In a stark and unequivocal assessment, Vikram Sood, the former head of India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), declared that compromise or negotiation with Pakistan holds no benefit and that achieving peace with the neighbouring nation is an impossibility. He delivered these strong remarks during the 8th edition of the Mangaluru Literature Festival.
Uncompromising Stance on Pakistan and Neighbours
Sood, speaking at a session titled ‘Great Power Games’ held at the Dr TMA Pai International Convention Centre, firmly asserted that Pakistan will never change its fundamental stance. Expanding on India's regional relationships, he highlighted a perceived imbalance. He recalled that India has consistently extended support to neighbours like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh during their times of difficulty. However, he pointed out that when India itself faces a crisis, it often finds itself standing alone without reciprocal support from these nations.
Analysis of Global Powers and India's Path
The former spymaster also offered a critical view of global geopolitics, particularly focusing on the United States. He cited the US interventions in Ukraine, Israel, and now Venezuela as examples of a pattern where the country appears intent on creating problems worldwide. Sood suggested that while the public face of these issues might be complex, there operates a mindset centred on a President who believes he personifies the law.
Turning to the essentials of national power, Sood emphasised that strength, military capability, and power are crucial for good governance. He cited China's economic rise, attributing its ability to challenge America to achieving independence in manufacturing. In contrast, he noted that despite its massive military and nuclear arsenal, the US has not directly won any major war in recent times, tracing a decline back to the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
India's Strategic Imperative: Self-Reliance and Firm Action
Discussing strategy, Vikram Sood advised that India must deal with both the United States and China logically, as neither has stood by India in times of dire need. He stressed that the necessity of a strong government is paramount for India to become a powerful nation. The goal, he stated, should be to reach a stage where India does not have to ask anyone for assistance, much like a US government representative does not come to India to beg for help.
He pointed to recent military actions as evidence of India's evolving stance. The Balakot airstrike, the Uri counterattack, and Operation Sindoor were highlighted as key examples of India establishing a firmer posture. Sood concluded with a sense of urgency, stating that India must solidify its position on the international stage more firmly now, warning that if the nation does not rise at this moment, it may never get another chance. The session was moderated by Sriparna Pathak.
