Pakistan has long perceived India as a perennial adversary, shaping its foreign policy and defense strategies around this belief. However, the real challenges that threaten Pakistan’s stability come not from India, but from its own strategic miscalculations and the unreliable nature of its allies, particularly the U.S. and Afghanistan.

The U.S.: Dollar Over Dependence

For decades, Pakistan has relied heavily on American financial aid, military support, and diplomatic backing. However, history demonstrates that the U.S. has treated Pakistan as a strategic pawn rather than a trusted ally. This transactional relationship has played out across several key periods:

Cold War: Pakistan aligned with the U.S. against the Soviet Union, receiving military and economic aid.

War on Terror: Following 9/11, Pakistan became a front-line state in America’s war on terror, but was frequently accused of playing a double game by harboring militant groups.

IMF Bailouts: In recent years, Pakistan has turned to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), backed by U.S. influence, for economic relief, further demonstrating its financial vulnerability.

Despite Pakistan’s support for American interests, it has faced abandonment whenever geopolitical priorities shifted. This over-dependence on U.S. aid and military assistance has left Pakistan with a fragile economy and weakened strategic autonomy.

Afghanistan: Religion Over Reality

Pakistan’s deep involvement in Afghanistan, driven by both religious and strategic motivations, has led to unintended consequences. The Taliban’s rise to power was initially seen as a victory for Pakistan’s deep state, but the reality has proven otherwise:

The Taliban refuses to recognize the Durand Line, challenging Pakistan’s territorial integrity.

Militant groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have gained strength in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, launching attacks within Pakistan.

The assumption that a Taliban-led Afghanistan would act as a buffer state against India has backfired, as the regime prioritizes its own Islamist governance over Pakistan’s strategic interests.

Instead of securing Pakistan’s western borders, its proxy strategy in Afghanistan has led to increased insecurity, cross-border attacks, and diplomatic isolation.

What Pakistan Needs to Realize

The Double Game Is Backfiring: Aligning with the U.S. for economic aid while supporting extremist groups for strategic leverage will only further isolate Pakistan internationally.

Blind Religious Patronage Is Dangerous: The Taliban and other Islamist factions are no longer assets but liabilities. Pakistan must reassess its security doctrine.

Economic Stability Over Geopolitical Obsession: Instead of viewing India as an eternal enemy, Pakistan should prioritize internal economic development, governance, and regional trade.

India’s Unambiguous Stance: No Soft Corner for Pakistan

India has made it clear - there is no hidden agenda, no soft diplomacy, and no illusions of friendship with Pakistan. The relationship is defined by Pakistan’s continued hostility, and India no longer practices strategic restraint when responding to provocations.

What Pakistan Must Understand

No Illusions of Brotherhood: The era of sentimental diplomacy is over. India does not see Pakistan as a long-lost sibling but as a hostile entity that fosters instability.

Terror and Talks Cannot Coexist: As long as Pakistan harbors groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and HizbulMujahideen, diplomatic engagement is off the table.

Firm Military Response: Post Uri (2016) and Balakot (2019), India has demonstrated that provocations will be met with decisive action.

Kashmir Is Non-Negotiable: The abrogation of Article 370 is India’s internal matter. Pakistan’s interference is futile and will yield no diplomatic gains.

Pakistan’s Real Threat Lies Within: Economic collapse, political instability, and rising extremism pose a far greater existential crisis for Pakistan than India ever could.

China: The Hidden Dagger

While Pakistan considers China an "all-weather friend," Beijing's approach to Pakistan is purely transactional. China's strategic and economic interests come before any supposed alliance, and Pakistan is increasingly finding itself trapped in Chinese debt and dependency:

Debt Trap Diplomacy: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has left Pakistan with unsustainable debt, forcing it to make economic concessions to China.

Strategic Exploitation: Chinese projects in Pakistan primarily benefit Chinese firms, with little long-term gain for Pakistan’s local economy.

Security Risks: The growing Chinese presence in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, has led to tensions and insurgent attacks, further destabilizing the region.

Diplomatic Isolation: Pakistan’s over-reliance on China has weakened its ties with the West and Gulf nations, limiting its foreign policy options.

Bottom Line

Pakistan needs to move beyond its India fixation and recognize its real geopolitical dilemmas. An over-reliance on U.S. aid and a misguided Afghan strategy have backfired, leaving the country economically fragile and diplomatically weak. Instead of blaming India, Pakistan must restructure its foreign policy, prioritize economic stability, and curb extremism to secure its future.

For India, the stance is crystal clear - Pakistan remains an enemy nation. As long as Pakistan continues on its current trajectory, there will be no illusions, no compromises, and no soft corner in India’s approach.