India should be ready for war not because it is imminent, but because peace must always be secured from a position of strength. The specter of a two-front war, where Pakistan and China collaborate against India, has become a stark reality post-Operation Sindoor. This collaboration may not be overt, but the alliance of hostile congruence is undeniable.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) asserts China’s strategic intent in India’s immediate periphery, passing through territory India claims as its own. Regular joint military exercises, arms sales, and intelligence sharing between China and Pakistan pose a significant challenge to India’s security.
Although some argue that war is improbable in the nuclear age due to mutual deterrence, history has shown otherwise. Limited wars or conflicts below the nuclear threshold, such as Kargil in 1999 and Galwan in 2020, are reminders of this reality. China’s aggressive stance under Xi Jinping, particularly in the South China Sea and along the Line of Actual Control with India, further complicates the situation.
Preparation for a two-front war requires sustained intellectual, financial, and diplomatic investment. Strengthening alliances with like-minded nations, enhancing Quad partnerships, and advancing defense indigenization are crucial steps. Additionally, investing in cyber and space defense, upgrading border defense infrastructure, and ensuring internal political stability are essential components of a national strategic and defense policy.
Despite India’s strengths, including a large population, a growing economy, and a strong military, the country must remain vigilant. Pakistan’s internal instability and economic challenges, coupled with China’s economic slowdown and international pushback against its aggressive posture, suggest that an alliance with these nations may not yield significant returns for China in the long run.
In conclusion, India must prepare for a two-front war to maintain peace from a position of strength. As Kautilya wrote, “He who is prepared, is the master of his own destiny.”
(Note: The writer is a former diplomat, author, and politician. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization.)
