As India's military operation Sindoor continues against Pakistan, on May 14, 2025, Baloch writer and activist Mir Yar Baloch declared the independence of the Republic of Balochistan on social media platform X. He stated that the people of Balochistan have made their national decision. Balochistan is no longer part of Pakistan, and the world should not remain silent. He requested India to allow an embassy in New Delhi and appealed to the United Nations to recognize the Democratic Republic of Balochistan as a sovereign nation and provide international aid for currency, passport, and other resources.
This moment presents itself as an opportunity for India to take a stand against Pakistan, which continually orchestrates terrorism within India's borders, causing unending strife. Should India seize this chance to potentially weaken Pakistan? Should it stand with the Baloch freedom fighters by recognizing their cause? Is history repeating itself as in 1971, where India could fracture Pakistan again to create an independent Balochistan? The answer is certainly yes. Recognizing Balochistan swiftly is not just about troubling Pakistan; it's India's moral duty.
1- Modi Can Correct Nehru's Mistakes
In the wake of Pakistan's forceful annexation of Balochistan in 1948, many Balochs feel Pakistan has never been and can never be their nation. As the British withdrew, the Balochs declared independence, initially accepted by Pakistan but later revoked. The greatest Baloch leader, Khudadad Khan (Khan of Kalat), had a treaty with the British in 1876 confirming Balochistan as a free nation. Suspecting Jinnah's intentions, Khudadad Khan wanted to join India, but Nehru showed no interest in 1946. Possibly, Nehru did not act on it, yet if India hadn't turned a blind eye, Jinnah might not have confiscated territory. It's said Jinnah's seizure of Kalat could have been mirrored by India to prevent Baloch persecution. During the Independence Day speech in 2016, PM Modi expressed sympathy towards Balochistan and Gilgit. Now, Modi has the opportunity to fix Nehru's oversight by entertaining the Baloch plea and making India the first nation to recognize Balochistan.
2- India's Retaliatory Strategy Against Pakistan
Considering Pakistan's Kashmir interventions, supporting Balochistan might be India's countermove. Baloch leaders have backed India's claim to clear Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), warning that Pakistan's obstinacy can heighten regional instability. Thus, India has reasonable cause to support the Baloch leaders' endeavor for freedom. Baloch freedom fighters incessantly hinder Pakistan. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) asserts to actively engage in armed struggle for Balochistan’s freedom. Recently, BLA heightened attacks on Pakistani military and police bases. On May 11, 2025, BLA claimed 71 attacks on 51 locations, including military convoys, police stations, and key highways. Baloch revolutionaries targeted gas fields in Dera Bugti, affecting over 100 gas wells.
3- Strategic Importance for India
Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, is pivotal to Gwadar Port and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). For India, supporting Balochistan's independence can disrupt Pakistan and China’s strategic initiatives, as CPEC poses security concerns to India. A liberated Balochistan offers India political gains in the Arabian Sea. India's strategic Chabahar Port in Iran, rival to Gwadar, key for Afghan and Central Asian access, could be bolstered by an independent Balochistan, reducing Pakistan's sway.
A friendly Balochistan can extend India's naval presence in the Arabian Sea, monitoring Pakistani and Chinese naval activities.
4- Baloch Leaders’ Persistent Appeals to India
In recent years, Baloch leaders have frequently sought India's support for their freedom. Continuing this trajectory, on May 9, Baloch leaders declared the Republic of Balochistan and sought India's recognition. Balochs view India as a beacon, recalling India's role in Bangladesh's liberation, hoping similar steps for them. Balochistan’s self-proclaimed PM Nayla Qadri visited India in 2023, praying for freedom at Haridwar's Ganga aarti, regularly urging Indian support for Balochistan.
Similarly, on May 9, 2025, Mir Yar Baloch declared independence and requested a Baloch embassy in Delhi. In many X posts, Baloch leaders cite India as their first ally, asserting India should recognize Balochistan to deny Pakistan economic and strategic benefits.
Such sentiments are growing in India favoring the Baloch movement. Balochs' last hope rests on India. Therefore, understanding its moral obligation, India should acknowledge Balochistan’s sovereignty.
