India and Pakistan

India and Pakistan—though two neighboring states—have always had hostile, suspicious, and conflicting relations. Since the bloody chapter of the partition of 1947, these two states have been locked in a perpetual cold war, whether behind the scenes of diplomatic negotiations or on the open battlefield. But Pakistan's presence in modern Indian politics is often more strategic than real; India's political leadership often achieves ulterior motives by portraying Pakistan not just as a rival, but as a formidable enemy. And one of the hidden hands that works very subtly in this process is false flag operations—that is, organizing attacks themselves and blaming them on the enemy.

Such operations are designed as political and military strategies, but they also have an unimaginable impact on international diplomacy. The country's media, intelligence agencies, and even the often state-controlled foreign policy infrastructure work alongside the Indian state apparatus to portray Pakistan as a sponsor of terrorism in the international arena. India's response to the Pulwama attack was not limited to a military response, but rather a well-planned diplomatic 'offensive'.

The attack was used as a strategic leverage to prove Pakistan as a 'diseased state' to policymakers in the UN, OIC, European Union or the US. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs presented the information about the attack in such a way that most countries in the world took a stand against Pakistan. The international media also gave importance to India's analysis at that time, because the Indian media created a view within the country, which did not take much time to spread outside.

International politics is often based on the presentation of information, not on reality. India has understood this very well in the last two decades. In this regard, they have succeeded in damaging Pakistan's image. However, we know that the real truth behind several incidents was different. The shadow of Hindutva terrorism that was found in the Malegaon blast or the Samjhauta Express was covered up and Pakistan was presented in that vacuum.

India has worked on three levels to corner Pakistan diplomatically. First, Pakistan is linked to every suspected attack as if there is no need for an investigation. Second, statements are made against Pakistan in the international arena through India's allies. Third, no matter how big the time of these attacks, India creates a 'moral high ground' through them, where the responsibility of responding no longer falls on them.

An example of this policy can be seen in the Balakot strike. It is presented in India as a "show of valor", although many international observers question its authenticity. But by then India's goal has been achieved - it has shown itself to the world as an oppressed state, which has been forced to take revenge. This 'revenge' also becomes a powerful weapon for political gain.

The focus of the international community from the Kashmir crisis to terrorism was focused on - this was one of India's greatest diplomatic achievements. On the one hand, the image of oppression in Kashmir is suppressed, while on the other hand, the role of Pakistan is questioned. If the false flag operation is a kind of “construction of events”, then India’s diplomatic strategy was “control of interpretation”. Those who are in control of interpretation can use the event as they wish.

The most affected in such incidents are the common people—Kashmiri Muslims, border residents, the general public of Pakistan—for whom war is not a ‘strategy’ but a curse of reality. When the state narrative becomes the basis for decision-making at the international level, there is no chance of justice.

When a state uses diplomacy as a weapon to establish a lie, it may be temporarily successful, but it destroys trust in international rules and regulations. False flag operations confuse not only the opposing state, but the entire international system.

There is no way to deny that India has gone ahead with this strategy. But it has not only affected Pakistan; South Asian diplomacy has also become toxic, warlike, and suspicious.

When a state fabricates events to cover up its own crimes or for its own political gain, it is a form of betrayal not only against the opposing state but also against its own people.

This is the real tragedy of false flag operations.