Roundtable on Pak-India limited war

Islamabad:Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) convened here a security roundtable on the evolving dynamics of India-Pakistan limited war.

Former Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir has challenged India's status as a rising middle power citing its regional setbacks, including diplomatic and strategic loss of Bangladesh and its failure to secure a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. He argued these factors undermine India’s regional and global ambitions. Former ambassador Asif Durrani questioned the timing and motives behind India’s recent military posturing, suggesting it is politically driven by Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming elections in Bihar and deeply influenced by Hindutva ideology.

Dr Adil Sultan, Head of Social Sciences, Air University, noted India’s evolving focus on short-range aerial technologies, signalling a shift in regional conflict strategies. Dr Fareha Bugti, Director-General, Counterterrorism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasised Pakistan's responsible handling of recent hostilities reinforcing its image as a peaceful and mature state actor.

Analyst Dr Atia Kazmi underscored India’s failure to alter the regional narrative or acknowledge Pakistan’s strategic resilience. Jauhar Saleem, President, IRS, noted that India needs to rethink its quest for regional hegemony, which has resulted in fractious relations with all the countries of the region ultimately leading to a military confrontation with Pakistan entailing disastrous repercussions for India’s global ambitions. The roundtable concluded with consensus on the need for sustained dialogue and strategic patience to prevent a relapse of dangerous escalation in South Asia.