Dr. Varun Suthra is a renowned geopolitical analyst, public intellectual, and international speaker specializing in South Asian security and diplomacy. With extensive experience in conflict zones and strategic affairs, Dr. Suthra has served as an advisor to various policy think tanks and academic institutions. His insights are frequently sought after by global media for their clarity, depth, and grounded perspective on India-Pakistan relations, regional stability, and emerging global power dynamics.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Varun Suthra joins us to discuss the tensions between India and Pakistan. With firsthand insight from the conflict zone, Dr. Suthra offers a grounded analysis of the root causes, regional implications, and the path forward. As global attention intensifies, his perspective sheds light on India’s response, its evolving geopolitical stance, and the stakes in a volatile, multipolar world.
Dr. Sutra, tensions between India and Pakistan have once again escalated. How do you interpret the underlying causes of this latest flare-up, and what potential consequences do you foresee? Given that you may be situated in the region where these events are unfolding, we’d greatly appreciate any insights you can share from on the ground.
Thank you very much for having me, Mr. Andre. Yes, tensions have indeed escalated, and I must say, we didn’t anticipate the situation would intensify so quickly.
I’m currently in the region along the international border between India and Pakistan. Just last night, we witnessed heavy shelling from the Pakistani side, along with drone and missile attacks. Fortunately, thanks to India’s highly effective air defense system, the city of Jammu—located near Pakistan’s Sialkot—was well protected.
The attacks were intense, sustained, and lasted through the night. The entire city experienced a complete blackout as a precaution. Thankfully, our defense forces responded with remarkable efficiency, and as of now, no major casualties or damage have been reported. That, at least, is a relief.
Could you provide some context on how this latest escalation—this renewed momentum toward conflict—began? What would you identify as the primary cause behind the current tensions?
The root cause, as we’ve long maintained, remains unchanged: Pakistan continues to serve as a breeding ground for terrorism. Unable to challenge India in a conventional war, they resort to tactics like infiltration and cross-border terrorism to destabilize regions like Kashmir and other parts of India.
India has endured this strategy for decades—two or three, in fact—and we’ve suffered immensely because of it. What triggered the latest escalation, which began around April 22, was particularly tragic. At that time, Kashmir was experiencing a rare period of peace and prosperity. Tourism was thriving—more visitors were arriving than ever before—and the local population, whose livelihoods largely depend on tourism, was seeing genuine economic hope.
That progress was shattered when terrorists, backed by Pakistan, launched a brutal attack. They massacred 26 unarmed civilians—tourists who were simply on vacation with their families. These were not military personnel or individuals in uniform; they were ordinary people enjoying a peaceful break. According to confirmed footage, the terrorists forced them to recite verses from the Quran to identify non-Muslims—specifically Hindus—before executing them.
The nation was outraged. From every corner of India, the public demanded a strong response. People felt that enough was enough. We’re a peaceful and prospering country, focused on growth and development, and yet we continue to be targeted without provocation.
The collective sentiment was clear: the time had come for the Indian government to respond firmly and decisively—to send an unmistakable message to Pakistan, a state that sponsors terror, that such brutality will no longer be tolerated.
I understand and acknowledge India’s right to defend its peace-loving citizens. At this stage, do you believe diplomacy—including backchannel negotiations—still has a role to play? Or has that window effectively closed for now? In practical terms, would you say India is currently at war with Pakistan?
I wouldn’t necessarily call it full-scale war at this point, but the conflict has definitely escalated to a more serious and dangerous level. If Pakistan continues its current course—especially targeting civilians—it may indeed push the situation closer to open war.
To clarify, India conducted precise, targeted strikes on known terrorist locations. These operations were carried out with utmost care to avoid civilian casualties. Not a single civilian was harmed during India’s response.
In contrast, Pakistan retaliated by shelling the border town of Poonch, an area of strategic importance along the Line of Control. Due to its geographic position, even a small amount of shelling from the Pakistani side can reach civilian areas in the town. Tragically, they didn’t target military installations—they targeted civilians. Sixteen innocent people lost their lives. They even destroyed a Sikh house of worship, a Gurudwara, killing many members of the Sikh community.
This marks a disturbing shift: Pakistan’s retaliation is now focused on civilians. Naturally, India must act to protect its people. If such aggression continues, escalation becomes a very real possibility.
Of course, no one wants war. Peace is always the preferred path. But Pakistan must realize that targeting civilians is unacceptable. Over the years, they’ve already launched numerous terrorist attacks and bombings against us. Even now, India’s leaders are responding with restraint and reason. The message from our side remains clear: if Pakistan halts its aggression, India is prepared to do the same.
India has never closed the door on dialogue. That’s not who we are. Peace is part of our national ethos. But survival comes first. Every step India has taken is in self-defense—never as an act of aggression.
What exactly is the objective of these terrorists? Have they stated any specific goals, or is their sole purpose simply to spread fear and chaos?
If we examine the geopolitics of the region, particularly the dynamic between India and Pakistan, a stark contrast becomes immediately evident. India, as the world’s largest democracy, has consistently served as a model for democratic governance. Whatever challenges arise, India addresses them through democratic institutions and processes. Even now, during this time of heightened tension, all major opposition parties stand united with the government—a remarkable show of national solidarity in the face of crisis.
Pakistan, on the other hand, continues to grapple with deep internal instability. Their parliamentary debates reflect this disorder—many members are openly blaming their Prime Minister and the military leadership. Historically, Pakistan has never functioned as a stable democracy. Not a single elected Prime Minister has been allowed to complete a full term. Governments are frequently toppled, and the military repeatedly seizes control. We’ve seen this pattern again and again, from the case of Imran Khan to several of his predecessors.
When a country can’t uphold democratic continuity, it often turns to external distractions to manage internal unrest. This is a classic diversion tactic. By provoking conflict with India, the leadership attempts to unify its population under the guise of a common enemy.
Even more concerning are the recent public remarks made by Pakistan’s Army Chief, Asim Munir. Just days before the latest attacks, he openly declared that Pakistan “can never live with Hindus” and characterized the country as a radical Islamic state. This wasn’t a covert sentiment—it was stated explicitly and publicly. His speech is on record for anyone to verify. That kind of rhetoric makes their intentions clear: they aren’t seeking peace; they’re cultivating hostility.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen such provocation. The 2008 attacks on Mumbai are a vivid reminder. For years, Pakistan has sent militants across the border to sow chaos, assuming India would absorb the damage without decisive retaliation. But things have changed.
India has now resolved to respond firmly. This is not just a tactical shift—it reflects a new national mindset. We’re no longer going to allow these misadventures to go unanswered. The time has come for a strong, united response.
As we all know, both India and Pakistan are nuclear-armed states, which naturally draws global attention to this conflict. Do you believe there’s a genuine risk of the situation escalating to that level? Of course, we all hope it will be resolved long before reaching such a critical point.
No, I remain hopeful that the situation will be resolved peacefully, as neither country appears to have any real intention of escalating it to that extreme. Nuclear weapons today are largely seen as tools of deterrence rather than instruments of active warfare.
I also believe we live in a responsible international community. The world is watching closely, and if the situation begins to spiral, global powers will likely intervene at the appropriate time to help de-escalate tensions.
Perhaps this is a good point to shift our focus to some broader dimensions of the issue. How would you describe India’s current geopolitical posture in today’s increasingly multipolar world? You’ve drawn a contrast between the political systems of Pakistan and India—could you elaborate on how they fundamentally differ? Is India currently aligning itself with any particular global bloc or ideological current? Additionally, how would you define the ideology of Prime Minister Modi’s government? What are the foundational principles of the broader Modi movement, and how would you characterize this pivotal moment in India’s modern history?
No, I firmly believe that India has remained true to its fundamental ethos. Wherever I travel and speak around the world, I emphasize this core principle: India believes in the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family. We are a nation committed to peace, progress, and prosperity, and we seek friendship with countries across the globe.
You can see this in how India actively engages with Europe, the United States, and other progressive nations. Since gaining independence in 1947, India has largely maintained a neutral and non-aggressive stance in global affairs. Every Indian Prime Minister, regardless of party, has prioritized one unifying agenda: development.
Today, Indians are among the most respected professionals worldwide—doctors, engineers, IT specialists, diplomats—contributing significantly in nearly every field. As an Indian who travels extensively, I’ve personally witnessed the immense respect our country now commands on the global stage.
From day one, the Modi government has emphasized inclusive development. Its motto, “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”—which means “Together with all, development for all”—reflects a genuine commitment to equity. The implementation of government programs has reached every layer of society, ensuring that all communities benefit from national progress.
India is incredibly diverse—in culture, language, religion, and ethnicity. And yet, in the past decade, this diverse nation has made remarkable strides. I believe this government and its leadership deserve credit for that achievement.
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