Modi's Evolving Pakistan Policy: A Shift in India's Approach

Strategic Insights -

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, like many of his predecessors, has made attempts to build bridges with Pakistan in the past. However, the Pahalgam terrorist attack in 2019 marked a significant shift in his approach towards Pakistan. The Indian government's response to the attack, led by Modi, demonstrated a new resolve to combat Pakistani terrorism through kinetic action. This change in policy was met with widespread support from the Indian people, as evident from the nation's endorsement of Operation Sindoor, a seven-all party delegation that traveled to over 30 countries to convey India's resolve against Pakistani terrorism.

Key Takeaways:

  • Modi's Pakistan policy evolved over time, with him initially attempting to normalize ties with Pakistan, exemplified by his 2014 invitation to then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his oath-taking ceremony and subsequent meetings with Sharif in Delhi and Ufa.
  • However, the Pakistani generals' opposition to these efforts led to a series of terrorist attacks, including the Pathankot airbase attack in 2016, which Modi did not respond to by breaking off the engagement.
  • Instead, Modi sought peace with Pakistan, allowing a Pakistani investigation team to visit Pathankot, including an ISI officer, a move unprecedented among his predecessors.
  • Modi's policy shifted significantly after the Pulwama terrorist attack in 2019, leading to the downgrading of bilateral ties and fundamental constitutional changes regarding Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The Operation Sindoor, a seven-all party delegation that traveled to over 30 countries, demonstrated India's resolve against Pakistani terrorism and received widespread support from the Indian people.

Statistics:

  • 2014: Modi invites then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his oath-taking ceremony.
  • 2015: Modi meets Sharif on the sidelines of the SCO summit at Ufa, leading to the Ufa Joint Statement, which remained silent on Jammu and Kashmir.
  • December 2015: National Security Advisors and Foreign Secretaries meet in Bangkok to discuss terrorism and other bilateral issues.
  • 2016: Pakistan sponsors the Pathankot airbase attack.
  • 2019: Modi authorizes and publicizes kinetic action after the Pulwama terrorist attack, leading to a shift in India's approach towards Pakistan.

Sources:

  • "The Pahalgam terrorist attack was dastardly and designed to destabilise India's social harmony."

(IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.)

  • "Modi's meeting with Nawaz Sharif in Delhi in May 2014 led to a decision to renew the bilateral engagement."

(IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.)