ISLAMABAD: Tensions in South Asia have intensified following stark warningsfrom Indian military officials about Pakistan’s aggressive pursuit ofadvanced weaponry from global suppliers. Vice Admiral K Swaminathan, headof India’s Western Naval Command, described Islamabad’s post-conflict armsshopping as a grave concern for subcontinental stability.
Speaking at a security conference in Mumbai, he highlighted how Pakistan isscouring the world for arms and ammunition. This surge comes in the wake ofOperation Sindoor, an Indian military operation in May.
The operation, launched in retaliation for the April Pahalgam terror attackthat claimed 26 lives. Indian officials claim it dismantled mythssurrounding Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence and exposed overt backing fromexternal powers. Swaminathan noted that the four-day campaign established anew paradigm in bilateral ties, with India asserting its right to responddecisively against cross-border threats.
Pakistan’s response has been a frenzied procurement drive, sourcingequipment. The admiral pointed out that this arms race ignores domesticpriorities, fueling fears of an unstable escalation. Reports indicate dealswith diverse vendors, amplifying capabilities in air, land, and seadomains. This buildup, analysts say, could alter the delicate balance ofpower, prompting calls for diplomatic interventions to prevent a viciouscycle of militarization in the region.
Compounding these worries is China’s enduring role as a key enabler.Swaminathan underscored Beijing’s naval expansion, now the world’s largest,with persistent deployments of five to eight vessels in the Indian Ocean.The commissioning of China’s third aircraft carrier, Fujian, alongsideadvanced fighters, signals a broader strategic push. Turkey’s emergingsupport for Pakistan further complicates dynamics, as seen during therecent conflict. Indian assessments reveal deeper alliances thananticipated, urging vigilant monitoring to safeguard peace.
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As both nations recalibrate strategies, experts advocate renewed dialogueto address root causes like terrorism. Pakistan maintains its procurementsare defensive, aimed at safeguarding sovereignty amid perceivedaggressions. Yet, the admiral’s candid remarks underscore the fragility ofregional security, where unchecked arms flows risk tipping intoconfrontation. Sustainable stability demands mutual restraint andmultilateral engagement.
Source:www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-navy-vice-admiral-k-swaminathan-pakistan-arms-shopping-china-challenge-9707624″>https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-navy-vice-admiral-k-swaminathan-pakistan-arms-shopping-china-challenge-9707624
