Ethics Theory, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. 2. “The 2025 cross-border strikes between India and Pakistan underscore the fragility of peace in South Asia, while also reaffirming the centrality of diplomacy in managing regional crises.” Discuss in the context of recent developments. (150 words, 10 marks)
Introduction
The 2025 India–Pakistan escalation followed a terror attack in Kashmir, triggering strong but restrained Indian counterstrikes and swift diplomatic outreach. The episode reaffirmed India’s strategic maturity and the role of diplomacy in preserving regional stability.
Body
Major Developments and Diplomatic Dynamics
- Terror trigger and escalation: The April 22 Pahalgam attack killed 26 civilians. India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps with precision, reinforcing its counterterror stance.
- Cross-border hostilities: Pakistan escalated with drone sorties and shelling; India responded with calibrated strikes avoiding civilian harm.
- DGMO hotline diplomacy: In May 2025, DGMOs agreed on restraint. India took the initiative to activate hotlines and propose disengagement.
- India’s position on conflict resolution: India reaffirmed that all issues with Pakistan must be addressed bilaterally, emphasizing that the 2003 ceasefire understanding remains the primary framework for maintaining peace along the Line of Control.
Fragility of Peace in South Asia
- Trust deficit: Frequent violations of ceasefire and use of proxies have eroded mutual trust, keeping the Line of Control volatile.
- Lack of institutional mechanisms: Unlike Indo-China ties, India–Pakistan lack stable crisis de-escalation platforms, making responses ad hoc and risk-prone.
- Terror infrastructure in Pakistan: India has consistently highlighted the continued sheltering of terror groups like LeT and JeM in Pakistan as root causes of instability.
- Domestic compulsions in Pakistan: Shifts in Pakistan’s civil–military balance often influence its India policy, derailing peace overtures with sudden escalations.
Centrality of Diplomacy in Crisis Management
- Swift diplomatic communication: Despite tensions, diplomatic backchannels helped prevent miscalculation. India used direct communication and third-party mediation judiciously.
- Multilateral pressure on terror: India rallied support through UNSC members to isolate Pakistan diplomatically over its inaction against terror networks.
- Respect for ceasefire agreement: The 2003 ceasefire reaffirmation in 2021 provided a baseline, and both sides have shown willingness to avoid full-scale conflict.
- Backchannel talks: Though informal, alleged UAE-mediated backchannels may have reportedly facilitated mutual pullback, reaffirming diplomacy’s quiet strength.
Way Forward
- Sustained diplomatic dialogue: India must continue advocating for bilateral diplomacy rooted in zero tolerance for terror, without external mediation on core issues.
- Monitoring and verification: Reviving joint DGMO-level oversight of ceasefire violations can help prevent misreporting and accidental escalations.
- Regional anti-terror framework: India can push for a SAARC or BIMSTEC-based anti-terror protocol to regionalize counterterror efforts and isolate Pakistan’s use of proxies.
- Designating TRF as terror outfit: India’s recent move to proscribe The Resistance Front under UAPA sends a strong message about internal and cross-border terror links.
Conclusion
While the 2025 strikes exposed South Asia’s security fault lines, India’s emphasis on calibrated response and diplomacy reflects its maturity. Long-term peace will require dismantling terror infrastructure and investing in institutionalized conflict resolution channels.
