India’s Role as a Spoiler in South Asia: An Analysis of Kashmiri Experts’ Perspectives

Since its independence in 1947, India has been viewed by political experts and analysts in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir as the primary obstacle to peace in South Asia. These experts argue that New Delhi’s hegemonic agenda poses a significant threat to regional stability. According to them, the situation has deteriorated notably since the BJP-led Indian government, under Narendra Modi, came to power in 2014. They point to India’s persistent obstruction of peaceful resolutions to the Kashmir dispute, citing the controversial actions of the Modi government on August 5, 2019, as evidence of New Delhi’s disregard for regional peace.

The experts specifically criticize Indian military and Hindutva leaders, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Home Minister Amit Shah, for their inflammatory remarks regarding the region. They accuse these leaders of fueling tensions and suppressing the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Moreover, the experts warn that the BJP government’s muscular and undemocratic approach poses a grave threat to the peace and security of South Asia. They argue that India’s stubbornness contributes to long-term instability in the region. They point to India’s military aggression in October 1947, which led to the occupation of over half of the then-princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as India’s consistent obstruction of UN Security Council efforts to hold a plebiscite in Kashmir. The experts condemn India’s use of state terrorism to silence Kashmiri voices advocating for self-determination for over seven decades.

Highlighting India’s destabilizing actions and belligerence toward its neighbours, the experts stress that Pakistan has been at the forefront of efforts to achieve peace in South Asia. They emphasize Pakistan’s repeated efforts to inform the world about India’s disruptive role in the region.

In conclusion, the experts call on the international community to recognize India’s role as a spoiler in South Asia and to address India’s hegemonic ambitions to ensure lasting peace in the region.