India: A Nation Caught in Its Own Web of Arrogance and Aggression.

India: A Nation Caught in Its Own Web of Arrogance and Aggression.

In the modern geopolitical landscape, India has emerged as a country that often contradicts its democratic image with aggressive policies, regional bullying, and internal oppression. While the world once viewed post-colonial India as a rising, peaceful democracy, recent history—particularly under the leadership of Narendra Modi—has taken a drastic turn. Today, India stands more isolated than ever, with failing regional alliances, strained global credibility, and rising internal dissent. This is a case of a nation shooting itself in the foot.

Inherited Strength, Misused Might

At the time of partition in 1947, India inherited more assets than Pakistan — militarily, economically, and administratively. Despite this, it has consistently acted in hostility toward Pakistan, seizing Kashmir, rejecting UN resolutions, and playing a direct role in the secession of East Pakistan and the formation of Bangladesh. Rather than working for regional peace, India, through covert operations and movements like Mukti Bahini, has sowed division and destabilization.

Persistent Violation of International Norms

India’s refusal to honor United Nations resolutions on Kashmir and its habitual breaches of the Indus Water Treaty have exposed its disregard for international agreements. In Indian-administered Kashmir, countless human rights violations have been documented, with millions of Muslims living under military siege and suffering systemic abuse.

Waging Media, Diplomatic, and Hybrid Wars

From launching disinformation campaigns to producing anti-Pakistan films and mobilizing international lobbies, India has aggressively tried to isolate Pakistan on the world stage. Whether it was the refusal to play cricket in Pakistan or labeling Pakistan as a terror sponsor, India’s propaganda has gone far beyond healthy competition.

Modi’s Doctrine: Regional Bullying and Strategic Miscalculation

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s posture turned ultra-nationalistic. Bullying smaller neighbors like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh became routine. India’s border skirmishes with China and ongoing provocations with Pakistan—such as the Balakot strike in 2019—exposed a flawed strategic mindset driven by arrogance.

But 2025 marked a tipping point.

India launched a full-scale attack on Pakistan. But unlike the past, Pakistan was prepared. Within days, Pakistan destroyed 90 Israeli-origin drones, shot down 6 Rafale fighter jets, and obliterated India’s prized Russian S-400 air defense system. Key border posts, air bases, and military brigades were neutralized. Pakistan, through its calculated and defensive response, not only won the war militarily but also shifted the diplomatic balance of the region.

Diplomatic Fallout: India’s Isolation

Following the conflict, India found itself completely diplomatically isolated. Bangladesh, already alienated by Indian arrogance and internal interference, cut off trade and closed borders. Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan began strengthening ties with the emerging China-Pakistan strategic alliance. India’s self-imagined image as a regional superpower collapsed.

Meanwhile, Pakistan emerged as a responsible military power. Its global reputation strengthened. Countries began expressing a desire for military cooperation, purchasing Pakistani missiles and fighter jets, and recognizing Pakistan’s stabilizing role in South Asia.

Chabahar Backfires: The Iranian Shift

India had invested billions in developing Iran’s Chabahar Port, imagining it as a strategic counter to Pakistan’s Gwadar. However, Modi’s growing closeness with the U.S.—including offering intelligence and military access—soured relations with Iran. The final blow came when Iranian Parliamentarians, in outrage, publicly burned the Indian flag on media channels.

If Iran follows suit in closing its airspace like Pakistan, Indian airlines will face devastating losses. A 1.5-hour flight time extension has already driven up operational costs. If extended to 2.5 hours due to further regional closures, it could bring India’s commercial aviation industry to its knees.

The Road to Redemption

India now stands at a critical juncture. With neighbors turning away and internal uprisings by Sikhs, Muslims, and Tamils simmering beneath the surface, only one path remains: reconciliation. Implementing the UN Kashmir resolutions, honoring water treaties, and fostering peaceful relations with neighbors may help salvage India’s sinking image.

If not, India risks fragmentation. Movements for Sikh Khalistan, Muslim Azadi, and Tamil Eelam are gaining traction—and with China and Pakistan possibly supporting such causes, India’s territorial integrity is under genuine threat.

The Curse of Extremist Leadership

It is ironic how two men—Narendra Modi in India and Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel—have steered their nations into crises. Both promote extremism, manipulate their populations through media, glorify military aggression, and undermine human rights. In doing so, they have not only endangered global peace but also compromised their own nations’ futures.

Conclusion

India must wake up from its illusion of grandeur and re-evaluate its role in the region. It can either continue its course of arrogance and isolation or transform into a responsible neighbor. The choice is stark — mutual coexistence or mutual destruction.