Pehalgam false flag operation resulted in severe clash between India and Pakistan in which India was defeated and its pride of “Rafael” aircrafts was shattered with ease and confidence by Pakistan Air Force.Having suffered internationally and internally Modi is heavily burdened and frustrated and is under pressure from public at large and opposition that has demanded his resignation. Under the cover of ceasefire, he is trying to regroup and reequip to take revenge from Pakistan. He held a meeting of top military commanders and gave his mind and probably they asked Modi to wait and go slow. However, under the circumstances he has to weigh his options before undertaking fresh adventures against Pakistan.In the present scenario where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is under pressure due to internal and international setbacks, and is contemplating a response to Pakistan – there are several strategic, diplomatic, and military options available to him.Firstly diplomatic maneuvering by doing International lobbying by highlighting alleged Pakistani support for terrorism at international forums (UN, FATF, etc.) to rally global opinion.Strengthen alliances by deepening strategic partnerships with countries like the U.S., France, Israel, Japan, and ASEAN nations to isolate Pakistan.
Use India’s diplomatic channels to exert pressure on Pakistan via allies and regional partners like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.It will have slower impact, may not satisfy domestic calls for immediate action. He may impose trade restrictions by reducing or cutting remaining economic ties (though trade is already minimal). The best option use water-sharing agreements (like the Indus Waters Treaty) to apply pressure, though this is legally and diplomatically sensitive. Carry out lobbying to encourage global financial sanctions or restrictions on Pakistani individuals/entities. This may hurt Pakistan but is capable to pay back India in befitting manner. Alternatively use RAW or allied intelligence under cover to disrupt alleged militant infrastructure across the border. Target Pakistani digital infrastructure.Support insurgencies covertly support anti-Pakistan elements. carry out Surgical Strikes: Repeat of 2016-style targeted cross-border attacks on alleged terror camps.Airstrikes like Balakot 2019 – strategic, symbolic, with plausible deniability.Use of Artillery/Border Skirmishes: limited escalation along the Line of Control and working boundary.Use the Indian Navy to exert pressure in the Arabian Sea or near Karachi. Open invitation to escalation to full-scale war. Address domestic political or economic grievances to reduce pressure and increase legitimacy.
Control the narrative to show strength without necessarily taking direct action. Boost defense preparedness. Increase visibility of troops and their activity. Wait for opportune moment, acting impulsively can create problems. Modi may consider how global powers (U.S., China, Russia) would respond. Pakistan’s internal state, instability within Pakistan could either be a deterrent or an opportunity, depending on India’s goals.
If Modi is “frustrated” but being advised to “wait and stay cool,” it’s likely that a hybrid approach – combining covert operations, diplomatic pressure, and internal consolidation – would be considered safest and most effective in the short term. But Modi should also keep in mind that Pakistan is fully aware about her options and have already taken adequate measures to deal any situation including use of nuclear option as a last resort for which chances are very less. Pakistan is capable and fully equipped to defeat India without using nuclear option. The people are ready and want our armed forces to teach some bitter lessons to India. There is every possibility of escalation on account of illegal action taken by India by suspending Indus Water Treaty. Before it is too late Pakistan should take up Indus water Treaty case with the UN and World Bank, we should not wait in the hope that good sense will prevail with Modi, but as we see threats coming out from him on water must be taken seriously. However, preemptive strike cannot be ruled out.
