I still think India's plan is to push Pakistan into a border war... not to seize land, but to drain their resources and force a collapse. It's strategic attrition, not territorial ambition.
If a border war breaks out, I don't see India going for land grabs. They'll just hold the line, grinding Pakistan down slowly over time until it collapses under its own weight. It's a war of exhaustion, not conquest.
It also seems reasonable that India is willing to endure this cycle of hostilities and playing along with ceasefire talks to keep Pakistan barley floating until its ready for the kill.
If Pakistan collapses too quickly, the risk of nuclear escalation rises. But if India can orchestrate a slow burn, stretching Pakistan's capacity over time, that risk is minimized. It’s controlled pressure, not a quick break. Lower nuclear risk.
India could very well be playing the long game here. I don't see them stopping, not after everything that's been said and done.
When Modi says 'never again,' I actually believe it, unlike the hollow promises of most world leaders. Modi's proven it time and again the past week there’s no doubt about his resolve.
