In light of apprehensions about Pahalgam situation, what measures is Pakistan taking to counter India?
In the bustling city of New Delhi, the proposed testing of surface-to-surface ballistic missiles by Pakistan has sent ripples of apprehension, stoking fears of an escalation in the already fraught relationship between the two nations. The proposed missile test is viewed by India as a "rash act of provocation" that masks a "desperate attempt to fan the flames of tension."
Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in late April that left 26 civilians dead, the geopolitical landscape between India and Pakistan has taken a turn for the worse. Near-daily gunfire exchanges along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir have become the norm, underscoring the growing hostilities between the two neighboring countries.
Pakistan, in response to India's diplomatic countermeasures, has resorted to issuing NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) to warn of potential missile tests, seeking to exert its military might. Insiders familiar with the situation informed ANI that Pakistan was gearing up to carry out surface-to-surface ballistic missile tests, which India perceived as an act of "provocation" and a dangerous move in their on-going campaign against Pakistan.
Pakistan first issued a NOTAM on the night of April 23, presenting India with less than 24 hours' notice for a ballistic missile launch. However, no such firing was observed. The country followed this up with notifications on April 26-27 for naval exercises off the coast of Karachi, but, again, no drills materialized. After two failed attempts to ratchet up tensions, Pakistan made another move on April 30-May 2 by threatening to launch missiles near India's Exclusive Economic Zone; however, this move too ended in disappointment.
The escalating tensions, compounded by the continuous exchange of gunfire on the Kashmir border and the belligerent rhetoric of Pakistani politicians, have set the stage for this fourth potential act of provocation by Pakistan. Should the missile test go ahead, the consequences for regional stability could be far-reaching and dramatic.
Insights from Enrichment
- The suggested missile test involves the Abdali Weapon System with a range of 450 km.
- The escalation in tensions is largely due to Pakistan's denial of its involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack, ceasefire violations, and naval exercises coupled with missile test threats.
- India has reacted punitively with diplomatic actions, such as the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and maintaining military readiness to respond to any provocation.
- India is likely seeking international pressure on Pakistan to cease hostilities and comply with international norms.
- The Abdali Weapon System, capable of a 450 km range, is at the center of a perceived act of provocation by Pakistan, as India views the proposed missile test as a dangerous move in their ongoing campaign against Pakistan.
- In response to India's diplomatic countermeasures, such as the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan has strategically utilized NOTAMs to warn of potential missile tests, aiming to assert its military strength.
- Amidst the geopolitical landscape of war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice, the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over missile tests, border skirmishes, and political rhetoric may result in far-reaching and dramatic consequences for regional stability.
- In New Delhi's general news discourse, the ongoing military, political, and diplomatic maneuvers between India and Pakistan over missile tests, Pahalgam terror attacks, and ceasefire violations are discussed extensively, casting a shadow over the perceived stability of the South Asian region.
