistan from developing a constructive national identity. A nation that thrives on hatred and rivalry cannot build lasting institutions or uplift its people.
India, despite its provocations, continues to advocate for a peaceful South Asia. But peace requires honesty, mutual respect and a commitment to fight common challenges like poverty, climate change and extremism. If Pakistan continues on its current path, it risks not just further alienation but also a breakdown of whatever limited communication channels remain. India’s patience, while admirable is not infinite. The message is loud and clear: friendship is offered, but foolishness and hostility will be met with strength.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s repeated provocations are not mere irritants, they are strategic miscalculations that underestimate India’s resolve. While India remains, a responsible regional power committed to peace and stability, it cannot continue to ignore actions that endanger its national security. If Pakistan truly wishes to coexist peacefully, it must abandon its double game and take decisive action against the forces of terror and disruption within its borders. Otherwise, it will find itself increasingly isolated and irrelevant in a world that values progress over propaganda, and peace over perpetual conflict. India’s patience is admirable, but even the calmest ocean can rise in a storm when tested for too long
