Peace with Pakistan 'not possible' without fundamental change in Islamabad's approach, says former RAW chief Vikram Sood

Mangaluru (Karnataka): Former RAW chief Vikram Sood on Saturday said peace with Pakistan is "not possible" without a fundamental change in Islamabad's approach, and urged India to build strategic strength and self-reliance.

Addressing a session on global power dynamics at Mangaluru Lit Fest, Sood said there is little benefit in compromise or negotiations with Pakistan given its entrenched policies and repeated hostilities.

The dialogue with Pakistan remains unlikely to succeed unless it changes its approach, he added.

Sood contrasted India's supportive role in regional crises, such as in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with the absence of reciprocal backing in India's times of need.

He criticised "global interventions" by the United States.

"Strength, military capability and power are essential for effective governance," Sood said, highlighting China's ability to challenge US economic dominance due to its manufacturing independence.

He noted that the US, despite its military might, has not been directly victorious in conventional wars since the 1940s.

On India's diplomatic strategy, Sood said the country must engage with major powers like the United States and China logically, rather than depend on external support.

He cited recent Indian military operations, including the Balakot airstrike and Uri counterattack, as indicators of India's growing strategic assertiveness.