Dr. Sreshtha Chakraborty sheds light on the complexities of the India-Pakistan conflict.
The interview with Dr. Sreshtha Chakraborty, Assistant Professor, Bennett University, sheds light on the complexities of the India-Pakistan conflict, the limited impact of US mediation, and the shifting dynamics influenced by China’s growing involvement in the region.
Host: Let’s start with the recent ceasefire that was broken just hours after President Trump’s intervention. Why was it violated so quickly?
Dr. Sreshtha Chakraborty: President Trump’s intervention did bring about a ceasefire, but it was broken in just three hours. This reflects the challenges of US influence in such complex regional conflicts. While the US positions itself as a key peace broker, its involvement is often viewed differently by various parties. Some see it as essential leadership, while others view it as unwelcome interference. The quick collapse of the ceasefire highlights the lack of trust and effective enforcement mechanisms in place. In many cases, ceasefires act as tactical pauses rather than sincere efforts towards peace, especially when the mediator is seen as biased or focused on its own strategic goals.
Host: That’s a very insightful perspective. Why does the US mediation in this region raise eyebrows?
Dr. Sreshtha Chakraborty: In this region, the US mediation is often seen as external meddling, particularly by rival powers like Iran, Russia, and Turkey. These countries view US actions as biased, especially when the US appears to favor one side or pursue outcomes aligned with its strategic or ideological interests. On the other hand, China, which traditionally practiced non-interference, is gradually adopting a more active diplomatic role, especially when it concerns its economic interests, like energy security or its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Host: India has made it clear that it does not want third-party mediation in the conflict. What is their reasoning behind this?
Dr. Sreshtha Chakraborty: India has consistently opposed third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue, as it sees this as an infringement on its sovereignty. From India’s perspective, when external actors, like the US, suggest mediation, it creates a false moral equivalence between India and Pakistan. This is a sensitive issue for India, especially because cross-border terrorism is a non-negotiable security concern for them. Such mediation efforts, particularly from figures like President Trump, undermine India’s strategic autonomy and global reputation, casting it as a junior partner in the larger geopolitical game—either aligned with the US or as a counterbalance to China."
Host: That’s a strong stance. Pakistan recently stated that ‘war is not our priority,’ which seems paradoxical, considering the tensions. What’s your take on this?
Dr. Sreshtha Chakraborty: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister’s statement—‘War is not our priority, we genuinely want peace, but without the hegemony of any country’—marks a shift in Islamabad’s narrative. Historically, Pakistan has sought parity with India, especially around issues like Kashmir and nuclear deterrence. But the mention of ‘anti-hegemony’ aligns more closely with China’s stance against unipolarity and foreign dominance. This indicates a strategic shift, with Pakistan increasingly aligning itself with Beijing’s vision of a multipolar world. It reflects a growing partnership between Pakistan and China, influencing Pakistan’s foreign policy and its ideological positioning.
Host: How is Pakistan faring amidst this mix?
Dr. Sreshtha Chakraborty: Pakistan has been strengthening its strategic and economic ties with China, benefiting from initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and experiencing a rise in Chinese investments across various sectors, including arms manufacturing. This growing partnership with China, along with increased focus on defence and strategic alliances, adds to a more unpredictable security environment in the region. Although the US-China tariff conflict may not be a direct trigger for India-Pakistan tensions, its broader economic impact certainly intensifies the geopolitical competition between the two countries.
(Parshwati Saha is Communications Advisor with Green Horizon Communication)
