India-Pakistan Crisis: TCA Raghavan on the Pahalgam Attack’s Impact

Former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan, TCA Raghavan, recently expressed deep concern about India-Pakistan relations after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He described the current situation as very dangerous and said it has taken the relationship between the two countries from a state of minimal stability to a serious crisis.

During a conversation with PTI at the Nainital Literature Festival, Raghavan pointed out the seriousness of the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 innocent tourists, reminding many of earlier tragedies like the Mumbai terrorist attack.

On April 22, terrorists shot at people in a beautiful meadow near Pahalgam, which is often compared to “mini Switzerland.” This attack is the worst in Kashmir since the Pulwama incident in 2019, where 40 police officers were killed.

In response to this attack, India has downgraded its diplomatic ties with Pakistan and taken measures like sending Pakistani military officers back home, suspending the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, and closing the Attari land-border post.

Raghavan emphasized that the government’s actions need to be considered carefully. He said the Indian government must address three important areas: international relations, the situation with Pakistan, and the strong feelings of anger within India. People want the attackers to be punished, so these emotions must be handled wisely.

However, he also noted that India is located in a troubled region and cannot afford to cut off ties with its neighbors, even when tensions rise. Raghavan, who has written a book about India-Pakistan relations, stressed that having a stable relationship with Pakistan is vital for India’s long-term growth and to protect its economic progress.

He hopes that in the coming days and weeks, while responding to the situation, the government will also think about the long-term view of India and South Asia.