1 week Ago
While the Indian Opposition has often criticised PM Modi’s foreign visits, it has been repeatedly proven that his energetic and strategic global outreach has helped the nation In an interesting coincidence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, the heart of Islam, when Islamic terrorists on Tuesday slaughtered Hindu tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Men were asked to read the kalma, or checked for circumcision by pulling down their trousers, before they were coldly shot in the head. Modi cut short his Saudi visit, but not before leading the discussions with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on the Pahalgam attack.
The Strategic Partnership Council meeting between the two countries commenced with a reference to the massacre. The rapidly liberalising Saudi, one of strongest proponents currently in the Middle East against radicalism, unequivocally condemned the incident. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s condemnation in the strongest terms of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir that resulted in many deaths and injuries," its statement read.
“The Kingdom affirms its firm stance in rejecting all forms of violence, extremism, and targeting of civilians. The Kingdom also extends its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and the government and people of the Republic of India." Saudi’s equally influential and progressive Middle-Eastern neighbour and one of India’s closest allies, the United Arab Emirates, condemned the attack in the strongest terms.
The UAE called for “permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability in contravention of international law". Every world power from the US to the UK to Russia has strongly stood with India. Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Benjamin Netanyahu, Giorgia Meloni and even Xi Jinping.
..condemnation came from all sides (although it is believed that China helped Pakistan in diluting the UNSC statement on the Pahalgam attack).
But it is not just about global condemnation as lip service. India has quietly been garnering support, working backroom channels to create ground and consensus for its imminent response. PM Modi’s stellar run of proactive diplomacy — visiting nations which other PMs had never stepped foot in, sending Covid vaccines to more than 75 countries, standing firmly with friends like Russia and Israel even under severe pressure, being the voice of the global south, adding a warm personal touch with the most powerful global leaders — will prove to be extremely useful when India chooses to respond to Pakistan’s bloodsport in Pahalgam.
And India will certainly respond. It is not a question of if but when. It cannot ignore the oceanic roar of outrage from its own citizens, nor will it want to let go of an opportunity to cripple its enemies and achieve its strategic and civilisational targets.
India is believed to be already working with its global partners on intelligence, deterrence, and a robust response. A slew of steps, including turning off the tap of Indus River water, has already been taken. But a military response this time may go beyond just a surgical strike.
Russia has already issued a stern travel advisory to its citizens against travelling to Pakistan. US President Donald Trump, while strongly condemning the Pahalgam attack and committing to work with India against terrorism, also said that India and Pakistan will “figure it out". Since the balance of military power tilts in India’s favour, it implies that the US may not immediately step in to cool things down if India plans a hard retaliation.
Tulsi Gabbard, US Director of National Intelligence, tweeted, “We stand in solidarity with India in the wake of the horrific Islamist terrorist attack, targeting and killing 26 Hindus in Pahalgam. My prayers and deepest sympathies are with those who lost a loved one, PM @narendramodi, and with all the people of India. We are with you and support you as you hunt down those responsible for this heinous attack.
" The signs are clear. The civilised world stands with India. While the Indian Opposition has often criticised PM Modi’s foreign visits, it has been repeatedly proven that his energetic and strategic global outreach has helped the nation again and again, whether it is in procuring cheap Russian oil during the Ukraine war, or mustering international support at times like this.
Abhijit Majumder is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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