Global Horizons
Date: May 08, 2025
April was a consequential and critical month for India, and this issue opens with a commentary on the horrendous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in India’s Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. Twenty five Hindu men, tourists from all across India, were singled out and shot in cold blood in front of their families. India reacted with political unanimity, social unity and public outrage.
Several measures were announced against Pakistan, including the decision to hold the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably abjured its support for cross border terrorism”. Pakistan reacted with belligerence, terming India’s action on the IWT “an act of war” and announcing that it will hold all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement of 1972, in abeyance.
The Indian government gave its armed forces a free hand to plan an appropriate response to the Pahalgam terrorist outrage. India will also need to take expeditated steps to fully utilise the waters available to it under the IWT.
The international reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack was on expected lines, with initial expressions of sympathy being followed by concerns about an India-Pakistan conflict. The UNSC issued a bland statement condemning the attack but ascribed no responsibility and took no cognisance of the sectarian killing. China was quick to support Pakistan. The US and Europe focused on de-escalation of tensions. The West’s double standards continued to stare India in the face in its longstanding fight against Pakistan-sponsored and supported terror.
In Europe, the war in Ukraine showed no signs of ending. US peace proposals as also the European counter were exchanged. Russia prevaricated. The US threatened to walk away from mediation. The US and Ukraine finally signed an agreement on reconstruction and exploitation of rare earths.
President Trump marked his first 100 days in office terming his policies as a “revolution of common sense”, but questions grew about the impact of his policies on international trade. India appeared to be on the priority list for a trade deal with the US, but will need to make haste with caution.
China moved aggressively to counter the negative impact of US tariff policies through President Xi Jinping’s successful visits to Southeast Asian nations. China also announced measures to bolster employment and the economy amidst growing global uncertainties.
This issue also covers developments in the Middle East, where Israel continued to act with impunity and ceasefire talks in Gaza stalled; the evolving situation in Syria; international efforts on peace in Sudan; and a US-led breakthrough to end fighting between Rwanda and the DRC.
Finally, the author highlights key developments related to Indian diplomacy, from PM Modi’s visits to Thailand, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia to the visit of the US Vice President to India, which yielded significant outcomes. The outlook on BIMSTEC cooperation improved. VP Vance spoke of his belief that “the future of the 21st century is going to be determined by the strength of the US-India partnership”. PM Modi and Crown Prince MBS co-chaired the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
The author concludes that the challenges facing India’s foreign and security policies are growing manifold and will need to be met through perseverance and unity in the period ahead.
To read this issue of Global Horizons, Vol. III, Issue 4, please see the PDF attached.
Several measures were announced against Pakistan, including the decision to hold the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably abjured its support for cross border terrorism”. Pakistan reacted with belligerence, terming India’s action on the IWT “an act of war” and announcing that it will hold all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement of 1972, in abeyance.
The Indian government gave its armed forces a free hand to plan an appropriate response to the Pahalgam terrorist outrage. India will also need to take expeditated steps to fully utilise the waters available to it under the IWT.
The international reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack was on expected lines, with initial expressions of sympathy being followed by concerns about an India-Pakistan conflict. The UNSC issued a bland statement condemning the attack but ascribed no responsibility and took no cognisance of the sectarian killing. China was quick to support Pakistan. The US and Europe focused on de-escalation of tensions. The West’s double standards continued to stare India in the face in its longstanding fight against Pakistan-sponsored and supported terror.
In Europe, the war in Ukraine showed no signs of ending. US peace proposals as also the European counter were exchanged. Russia prevaricated. The US threatened to walk away from mediation. The US and Ukraine finally signed an agreement on reconstruction and exploitation of rare earths.
President Trump marked his first 100 days in office terming his policies as a “revolution of common sense”, but questions grew about the impact of his policies on international trade. India appeared to be on the priority list for a trade deal with the US, but will need to make haste with caution.
China moved aggressively to counter the negative impact of US tariff policies through President Xi Jinping’s successful visits to Southeast Asian nations. China also announced measures to bolster employment and the economy amidst growing global uncertainties.
This issue also covers developments in the Middle East, where Israel continued to act with impunity and ceasefire talks in Gaza stalled; the evolving situation in Syria; international efforts on peace in Sudan; and a US-led breakthrough to end fighting between Rwanda and the DRC.
Finally, the author highlights key developments related to Indian diplomacy, from PM Modi’s visits to Thailand, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia to the visit of the US Vice President to India, which yielded significant outcomes. The outlook on BIMSTEC cooperation improved. VP Vance spoke of his belief that “the future of the 21st century is going to be determined by the strength of the US-India partnership”. PM Modi and Crown Prince MBS co-chaired the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
The author concludes that the challenges facing India’s foreign and security policies are growing manifold and will need to be met through perseverance and unity in the period ahead.
To read this issue of Global Horizons, Vol. III, Issue 4, please see the PDF attached.
