ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has issued a stern and categoricalcondemnation of recent statements made by India’s National Security AdvisorAjit Doval, who reportedly spoke of the need to “avenge history” in thecontext of longstanding bilateral tensions. Spokesperson Tahir Andrabidescribed the remarks as reflective of deep-seated hate-mongering andcautioned that such rhetoric dangerously undermines the principles ofresponsible statecraft in a nuclearised neighbourhood already fraught withmultiple layers of mistrust.
The controversial observation by the Indian NSA came during a closed-doorstrategic interaction where he reportedly emphasised revisiting historicalgrievances to shape future policy directions toward Pakistan. Although theprecise context remains partially classified, diplomatic circles inIslamabad interpreted the language as an unmistakable signal of revanchistintent that goes beyond routine political posturing and enters the realm ofexistential threat narrative.
Pakistan’s response, delivered with measured yet firm language, underscoresIslamabad’s consistent position that inflammatory statements from highoffices serve only to inflame public sentiment rather than advanceconstructive dialogue. The Foreign Office has historically maintained thatgenuine efforts toward peace require both sides to move away from thepolitics of historical score-settling and instead focus onconfidence-building measures that address contemporary realities and mutualsecurity concerns.
Analysts tracking South Asian strategic discourse point out that referencesto “avenging history” carry particular weight when articulated by someoneof Ajit Doval’s stature, widely regarded as the chief architect of India’smuscular security policy since 2014. His earlier statements on surgicalstrikes and pre-emptive action have already shaped much of the currentbilateral dynamic, making the latest remarks a continuation of anestablished pattern rather than an isolated slip of tongue.
The timing of the statement assumes added significance amid ongoing effortsby the international community to encourage de-escalation along the Line ofControl. Multiple track-II initiatives and back-channel communications havebeen active in recent months, with several third-party capitals quietlyfacilitating dialogue on issues ranging from trade resumption tocounter-terrorism cooperation. Such provocative public language, diplomatswarn, risks derailing these fragile processes and pushing both countriestoward renewed cycles of hostility.
Pakistan has repeatedly maintained that durable peace in South Asia remainscontingent upon India’s willingness to address the core issue of Jammu andKashmir in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Councilresolutions. The Foreign Office statement subtly reminded New Delhi thatimagined historical vendettas cannot substitute for adherence tointernational law and bilateral commitments made under the framework of theSimla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration.
Security experts observing the development note that rhetoric invokinghistorical revenge often serves domestic political purposes more thanstrategic ends. In India’s current electoral landscape, hardline positionson Pakistan frequently resonate with certain voter segments, providingshort-term political dividends while complicating long-term regionalstability. Nevertheless, such language from the NSA carries greaterinstitutional weight and cannot be dismissed as mere campaign rhetoric.
The Pakistani response deliberately avoided personal attacks on Ajit Dovalwhile focusing squarely on the dangerous implications of his words. Bycharacterising the statement as hate-mongering, Islamabad sought tointernationalise the issue and highlight how such rhetoric from a nuclearpower contributes to heightened regional insecurity. Several diplomaticmissions in Islamabad have privately acknowledged the validity ofPakistan’s concern regarding the escalation potential embedded in the NSA’sobservation.
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Looking ahead, foreign policy observers anticipate that Pakistan willcontinue to raise the matter in multilateral forums while simultaneouslykeeping channels open for quiet diplomacy. The measured tone of therebuttal suggests a calibrated approach aimed at exposing the provocativenature of the statement without closing the door on eventual engagement.Whether New Delhi chooses to clarify, retract or double down remains thecritical question that will likely define the immediate trajectory ofbilateral ties.
The episode once again illustrates the fragility of South Asia’s strategicenvironment, where words spoken at the highest levels can reverberate farbeyond their intended audience. As both capitals navigate domesticpressures and external expectations, the international community continuesto watch closely, hoping that responsible statecraft ultimately prevailsover the temptations of historical revisionism and revenge politics.
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/foreign-office-condemns-indian-nsa-remarks
Tags: Pakistan, India, Ajit Doval, Foreign Office, National Security Advisor
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