Retired Indian Air Vice-Marshal Kapil Kak is appealing for calm and restraint during rising tensions between India and Pakistan, calling on both nations to prioritize diplomacy over confrontation. His comments come at a time of mounting anxiety over potential conflict as Pakistan has warned it has received credible intelligence of an imminent Indian strike.
Kapil Kak, Air Vice-Marshal (retd), made this plea during an Indian media panel on national security. He noted the necessity of preventing miscalculation between nuclear-armed states.
“Military options must always remain the last resort,” stated Kak, an esteemed veteran of India’s Air Force who is known for his balanced views on regional security. He noted: “We must understand the gravity of current developments: escalated hostilities will only cause harm for everyone involved – India, Pakistan and especially Kashmiri people who have suffered enough.”
Kak’s remarks have garnered widespread interest on news outlets and social media, particularly among analysts and civil society voices advocating for diplomatic de-escalation of hostilities. She pointed out that India does have legitimate security concerns but any aggressive action without considering all possible outcomes could have unintended repercussions.
His comments follow Pakistan’s accusations that Indian Air Force jets conducted aggressive patrols near the Line of Control in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), perceived by Islamabad as provocative. While the Indian government has yet to confirm an operation or activity in IIOJK, increased military activity has been seen throughout this region.
Kak also advised the Indian leadership to remain transparent and avoid using rhetoric that could further inflame tensions. National security must not become an arena for electoral posturing or media-fueled fear mongering; what’s required instead is strategic maturity and statesmanship,” he noted.
Kak’s remarks prompted several retired diplomats and military veterans to echo his sentiment, advocating for backchannel talks and international mediation if necessary. Former Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon offered wise words: escalation only serves to create chaos.”
At this critical juncture, both countries face mounting international pressure to prevent conflict and preserve regional stability. The call for moderation comes at a pivotal time.
With the next 48 hours seen as being crucial, observers suggest Kak’s message could contribute to creating a more circumspect approach among New Delhi security circles.