An Alternative View On India-Israel Convergence And Pakistan's Strategic Anxiety

India- Israel Alliance: Is This Pakistan's Worst Nightmare?

A startling claim from Tehran has put Pakistan's Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, at the centre of a fresh regional storm. Iran's senior security official, Mohsen Rezaei, has said Munir warned of growing ties between Hindus and Jews.

He alleged that this emerging bond posed a threat to Pakistan and the wider Muslim world. Rezaei made the claim in an interview with Iranian state broadcaster IRIB. He said Munir raised the concern during a four-nation security meeting in Tehran on October 26.

The meeting was attended by Munir for Pakistan, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin for Turkey, Saudi defence minister Prince Khalid bin Salman for Saudi Arabia, and Rezaei for Iran. Rezaei said the leaders shared a fear that Israel could target other countries in the region after Iran.

He quoted Prince Khalid bin Salman as saying, "They spoke very strongly against Israel. Mr Khalid bin Salman said that after you (Iran), Israel would target Turkey, and then come after Saudi Arabia." He added that Kalin shared the same view.

He then quoted Munir's reported intervention in full. "Mr Ibrahim Kalin, the head of Turkish intelligence, shared the same view. Mr Asim Munir also spoke about the threat posed by Israel and the emerging bond between Hindus and Jews against Muslims and even Pakistan. These remarks reflect their information and concerns about how Israel may act towards them in the future," Rezaei said.

Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi, reacting to the video of the interview, said Munir had warned that an alliance between Hindus and Jews was a "major threat". Sethi said Munir had spoken of a "geopolitical convergence against Muslims and Pakistan".

It is important to stress that Rezaei's account remains unverified. It is based on his version of a private diplomatic discussion. It has not been independently confirmed. Yet the reported remarks are consistent with Munir's earlier rhetoric. Munir has repeatedly invoked religious differences between Hindus and Muslims. He has described the two communities as fundamentally distinct.

Days before the Pakistan-backed Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, he spoke about differences between Hindus and Muslims in religion, customs, traditions, thoughts and ambitions. He also invoked the Two-Nation Theory. The Pahalgam attack claimed the lives of 25 Hindu civilians. It led directly to Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force deployed Israeli-origin systems. These included Harpy drones, SkyStriker loitering munitions and Heron surveillance UAVs. They were used for precision strikes, reconnaissance and air defence. Israel also openly backed India's right to self-defence during the operation. Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, had said that terrorists had nowhere to hide.

That open support has deepened the perception in Islamabad of a close India-Israel alignment. The partnership itself has now reached a new level. India and Israel elevated their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel in February 2026. Their cooperation spans defence technology, intelligence sharing, military manufacturing and counter-terror operations. It also covers counterterrorism, trade, agriculture, water management and emerging technologies.

In February this year, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed a "hexagon of alliances". The proposal involved India, Israel, Greece, Cyprus and other countries. It was meant to counter what he described as radical Shia and Sunni axes.

In October, Netanyahu again named India as a key partner in his plans to build alternative alliances. He also warned that Israel could face a hostile US administration after President Donald Trump leaves the White House.

Against this backdrop, the possibility of a wider India-Pakistan war remains a major concern in regional geopolitics. Questions are now being asked about whether this could lead to another India-Pakistan war or Operation Sindoor 2.0.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has acknowledged the military establishment's deep involvement in foreign policy and government decisions. That acknowledgement has highlighted Munir's growing influence.

It has also sharpened the focus on why Munir is reportedly worried about Hindu-Jewish ties. Is the India-Israel alliance becoming Pakistan's biggest strategic challenge? Is Operation Sindoor still haunting Pakistan? Can India-Israel defence cooperation change the regional power balance? Is India's growing military power rattling Pakistan?

For now, the claim has triggered fresh debate rather than a confirmed diplomatic rupture. But it has underlined how deeply India-Israel ties are now shaping Pakistan's strategic anxieties.

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Shopian Terror Financing Network Busted, 10 Terrorists Held In Major Crackdown

Jammu and Kashmir Police have uncovered an intra-Union Territory terror financing network in Shopian district, leading to the arrest of 10 over ground workers (OGWs) allegedly linked to terrorist activities.

The arrests came after an extensive investigation into suspected financial networks believed to be supporting terrorism. Investigators scrutinised suspicious online transactions conducted through multiple digital payment platforms and traced complex money trails across several layers of financial movement.

According to officials, the probe exposed a broader network of individuals allegedly involved in terror financing and connected to terrorists as well as their associates lodged in different jails across the region.

“During the investigation, suspicious online financial transactions carried out through various payment platforms were analysed, leading to the tracing of money trails across multiple layers,” officials said.

The investigation further revealed that the accused were allegedly engaged in secretly collecting funds from members of the public and routing the money through established financial channels to support the activities of Pakistan-backed terror outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its proxy organisation, The Resistance Front (TRF).

Officials said the funds were not only intended to facilitate terrorist operations but were also allegedly used to provide logistical support. This reportedly included procuring smartphones and other resources to assist terror-linked activities and maintain communication networks.

“The investigation revealed a wider network of individuals allegedly involved in terror financing and having links with terrorists and their associates lodged in different jails,” officials added.

A case has been registered at Shopian Police Station under the relevant provisions of law. Investigators are continuing to examine additional financial linkages, identify further suspects and establish the full extent of the network.

Police said 10 associates of terrorists have been arrested in connection with the case so far, while further arrests have not been ruled out as the investigation progresses.

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Rajnath Singh Raises Concerns Over US F-16 Support Package For Pakistan

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has conveyed India’s concerns over the United States’ continued support for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter aircraft fleet during talks with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in the Philippines.

During the meeting, Singh reviewed regional and global security developments with Hegseth and assessed progress under the India-US Defence Framework, a key pillar of the expanding strategic partnership between the two countries.

A major issue raised by the Indian side was the recent American clearance of sustainment and modernisation packages for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet. India expressed reservations about the transfer of sensitive military technology, warning that such assistance carries significant risks, including the possibility of weapons-related expertise and advanced technology reaching third countries.

Indian concerns are linked to Pakistan’s close military cooperation with China and to New Delhi’s longstanding position that military aid provided to Islamabad cannot be viewed separately from its broader security implications for the region.

The package, valued at approximately $686 million and originally notified by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency, is designed to extend the operational life of Pakistan’s F-16 aircraft and includes avionics upgrades, cryptographic systems, software and sustainment support.

Officials said the two sides acknowledged the strong progress achieved under their foundational security agreements and examined ways to accelerate operational readiness, technology sharing and defence industrial integration. Discussions also covered military-to-military engagement, maritime security cooperation and efforts to strengthen defence supply chains.

Counter-terrorism featured prominently in the talks. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorist organisations and those supporting them.

"The defence minister stressed that the global community must maintain an uncompromising, zero-tolerance approach towards nations that support, train or fund terrorist organisations. Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the United States' unwavering solidarity and full support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism," officials said.

The meeting also served as an opportunity to review progress under the 10-year India-US Defence Framework and the broader Major Defence Partnership, reflecting the deepening strategic and defence relationship between New Delhi and Washington.

On the sidelines of the gathering, Rajnath Singh held separate meetings with other defence leaders, including Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, as India continued consultations with key regional partners on security and Indo-Pacific issues.

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India's National Interests Drive Reassessment of Indus Waters Treaty: Analyst

India's decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance represents a major shift in New Delhi's approach towards water-sharing arrangements with Pakistan, with greater emphasis now being placed on national security, reciprocity and long-term developmental priorities.

According to an analysis published by the Centre for Peace Studies (ICPS), New Delhi, the decades-old agreement must be viewed in the context of evolving geopolitical realities, increasing resource demands and changing security conditions across South Asia.

In the issue brief, The Indus Waters Treaty at Crossroads: Law, Security and Geopolitics in South Asia, Dr Mohammad Usman Bhatti examines the treaty's origins, India's legal and strategic concerns, and the case for modernising an arrangement negotiated more than sixty years ago.

Signed in 1960 with the World Bank acting as a mediator, the treaty divided the Indus river system between the two countries. India was allocated the eastern rivers - Ravi, Beas and Sutlej - while the western rivers - Indus, Jhelum and Chenab - were largely reserved for Pakistan. Under the arrangement, Pakistan received roughly 80 per cent of the Indus basin's waters, while India accepted restrictions on storage and hydropower development along the western rivers.

The analysis notes that India not only agreed to the division of waters but also contributed substantially towards the infrastructure required for the treaty's implementation, including a payment of USD 174 million to the Indus Basin Development Fund.

However, the paper argues that the strategic environment surrounding the treaty has changed significantly since its inception. India's concerns now encompass persistent cross-border terrorism, growing domestic water requirements, population growth, climate change pressures, rising energy demand and delays affecting hydropower projects that New Delhi maintains are fully consistent with treaty provisions.

India placed the treaty in abeyance on 23 April 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. New Delhi subsequently stated that cooperation under the agreement could not remain detached from broader security considerations and linked any restoration of normal treaty engagement to Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ending support for cross-border terrorism.

The analysis argues that India's position is rooted in the principle of reciprocity, maintaining that international agreements rely upon conditions of trust and responsible conduct from all parties involved.

Particular attention is given to disputes surrounding the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects, both of which Pakistan has challenged despite India's assertion that their designs comply with treaty rules. These projects have become central points of disagreement within the treaty's dispute-resolution framework, reflecting broader tensions over the utilisation of western river waters.

The paper further stresses that India's decision does not amount to a formal withdrawal from the treaty. Instead, it is presented as a calibrated measure intended to safeguard national interests while leaving the possibility of future engagement open under changed circumstances.

Broader debates surrounding the treaty have also intensified in recent years, with India repeatedly raising concerns over evolving demographic, environmental and technological realities. New Delhi has argued that provisions negotiated in the mid-twentieth century require reconsideration to reflect present-day challenges, including climate variability, flood management needs and expanding energy requirements.

The analysis recommends that India accelerate critical water infrastructure projects, maximise the lawful utilisation of its allocated resources, enhance hydrological data collection, strengthen flood-management capabilities and expand scientific assessment of the Indus basin.

It also calls for a modernised framework incorporating improved water-data systems, climate-risk assessments, more effective dispute-resolution mechanisms and provisions to address extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly frequent across the region.

Concluding that the treaty cannot remain insulated from changing security and environmental realities, the paper advocates what it describes as a pragmatic and calibrated Indian approach. Such a strategy, it argues, should firmly protect national security interests while preserving the possibility of negotiated modernisation in the future.

According to the analysis, India's long-term objective should be not merely preserving the existing arrangement unchanged, but securing a framework that better serves the country's water, energy and national security interests in the decades ahead.

ANI

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LeT Terrorist Ghazi Abdul Razzaq Dogar Dies Under Mysterious Circumstances Amid Series of Deaths of India-Focused Militants

Ghazi Abdul Razzaq Dogar, an operative linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), died in Pakistan on 29 October 2026. According to reports, he passed away in Nankana Sahib, a city in Pakistan's Punjab province.

Dogar was associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Pakistan-based militant organisation that has long been designated as a terrorist group by several countries and international bodies. He was also identified as a supervisor or founder connected to the Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), an organisation widely regarded as a front entity and proxy charity linked to LeT.

The FIF has previously drawn international scrutiny because of its alleged connections with Lashkar-e-Taiba and its role in supporting the group's wider network. The organisation has been the subject of sanctions and monitoring by authorities concerned about terrorist financing and support structures.

The title "Ghazi" has historically been used within Pakistan-backed militant circles for operatives who have participated in or served in activities across the border in India. The designation has often been employed as an honorific within such networks.

Dogar's death comes against the backdrop of a series of targeted killings and unexplained deaths involving individuals linked to India-focused militant organisations operating from Pakistan. These incidents have attracted attention across the region, with observers noting a growing number of cases involving figures associated with proscribed terrorist groups.

While details surrounding the circumstances of his death have not been widely disclosed, the development adds to the list of militant operatives whose deaths have been reported in recent years, further highlighting the challenges faced by organisations linked to cross-border militancy and terrorism.

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Operation Sindoor Showcases India’s Battle-Tested Counter-Terror Strategy, Rajnath Singh Tells ADMM-Plus

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a strong message against terrorism and state-sponsored terror activities during his address at the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening regional security and eliminating terrorism at its roots.

Highlighting India’s long-standing experience in counter-terrorism, Singh said the country’s expertise is rooted in decades of dealing with cross-border security challenges rather than theoretical study. He stressed that India’s counter-terrorism strategies have been developed through practical experience and repeatedly validated in real-world operations.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, Singh described it as a significant example of India’s approach to combating terrorism. He stated, “We demonstrated a major example of India’s approach to combating terrorism during Operation Sindoor last year, when we destroyed a large number of terrorist infrastructure sites. It was also a clear declaration of India’s stance against state-sponsored terrorism.”

The Defence Minister urged ADMM-Plus member nations to deepen cooperation by sharing practical and battle-tested counter-terrorism expertise. He emphasised that stronger collaboration through joint military exercises, capacity-building initiatives, intelligence-sharing mechanisms and defence cooperation could significantly enhance the collective ability of regional partners to address evolving security threats.

“Through joint military exercises, capacity-building programs and robust intelligence sharing, we can further strengthen our collective capabilities. We support an Indo-Pacific that is secure and resilient, where peace and stability are not merely aspirations but the outcome of our collective efforts,” Singh said.

The remarks come as regional governments increasingly focus on countering transnational terrorism, extremism and other non-traditional security threats across the Indo-Pacific. India has consistently advocated greater defence cooperation and intelligence exchange among regional partners to strengthen collective security frameworks.

At the beginning of his address, Singh expressed condolences following the Philippine Air Force aircraft crash on 23 October that claimed the lives of four pilots. He said, “I express my deepest grief and condolences over the untimely demise of four brave pilots of the Philippine Air Force in the unfortunate accident that occurred on October 23rd. In this hour of sorrow, India stands in complete solidarity with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the bereaved families.”

Singh also reiterated India’s support for ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture, describing the organisation as a key pillar of stability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. He stated that India envisions an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific based on a rules-based international order.

“India has always valued ASEAN’s central role. We envision an Indo-Pacific region that is open, inclusive, and based on a rules-based international order. Our long-term strategic engagement with ASEAN is built on shared interests, mutual respect, and practical cooperation,” he said.

The address underscored India’s dual focus on strengthening regional partnerships and maintaining a firm stance against terrorism, while reaffirming its commitment to a secure, stable and resilient Indo-Pacific region.

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Pakistan Military Chief Rebukes Rajnath Singh’s Warning On Future Terror Attacks

A senior Pakistani military commander has criticised Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s warning that any future terrorist attack emanating from Pakistan would trigger an even “stronger response” from India.

Speaking at the passing-out parade of cadets from the 154th Long Course at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul on 17 October 2026, General Aamer Raza of Pakistan’s National Strategic Command said Islamabad’s position remained firm. He declared, “To those who harbour hostile designs across our borders, our stance remains resolute and unambiguous. There is no space for conflict or war in a nuclearized environment.”

General Raza also stressed that Pakistan was fully prepared to protect its territory and would “defend every inch” of the country if required. His remarks underscored Pakistan’s view that stability and restraint are essential in a region where both nations possess nuclear capabilities.

The comments came a day after Pakistan’s Foreign Office formally condemned Mr Singh’s statements. Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan described the Indian minister’s remarks as provocative and said Pakistan rejected them outright.

Mr Khan further characterised the comments as “reckless”, while reiterating that Pakistan remained fully prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any “ill-advised aggression”. He added that Pakistan’s commitment to peace and restraint should not be interpreted as weakness and warned that any hostile action would receive a forceful response.

The diplomatic exchange followed remarks made by Mr Singh during a defence conclave in New Delhi on 15 October. The Indian Defence Minister said that any future terrorist act originating from Pakistan would invite an even “stronger response” from India.

Mr Singh argued that India’s security posture had undergone a decisive shift, pointing to Operation Sindoor, the Balakot airstrikes and earlier surgical strikes as evidence of a more assertive counter-terrorism doctrine. He suggested that these actions reflected a new approach to dealing with cross-border terrorism and threats to national security.

The latest exchange highlights continuing tensions between the two neighbours, with both sides publicly reaffirming their security red lines while emphasising their readiness to respond to any perceived aggression.

Despite the sharp rhetoric, Pakistan’s military leadership also stressed that there was no place for conflict or war in a nuclearized environment.

PTI

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India Invites Pakistan For SCO Forum In First High-Level Outreach Since Operation Sindoor

India has invited all 10 member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), including Pakistan, to participate in the inaugural SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from 20 to 22 November.

The event is intended to deepen cultural engagement, encourage people-to-people connections and promote greater mutual understanding among SCO countries.

The invitation has drawn attention because it marks the first formal invitation extended to a senior Pakistani minister by India since the launch of Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The military operation was undertaken in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and led to a further deterioration in already strained relations between the two neighbouring countries.

Diplomatic sources indicated that Pakistan’s Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, has been invited to attend the forum. Should he accept the invitation and travel to India, it would be the first visit by a senior Pakistani minister since former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari attended the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Goa in May 2023.

The announcement regarding the dialogue forum was made by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 20 October. Addressing representatives of member nations, Singh confirmed that invitations had been extended to all SCO countries for the inaugural gathering.

“At the end of this year, India will host the first SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum. We invite all SCO countries to participate in it,” Singh said.

The proposed forum reflects a broader SCO emphasis on fostering cultural exchanges alongside economic, political and security cooperation. The initiative is expected to provide a platform for discussions on heritage, civilisation, cultural preservation and intercultural engagement among participating nations.

During the same meeting, Singh reiterated India’s long-standing position on terrorism, urging member states to adopt a consistent and uncompromising approach. Stressing the need for collective action, he said, “There should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism, and no place for those who finance, support or provide safe havens to terrorists. The entire ecosystem of terrorism must be firmly and collectively dismantled.”

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ishaq Dar, was present during the meeting where these remarks were delivered, underscoring the continuing interaction between the two countries within multilateral forums despite bilateral tensions.

Pakistan currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for the 2026-27 term, having assumed the position on 1 September following the summit in Bishkek. The development places Islamabad in a significant role within the organisation even as political and security-related differences with New Delhi persist.

The SCO currently comprises 10 member states: Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India became a full member of the Eurasian grouping in 2017. Afghanistan and Mongolia remain observer states, while the organisation also includes 15 dialogue partners, highlighting its growing regional and international influence.

The invitation to Pakistan for the New Delhi forum signals India’s willingness to continue engaging through multilateral platforms under the SCO framework, even as broader bilateral relations remain affected by security concerns and unresolved diplomatic differences.

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Liechtenstein Backs India’s UNSC Bid, Joins New Delhi In Condemning Pahalgam Terror Attack

India and Liechtenstein have reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating terrorism, with both countries unequivocally condemning terrorism and violent extremism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism. The commitment was formalised through a Joint Statement issued during the State Visit of Liechtenstein’s Hereditary Prince Alois, who serves as the country’s Acting Head of State.

The two sides strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April 2025. They expressed solidarity with the victims and their families and underlined the importance of ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.

Highlighting the need for a coordinated international response against terrorism, both governments stressed the importance of strengthening global cooperation to counter terrorist financing and support wider counter-terrorism efforts.

A key outcome of the visit was Liechtenstein’s readiness to support India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-29 term. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Hereditary Prince Alois for the principality’s backing, reflecting the growing convergence between the two countries on multilateral issues.

The leaders also reiterated the need for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council. They emphasised that the body should become more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable in order to better reflect contemporary global realities.

In this context, India and Liechtenstein agreed to work closely on efforts aimed at strengthening multilateral institutions, including through initiatives such as UN80, which seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the United Nations system.

The discussions additionally covered the governance of Artificial Intelligence. Both countries agreed that AI governance should be rooted in international legal frameworks, including human rights law, with the objective of improving lives, empowering citizens and supporting sustainable development.

Further strengthening bilateral ties, Prince Alois extended a formal invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Liechtenstein on a mutually convenient date, signalling a desire to deepen political and economic engagement between the two nations.

Economic cooperation also featured in the talks. India acknowledged receiving a draft Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement from Liechtenstein, and both sides indicated their willingness to examine such an arrangement with a view to providing greater legal certainty and long-term stability for businesses and investors operating between the two countries.

The visit underscored the expanding relationship between India and Liechtenstein, marked by closer cooperation on global security, multilateral reform, emerging technologies and economic partnership, while reinforcing a united stance against terrorism and cross-border extremism.

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Former Pakistani Army General Urges Resolution Of India Disputes To Prevent Future Crises

A senior Pakistani defence expert has stressed the need for Pakistan and India to address their longstanding disputes, warning that merely ending a crisis without resolving its underlying causes risks paving the way for a more dangerous confrontation in the future.

Speaking at an event organised by the Strategic Vision Institute in Islamabad, former Chairman of Pakistan's Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat (Retd), said that bringing a crisis to a close without tackling its root causes only creates the conditions for another and potentially more severe conflict. He remarked: "Terminating a crisis without addressing its root causes only sets the stage for the next, more dangerous conflict."

Hayat argued that progress on the Kashmir issue and the restoration of the Indus Water Treaty were essential for achieving lasting peace and stability between the two neighbouring countries. He maintained that unresolved disputes continued to fuel tensions and undermine prospects for durable regional security.

Referring to the India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025, he said the episode demonstrated the limitations of relying solely on deterrence as a means of preventing future confrontations. According to Hayat, the experience highlighted the dangers associated with recurring crises between two nuclear-armed states.

"The larger lesson is not that conflict between two nuclear-armed neighbours can be made routine; it is that there is no tested and certified safe space for war," he said.

He cautioned that any future crisis could emerge under significantly different circumstances, shaped by evolving technologies, different political leaderships and increasingly compressed decision-making timelines. Such factors, he warned, could heighten the risk of miscalculation, accidental escalation and unintended consequences.

Hayat also argued that South Asia continues to fall short of lasting peace because it lacks an inclusive regional security architecture, effective crisis-management mechanisms and sustained political engagement. "The region lives between deterrence that prevents the worst and disputes that repeatedly regenerate danger," he said.

He further warned that unverified allegations could trigger a major confrontation before governments have sufficient time to establish the facts.

In addition, he noted that a future conflict might arise not from a deliberate state decision but from an accident or unforeseen incident, underscoring the fragility of regional stability and the importance of robust communication and crisis-management channels between the two countries.

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Pakistan Is Bleeding Its Own ‘Jugular Vein’

by Nilesh Kunwar

Master Illusionists

Conditions in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) have never been good. Had it really been so, Islamabad wouldn’t have to take so much effort and spend a fortune on projecting an illusion of its wellbeing and prosperity.

Readers would recall that in 2011, a US court found Kashmiri American Council (KAC) head Ghulam Nabi Fai guilty of running a “decades-long scheme” to influence the US government’s position on Kashmir. He was indicted for concealing receipt of at least $ 4 million from Pakistan army’s spy agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) for promoting Pakistan’s Kashmir narrative amongst US politicians.

But this wasn't an aberration.

Just four years ago, Islamabad sponsored an all-expenses-paid weeklong visit of US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar to PoK. She expectedly reciprocated by making pro-Pakistan statements which Islamabad liberally used to buttress its Kashmir charade. And despite facing a humongous financial crisis , cash-strapped Pakistan spent roughly three times more money than India on hiring lobbying firms during April-May last year.

The Bubble Bursts

By 2023, public anger due to poor governance and the abject apathy of PoK authorities along with undue curbs on basic liberties had reached the tipping point. Exorbitant increase in wheat prices due to withdrawal of subsidy and inflated electricity bills acted as the trigger that forced the helpless people to take to the streets.

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) which led the PoK protests comprised traders, lawyers, activists and students sans any ideological or political agenda. The 38 demands projected by JAAC concern reforms to address genuine public grievances regarding governance and fiscal issues that are adversely impacting the people of PoK.

Seeing the determination of locals, the federal and PoK governments were forced to negotiate with JAAC and announced measures to pacify the people. However, as this exercise turned out to be mere lip service, and despite official claims that outstanding differences have been resolved PoK saw protests erupting in 2024 as well as 2025 . Protests broke out once again during June this year and are continuing till date, exposing Islamabad’s falsehood about PoK.

Devious Plot

Instead of addressing public grievances, Field Marshal Asim Munir who’s the de facto ruler of Pakistan has sought to tackle this issue by applying his perverse but favourite ‘give a dog a bad name and hang it’ stratagem. So, proscribing JAAC under PoK Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014 to justify use of indiscriminate force against protesters was expected all along.

It’s amply clear that despite this policy’s miserably failure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, Field Marshal Munir has still repeated this self-debilitating strategy in PoK. This move has in turn bared Islamabad’s dark underbelly and created yet another battle ground for Pakistan and the repression is so intense that PoK residents have been forced to demand demolition of the Line of Control that divides Kashmir.

Eight years ago, the Director General of Pakistan army’s media wing Inter Services Public Relations warned the media saying, "We have the capability to monitor social media as to who is doing what," and ever since the fourth estate has been wary of publishing anything that could annoy the ‘establishment.’ The JAAC's demand for doing away with 12 seats reserved for refugees under the PoK constitution has thus received little balanced coverage. However, some young people have dared to Sha objective analysis of the persisting faceoff regarding reserved refugee seats in PoK Assembly.

Shahid Khalid Madni, a Research and Comms Associate at the Research Society of International Law and the Quran Covenant Research Center, Pakistan writes- “JAAC’s strongest argument is based on territorial accountability. People living inside AJK directly depend on its hospitals, schools, roads, local administration and electricity system. They bear the consequences of decisions taken by the AJK government.”

He adds, “Refugee voters living in Pakistan remain politically connected to Kashmir, but their daily lives are generally governed by Pakistan’s federal and provincial institutions,” and logically concludes that JAAC therefore questions whether they should possess enough electoral influence to decide who governs Muzaffarabad.”

The authorities however maintain that being a constitutional provision contained in Article 22, refugee seats cannot be abolished through executive action. Though this is the correct legal position, nothing prevents Islamabad and the PoK Assembly to consider an appropriate constitutional amendment under Article 33 to meet the justified aspirations of the people.

Madni also reveals that “JAAC did not initially rely only on a demand for total abolition. It reportedly proposed alternative arrangements, including symbolic representation or a reduced number of seats in another institution such as the AJK Council.” He rightly opines that “These proposals show that the dispute is capable of constitutional compromise. The core demand is not necessarily the removal of refugee identity from AJK’s political structure, but the prevention of disproportionate influence over territorial governance.”

It’s no secret that Islamabad relies heavily on the 12 refugee seats in PoK Assembly to manipulate decisions and thereby maintain its iron grip over this illegally held territory, and Field Marshal Munir would be the last person to allow any constitutional amendments that would deprive him of this ace up his sleeve.

Aqueeb Shahid, a student of international relations at the International Institute for Regional & International Studies at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan explains why people of PoK are against 12 reserved refugee seats in PoK Assembly.

He mentions that “According to the 2017 census, Kashmir's total population is about 4 million. Registered voters for the Kashmir legislative assembly number nearly 3.8 million. Of these, registered voters who are actual Kashmiri locals number 3.3 million, making up 88.5 per cent of total voters, and they decide only 33 of the 45 assembly seats. Registered refugee voters number about 0.4 million, or just 11.5 per cent of voters, but they decide 12 seats.

So, it is very unfair that the balance is not equal between these seats. On average, it takes 17,000 to 45,000 votes to decide who wins a seat in Kashmir, depending on the polling station's population. On the other hand, very few votes, sometimes even 100 to 500, can decide who wins a refugee seat. But the ministries that hold real power often go to them, and most importantly, these 12 seats can decide which government forms, causing serious tension among political parties.

He opines that “Refugees should still have a proper right to be represented, but such a large number of seats decided by so few votes will always cause fights, and this issue will not be solved that way” and logically suggests that “The seats need to be brought closer to the number of people they actually represent, not removed out of anger, and not left the same out of habit, but changed through a fair process.”

The Reality

There can’t be a bigger paradox than PoK. Article 7(2) of PoK Constitution stipulates that “No person or political party in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) shall be permitted to propagate against or take part in activities prejudicial or detrimental to the ideology of the State’s accession to Pakistan.” Yet, Islamabad refers to PoK as “Azad (independent) Kashmir.”

PoK has a semi-autonomous constitutional framework with its own president, prime minister, legislature, Supreme Court and even a state flag. Yet candidates seeking elected office must pledge allegiance to Pakistan. It may have been named “Azad Kashmir,” but its highest body called “Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council (AJKC) works under the federal government of Pakistan and is chaired by the prime minister of Pakistan.

The brutal manner in which the Pakistani security forces are dealing with peaceful protesters is really appalling. And Islamabad’s indifference towards heeding to their genuine grievances and demand for basic amenities has made the people of PoK finally realise that they’ve been cheated all along. They were told that people in J&K are being persecuted and the conditions there are unbearable, but now it’s evident that the truth is otherwise.

Munir may claim that Kashmir was, is and will remain part of Pakistan and is its jugular vein. But the brutal way in which his forces are treating PoK residents proves beyond any doubts that such hollow statements are mere rhetoric and Pakistan covets Kashmir for its real estate, not its people.

Nilesh Kunwar is a retired Indian Army Officer who has served in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. He is a keen ‘Kashmir-Watcher,’ and after retirement is pursuing his favourite hobby of writing for newspapers, journals and think-tanks. Views expressed above are the author's own

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'US Ties With Pakistan Can Help Discourage What India Fears' Marco Rubio Says

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended Washington’s continued engagement with Pakistan, arguing that maintaining diplomatic relations with Islamabad can help the United States influence and discourage activities that concern India.

Speaking to Network18, Rubio reaffirmed that the United States opposes terrorism worldwide and rejects support for terrorist groups by any state or organisation. He stressed that Washington remains firmly against terrorism wherever it occurs.

At the same time, Rubio said that maintaining a working relationship with Pakistan could serve a constructive purpose. According to him, direct communication with Islamabad may place the United States in a position to help discourage actions that generate security concerns for India.

Addressing questions about his previous stance as a US senator, during which he supported measures aimed at restricting American assistance to Pakistan over allegations of state-backed terrorism targeting India, Rubio noted that his responsibilities have changed since becoming Secretary of State. He said his current position requires him to manage the broader foreign policy interests of the United States.

Rubio explained that American diplomacy often requires engagement with countries with which Washington has significant policy differences. He said that sustaining such relationships remains a necessary part of conducting international affairs and advancing US strategic interests.

Highlighting Pakistan’s importance, Rubio pointed to the country’s nuclear weapons capability and its geographical location. He argued that these factors make continued interaction essential for the United States, regardless of existing disagreements between the two countries.

Drawing a comparison with India’s own diplomatic approach, Rubio observed that New Delhi maintains contacts and engages with countries despite policy differences. He cited India’s interactions with Iran as an example of how major nations preserve channels of communication even when interests do not fully align.

Rubio acknowledged that balancing strategic engagement with policy disagreements is often complex. Nevertheless, he maintained that such relationships form an important component of US foreign policy and are necessary for addressing security, regional stability and broader geopolitical considerations.

His remarks reflect Washington’s longstanding approach of maintaining engagement with both India and Pakistan while seeking to advance regional stability, counter-terrorism objectives and strategic interests across South Asia.

ANI

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Pakistan's Drone-Borne RDX Route: Rajasthan Seizure Signals A New Terror Corridor

A Pakistani drone has delivered what officials describe as a ready-to-use terror kit into Rajasthan, marking a shift from the narcotics and weapon consignments that have dominated cross-border drone smuggling.

On the night of 12 October, Rajasthan's Anti-Narcotics Task Force, working with the Border Security Force and local police, intercepted two men in a field near Rawla Mandi in Sri Ganganagar. They had been monitoring the suspects for a month, believing a drug drop was imminent.

Instead, the drone had dropped three packets roughly five kilometres inside Indian territory. The recovery included about 7 kg of plastic explosives suspected to be RDX, improvised explosive devices, a timer, detonation circuits, remote-detonation equipment, two Turkish-made Zigana pistols and several hundred rounds of ammunition.

The two arrested men are from Ferozepur and Jalandhar in Punjab. Investigators say they are also wanted in connection with the grenade attack on Jalalabad police station in Fazilka on 13 September. The National Investigation Agency has joined the probe, alongside other agencies, as officials try to identify the handlers, the intended recipients and the final destination of the consignment.

The seizure has sharpened concern that Pakistan-based handlers may be opening a new route through Rajasthan. For years, Pakistani drones have largely used Punjab, where the Border Security Force has intensified patrols, intelligence gathering and anti-drone deployments.

The results are visible in seizure figures. The Border Security Force recovered 107 drones on the Punjab border in 2023, 294 in 2024 and 272 in 2025. Anti-drone systems, additional patrols and improved intelligence have made Punjab's 553 km border substantially more difficult to exploit.

Sri Ganganagar lies immediately south of Punjab and remains easily accessible to couriers from Punjab's border districts. The Border Security Force has long identified it as the second-most active smuggling stretch after Punjab. Beyond it lies Rajasthan's more than 1,000 km frontier with Pakistan, much of it desert and thinly populated, offering potentially softer ground for drone operators seeking gaps in coverage.

What makes the Rawla Mandi recovery particularly significant is the nature of the cargo. Previous drone drops in the region have largely involved heroin and pistols, consistent with organised criminal networks. This consignment contained ready-to-use improvised explosive devices with remote detonation capability, pointing to a possible terrorist operation rather than routine smuggling.

Investigators believe the explosives may have been intended for an attack during the festive season or ahead of the Punjab elections. No target has been identified, and officials have not confirmed the intended location or purpose.

The timing has added to concern. Pakistan's military is under pressure at home from the Balochistan insurgency, unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A drone-delivered attack executed through Indian couriers would allow Rawalpindi to maintain pressure on India while retaining deniability.

Such a move would nevertheless carry risk. India has stated that Operation Sindoor is paused rather than concluded. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has warned that India's next response could go beyond Sindoor.

The Line of Control has also remained active. Four infiltrators, including Lashkar commander Mohammad Faizan, were killed this week in a minefield in Poonch's KG Sector. Earlier, police recovered two AK rifles, four pistols, 11 grenades and three remote-controlled improvised explosive devices buried in a forest near Sopore. Infiltration attempts typically rise before winter snow closes the mountain passes.

India is racing to strengthen its counter-drone architecture. In May, Home Minister Amit Shah said at the Sanchu border outpost in Bikaner that anti-drone systems would be installed along the border within six months, placing the deadline around the end of November.

The Border Security Force has mapped drone hotspots on the Punjab border with the help of a drone forensic laboratory in Amritsar. The lab examines flight data from captured drones to establish launch points, the number of sorties and the nature of earlier drops. The Punjab Police has also procured anti-drone systems to create an additional layer of protection behind the Border Security Force.

The technology has produced measurable results. Amit Shah said the proportion of drones detected and neutralised on the Punjab border rose from 3 per cent to 55 per cent after laser-equipped anti-drone systems were deployed.

The challenge now is speed and coverage. Even Punjab, the best protected sector, continues to record a significant number of successful drone incursions. Rajasthan's vast desert border will take longer to secure and will demand more sensors, patrols and rapid-response capability.

Pakistani handlers are likely to continue probing for weaknesses, altering routes and flying lower and at night. The Sri Ganganagar operation demonstrates that Indian intelligence and ground coordination can intercept such consignments. The coming months will test whether the expanding anti-drone shield can cover Rajasthan quickly enough to close the emerging corridor.

Agencies

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Warns of Stronger Indian Response To Any Future Pakistan-Origin Terror Attack

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has warned that any future terrorist attack originating from Pakistan will invite an even stronger response from India, signalling what he described as a continuing shift in New Delhi's approach towards combating cross-border terrorism.

Speaking at a defence conclave in New Delhi, Singh said operations such as Operation Sindoor, the Balakot airstrikes and the surgical strikes represented far more than military actions, describing them as markers of a transition from diplomatic condemnation to proactive measures aimed at targeting terrorism at its source.

He asserted that India's counter-terrorism capabilities have significantly improved over the past decade, claiming that since 2014 the "shelf life" of most terrorists has fallen to less than a year, with security forces neutralising many within a year of their taking up arms against the country.

The minister said India's commitment to peace remains unchanged, but stressed that such a position should not be mistaken for weakness or a lack of resolve when national security is threatened.

According to Singh, India's long-standing civilisational values support dialogue, coexistence and the peaceful resolution of disputes, yet preserving peace also requires military strength, preparedness and the ability to respond decisively to aggression.

He reiterated that the country hopes for peace while remaining fully prepared for conflict whenever necessary to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.

Drawing attention to emerging security challenges, Singh highlighted the growing complexity of modern warfare, describing the current environment as one shaped by hybrid, high-tech and hyper warfare.

He identified what he termed the "5D security threat" comprising disinformation, destabilisation, disruption, deception and destruction, warning that these factors are increasingly influencing national security calculations in the digital age.

Singh noted that terrorism is evolving beyond traditional organised networks, with lone-wolf attacks and what he called "white-collar terrorism" presenting new challenges for intelligence and security agencies.

These developments, he said, make it more difficult to detect radicalised individuals before they can carry out potentially devastating attacks.

Referring to a recent aviation incident, the Defence Minister cited the case of a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash a passenger aircraft but was stopped by Captain Smit Machchhar, whom Singh praised for risking his life and preventing what could have become a major terrorist attack.

He said the episode demonstrated both the danger posed by lone-wolf actors and the critical role that individual courage can play in thwarting extremist plans.

According to Singh, a single vigilant and courageous individual can help foil an entire terrorist conspiracy, making public awareness and responsible citizenship an essential component of national security.

The minister argued that the fight against terrorism cannot rely solely on the capabilities of security agencies and must also involve active cooperation from alert citizens.

He further called for the development of "smart power", combining hard power and soft power, while integrating precision-guided weapons, loitering munitions, artificial intelligence and advanced indigenous technologies with cost-effective and adaptable systems.

Singh described Operation Sindoor as evidence of India's expanding technological capabilities and the armed forces' increasing confidence in indigenous platforms such as the Akash missile system and BrahMos missile, underscoring the growing role of domestically developed systems in the country's defence preparedness.

PTI

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Pakistan's ISI Raises India Espionage Budget To ₹1,300 Crore, Intensifies HUMINT Push Into Navy And IAF

Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has reportedly increased its annual espionage budget directed against India to nearly ₹1,300 crore following Operation Sindoor, reflecting what intelligence officials describe as a more aggressive effort to infiltrate the country's military establishment, IANS reported.

The enhanced allocation is primarily focused on building an extensive Human Intelligence (HUMINT) network within the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

According to Intelligence Bureau officials, the ISI's annual spending on espionage activities targeting India previously stood between ₹800 crore and ₹900 crore. Following Operation Sindoor, however, Pakistan is said to have substantially expanded these allocations in an attempt to recruit high-value assets within India's defence services.

Officials indicate that the Navy and Air Force have become the primary focus of Pakistani intelligence operations. Efforts are reportedly centred on personnel with access to sensitive information, with recruitment attempts often involving honey traps, social engineering methods and the exploitation of security vulnerabilities within establishments handling classified material.

The financial incentives being offered to potential targets have also risen sharply. Intelligence sources claim that individuals identified as high-value targets are now being offered between ₹15 lakh and ₹25 lakh, compared with approximately ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh before Operation Sindoor. The increase reflects the growing costs associated with establishing and maintaining covert intelligence networks.

Officials note that the ISI has sought for years to expand its HUMINT presence inside India's armed forces. However, they believe the current level of effort exceeds that seen during earlier espionage investigations involving naval personnel in 2015, 2019 and 2021. Intelligence agencies reportedly view recent cases uncovered in October 2026 as particularly serious because they suggest a sustained and organised attempt to penetrate critical defence structures.

A major breakthrough came through a coordinated operation involving Andhra Pradesh Police in Visakhapatnam, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and intelligence agencies. The operation resulted in the arrest of 18 individuals accused of sharing sensitive information linked to the Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives.

Security officials are particularly concerned that 13 of the 18 accused are serving Indian Navy personnel. Investigators believe the scale of the case demonstrates Pakistan's determination to establish long-term access to information relating to India's naval capabilities and operational activities.

The latest case follows a series of earlier espionage investigations. In 2001, four naval personnel were arrested for allegedly passing sensitive information. A significant honey-trap investigation was also conducted in 2016.

Later, in December 2019, security agencies launched Operation Dolphin Nose to dismantle a Pakistan-linked espionage network that allegedly operated across the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, the Western Naval Command in Mumbai and facilities at Karwar.

Officials believe Islamabad's current intelligence drive is linked to lessons drawn from Operation Sindoor and reflects a desire to obtain a continuous flow of military information rather than isolated intelligence inputs. Investigators say Pakistan appears to be pursuing a long-term strategy in which recruited personnel provide information on a regular basis in exchange for ongoing financial rewards.

Intelligence assessments indicate that, beyond recruitment payments, the expanded espionage budget also covers logistics networks, SIM card infrastructure, surveillance systems, digital operations and media influence activities. The operational cost of building and sustaining such networks reportedly reaches up to ₹40,000 per individual, depending on the nature of the mission.

Security agencies further assess that the Indian Navy remains Pakistan's highest-priority target, followed by the IAF. The objective is believed to be the monitoring of capabilities, deployments, operational patterns and broader preparedness levels within both services.

Officials have also expressed concern regarding the wider financial mechanisms supporting these activities. According to intelligence assessments, Pakistan has allocated approximately PKR 3 trillion towards defence spending, a figure that has attracted domestic scrutiny.

As a result, some intelligence officials believe alternative funding channels, including narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, ammunition smuggling and counterfeiting operations, may increasingly be leveraged to support espionage activities targeting India.

Recent intelligence reports and earlier investigations have highlighted the continued use of social media platforms, encrypted communication applications, monetary inducements and honey-trap operations by Pakistani handlers seeking access to sensitive military information. The latest arrests suggest that such methods remain central to espionage efforts directed at India's defence establishment.

Officials warn that the emerging HUMINT architecture poses a significant security challenge because it appears designed for long-term penetration rather than a single intelligence objective.

By cultivating sustained relationships with serving personnel, Pakistan could potentially obtain a continuous stream of operational and strategic information, providing a persistent intelligence advantage across both naval and air domains.

Agencies

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