Former Envoy TCA Raghavan Calls for Balanced India-Pakistan Relations Amid Rising Tensions

By A Staff Reporter

Former Indian envoy TCA Raghavan has emphasized the need for a more balanced and pragmatic approach in India’s dealings with Pakistan, amid years of deteriorating bilateral relations.

Speaking on the complex dynamics between the two neighbors, Raghavan pointed out that Pakistan remains India’s immediate neighbor, making some form of relationship unavoidable. He noted, “Since 2017–18, the ties have steadily deteriorated and become hollow. At this point, we had little choice but to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, as every other possible step had already been taken.”

However, he urged policymakers to reflect on whether escalating to a more securitized stance is truly beneficial to India’s national interests. “We must ask ourselves, is moving towards an increasingly securitised relationship with Pakistan really in our national interest? In my view, the Pakistanis are least afraid of their military,” Raghavan said.