NEW DELHI (CoinChapter.com) — In a recent development, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated as Pakistan voiced its strong criticism and concern over remarks made by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
During his speech at the Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh’s Drass town on the 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas, on July 26, Mr. Singh asserted:
“We can go to any extreme to maintain the honor and dignity of the country…if that includes crossing the LoC, we are ready to do that…if we are provoked and if the need arises, we will cross the LoC.”
“The Kargil war was imposed on India. At that time, India had tried to solve the issues with Pakistan through talks… we are backstabbed by Pakistan,” he said, adding that the armed forces have been given a free hand to eliminate the “nation’s enemies.”
The statements were described as “belligerent rhetoric,” raising apprehensions about their potential impact on regional peace and stability.
Pakistan swiftly responded to the statement, asserting its ability to defend itself against aggression.
“We counsel India to exercise utmost caution as its belligerent rhetoric is a threat to the regional peace and stability and contributes to destabilizing the strategic environment in South Asia,” The Foreign Office in Islamabad made this statement on July 26.
This latest incident is not the first time that Indian political leaders and senior military officials have made statements about Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan that Pakistan deems “highly irresponsible.”
Strained India-Pakistan Relations and the Kashmir Issue
The persistent animosity between India and Pakistan finds its roots in the complex Kashmir issue and the unsettling specter of cross-border terrorism, casting a shadow over the relations of these two nations armed with nuclear capabilities.
The tensions escalated to new heights in August 2019 when India boldly abrogated Article 370 of its Constitution, causing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir to dissipate, transforming it into two Union Territories.
In the aftermath of India’s decisive move, Pakistan responded with significant actions, taking the diplomatic route of downgrading relations and expelling the Indian envoy.
Despite the uproar, India unwaveringly maintains that Jammu and Kashmir are an intrinsic part of its territory and earnestly expresses its aspiration for harmonious neighborly ties with Pakistan, disavowing any inclination towards terrorism, animosity, or aggression.
Experts and keen international observers persistently underline the necessity of an earnest dialogue between India and Pakistan to address the deep-rooted issues, fostering an environment conducive to regional tranquility and stability.
The Kargil Vijay Diwas should remind both nations to avoid further escalation and prioritize peaceful resolutions to their disputes.
