Thread by @nitingokhale

Let me tell you a true story about Pakistani desire for validation from India. Your rants and constant screaming are part of that DNA. This was in January 2012. I was to speak in the only track II organised by an American think-tank I attended with Pakistanis in Dubai.

https://twitter.com/faisalghani6515/status/1361922689603149824

In the session on what role can the two militaries play in ensuring CBMs between India and Pakistan, I started my presentation after two speakers from India and two from Pakistan had already spoken. Another Pakistani speaker was to make his remarks after me

Apart from tracing the history of drawing up CFL and LoC in which the militaries had also played a part, I pointed out that the Indian military has now started reorienting itself to look at China as its main adversary and the challenges posed by its rise.

I continued: "The Indian military knows it can handle Pakistan as it had done in 1965, 1971 (breaking up Pakistan) and in Kargil and treats Pakistan as a monkey on its back: a nuisance that can be dealt with anytime & therefore its best to prepare for the China challenge."

The moment I made this remark, a recently retired brigadier of the Pak Army who had spoken before me angrily rose from his chair & said: 'Wait, we are your enemy No. 1, not China.' Translation: how can you ignore us? Our army's entire existence is premised on enmity with India!

As is evident in the past six years at least, India ignoring Pakistan is something people like you have not been able to digest hence all the ranting on my timeline. India knows how to deal with its adversaries, big or small. Its the Pakistani establishment that feels left out 😀

India's decade plus reorientation in meeting the China challenge has paid off as is evident in the standoff in Eastern Ladakh and the current disengagement. Despite attempts at massive military coercion, China had to withdraw empty handed.

Of course the Indian establishment knows this is not the end of the story. There will be attempts by China to open newer fronts. But that's for later. As for Pakstan, it can ride on China's shoulders and keep screaming for attention from India. Over and out.

One correction. The Track II was in January 2013, NOT 2012