Congress leader and former home minister P. Chidambaram, writing in The Indian Express, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategic response to Pakistan as 'wise and balanced.' After the April 22 terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, despite the clamor for retaliation, the government opted for a limited military approach to avoid a full-scale war.
Chidambaram stated that India’s military action was deliberate and targeted, aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure. He appreciated Modi’s step, emphasizing the global stability achieved by averting major war.
The World Cannot Endure War
Referring to Modi’s 2022 statement to Vladimir Putin, "This is not an era of war," Chidambaram underscored how India received global advice against warfare.
May 7:
The government described the military response as 'legitimate and focused,' launching missile and drone strikes on nine locations in Pakistan and PoK. Chidambaram applauded the decision to avoid targeting civilian areas.
Despite claims from Pakistan about intercepting aircraft, their defense minister struggled to provide proof.
While Chidambaram warned that groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and The Resistance Front might still operate due to ISI support.
Commending the Government’s Transparency
Chidambaram commended the government’s transparency, especially highlighting how female military officers led briefings, calling it a 'smart move.' However, he questioned why the Prime Minister hadn't met with victim families or attended all-party meetings.
Chidambaram voiced concern about Pakistan’s leadership dynamics, questioning whether decisions lie with its elected government or military and ISI.
As Chidambaram saw it, India now positions the decision ball in Pakistan’s court of desiring 'war or unstable peace.'
