“It could well be just psychological—trying to scare everybody. But it needs to be factored in so that they are not coming down… but in fact they are trying to escalate,” Devasher said.
Follow live updates on the latest developments in the India–Pakistan conflictHe also suggested that the NCA meeting could be a tactic to draw global attention. “Pakistan is trying to draw attention of the international community so that they somehow intervene and de-escalate the situation, which Pakistan can’t do, perhaps is not able to do on its own because it knows it’s on the back foot.”
According to Devasher, Pakistan’s actions—targeting both civilian and military installations—mark a shift towards an increasingly dangerous phase. “They have targeted civilians; they have targeted your military bases. So now this is moving gradually into a ‘no holds barred’ confrontation,” he said, noting that India has responded with precision strikes, including on Rawalpindi air base and other key military targets.
“Today and tomorrow are going to be very critical days—whether this dials down, whether Pakistan sees sense and comes down the escalatory ladder or puts it up even a notch higher,” he added.
Tensions have escalated sharply over the past week, with both countries accusing each other of airspace violations involving drones and other munitions. At least 48 people have been reported killed so far, Reuters said.
First Published: May 10, 2025 9:56 AM IS
