The Israel-India alliance is a disturbing development with dangerous implications, not just for the Middle East, but for South Asia and beyond. As the world watches the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the shadow of this alliance looms large, and Pakistan is once again at the centre of a strategic storm. The close cooperation between Israel and India is destabilizing, and the consequences for Pakistan, already a front-line state in the region, are profound and far-reaching.
At the heart of this alliance is a strategy of covert operations, espionage, and destabilisation. Israel has long operated in the shadows of the region, with its intelligence services deeply embedded in key areas, including Pakistan and Iran. The operations go beyond mere military conflict; Israel’s involvement in espionage activities is a major cause of regional instability. Pakistani officials have raised concerns about Israeli intelligence operations in the country, particularly their role in supporting insurgent groups such as the banned TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan) and the Indian-backed BLA (Baloch Liberation Army). These groups, funded and backed by foreign powers, have long been part of efforts to destabilise Pakistan, and Israel’s covert involvement only adds a new, dangerous dimension to this.
One key example of this covert war is the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian intelligence officer arrested in Pakistan. Jadhav, working through Israeli-supported networks, played a key role in fueling insurgency and militancy inside Pakistan. His connections to Israeli intelligence circles reveal the broader scope of Israel’s strategic interest in the region. This is not just about military threats; it is about a calculated attempt to destabilise Pakistan through subversive actions that weaken its security from within.
Amid these mounting threats, Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence remains a critical pillar of its national security. Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state, and its weapons are designed solely for self-defence, not aggression. Yet, the false narratives being spread across social media, especially those alleging Pakistan’s intent to use its nuclear arsenal for ideological causes or external interests, are part of a larger disinformation campaign aimed at undermining Pakistan’s position. The recent spate of social media posts claiming Pakistan has threatened to launch nuclear strikes against Israel is patently false. Senior military officers and the foreign ministry have consistently rejected such claims, clarifying that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons are solely for the defence of its sovereignty.
The fact that Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent is grounded in the principle of national security should be emphasized. As tensions rise in the region, Israel and India may miscalculate, but Pakistan’s stance remains clear: its nuclear capability is for safeguarding the country from external threats, and not for engaging in any ideological or proxy wars. Pakistan’s strong military and strategic readiness make it clear to any potential aggressor that the cost of war with Pakistan would be far too high.
On the diplomatic front, Pakistan has been proactive, especially through figures like Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. His recent visits and statements at international forums, such as the United Nations, highlight Pakistan’s growing diplomatic efforts to counter the Israel-India axis. Bilawal’s outspoken criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who he compared to India’s Modi in terms of their ideological affinities, is a stark reflection of Pakistan’s stance against this dangerous alliance. He made it clear that both Netanyahu and Modi represent the same ideological drive for regional dominance, with little regard for international law or human rights.
In fact, Bilawal’s diplomatic actions seem to have more effectively represented Pakistan’s interests on the global stage than the Prime Minister himself. His meetings with key global leaders have not only highlighted Pakistan’s position on issues like Kashmir but also underscored the growing risks posed by the Israeli-Indian nexus. Through such efforts, Pakistan’s position in global diplomacy has been strengthened, making it harder for Israel and India to continue their narrative of unilateral aggression.
Another key aspect of the current situation is the use of disinformation. The first casualty in any war is the truth. Propaganda has been wielded with deadly precision in this conflict, particularly through social media, where videos and fabricated statements are spread to tarnish Pakistan’s image. False claims about Pakistan’s nuclear intentions or its role in regional conflicts are being pushed to divert global attention from the true instigators of violence, Israel and India.
For example, the media blitz that falsely accuses Pakistan of threatening nuclear war against Israel is part of a wider campaign aimed at isolating Pakistan internationally. The goal is to present Pakistan as the aggressor, thereby justifying further foreign intervention in the region. These lies need to be countered with facts, and Pakistan must continue to engage in a battle of narratives at the international level.
The geopolitical dynamics surrounding Pakistan are also shifting. Historically, Pakistan’s relations with Iran have been complex, with periods of cooperation and tension. However, as Iran faces pressure from Israel and the United States, it has begun to reassess its role in the region, particularly its involvement with India. The revelation that Iran’s soil has been used by India for subversive operations against Pakistan has been a critical turning point. The realisation in Tehran that its past collaboration with India may have contributed to destabilizing Pakistan is a sign of changing priorities.
On the other hand, Afghanistan’s government has been realigning its policies, with stronger ties to both Pakistan and China. Afghanistan, long a battleground for proxy wars involving India, Pakistan, and other powers, is now more inclined to cooperate with Pakistan in the fight against insurgent groups like the TTP and BLA. The Afghan government’s cooperation with Pakistan, alongside China’s growing influence in the region, is vital for neutralising these insurgent groups and preventing foreign-backed destabilisation efforts.
The growing cooperation between Israel and India poses not just a regional challenge but a global one. Israel, with its advanced technology and military prowess, dreams of becoming the dominant power in the Middle East, while India aspires to be the policeman of South Asia. The union of these two ambitions presents a direct challenge to Pakistan’s security, especially since both nations know that Pakistan is the only force capable of halting their regional ambitions.
The notion of “Greater Israel” and “Indian regional supremacy” are not just geopolitical aspirations; they are deeply ideological. Israel has already expressed its intent to expand its influence in the Middle East, and India, emboldened by its growing partnership with Israel, dreams of subjugating the entire South Asian region. Pakistan stands in the way of these plans, Israel and India know that confronting Pakistan would come at a steep cost. Despite their growing alliance, they are fully aware of Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence and its military capabilities.
While the Israel-India alliance presents a significant threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty, the country remains vigilant and prepared. Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent, strong military, and active diplomatic engagement are key to safeguarding its interests. The country’s leadership must continue to speak out against the misinformation campaigns and false narratives that seek to paint Pakistan as the aggressor. Furthermore, the shifting dynamics with regional partners like Iran, Afghanistan, and China offer hope for a more secure and stable future.
The challenges are real, but Pakistan’s strategic importance, responsible nuclear policy, and growing diplomatic influence ensure that it remains a crucial player on the global stage. The threat from the Israel-India nexus is undeniable, but so too is Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and ensure peace in the region.
