New Delhi, Aug 9: Pakistan is now more of a “nuisance” than a strategic threat as India has gained an edge over its neighbor, according to BJP leader and India Foundation founder Shaurya Doval.
India’s key advantage is its economic growth, he said but stressed the need to manage relations with its neighbors, including Pakistan and China, to support this growth and gain a strategic edge.
In an interaction with PTI editors at the agency’s headquarters here, Doval also favored roping in private players to fight cyberterrorism as he called for a “comprehensive” societal response rather than solely relying on legal and military measures.
“We have passed various points in our relationship with Pakistan, and while they still present challenges, they no longer represent a serious threat…Pakistan poses a nuisance value to us now but does not pose any strategic threat to us. So, that is one situation solved,” he said.
He highlighted that similar dynamics are at play along India’s eastern front while cautioning that India’s northern neighbor remains a serious challenge due to its military capabilities and intentions.
“I think, first and foremost, India’s USP right now is economic growth…we have to manage our neighborhood so that we continue to get that space and time to be able to reach our economic goal and give us strategic advantage vis-a-vis our neighbors,” he said.
Doval said, “If our northern neighbor aspires to dominate the global stage, they would prefer to see India confined to its current position.”
“If they fail to establish their presence in our region, their global ambitions could be hindered,” the India Foundation founder said.
