Editorial

India’s firm condemnation of Pakistan’s heavy-handed crackdown on protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) is both timely and necessary. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has rightly highlighted the regime’s use of police brutality, internet blackouts, and denial of essential supplies like food and medicine against peaceful demonstrators. Led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee since early June, these protests are not driven by separatist agendas but by basic grievances: skyrocketing prices of wheat flour, unfair electricity tariffs, and the undemocratic reservation of assembly seats that perpetuate Islamabad’s control.

This unrest lays bare the contradiction at the heart of Pakistan’s Kashmir narrative. For decades, Islamabad has projected itself as the champion of Kashmiri self-determination while ruthlessly suppressing the very people it claims to represent in PoK. Reports of extreme force, communication blackouts, and blockades of necessities evoke images of an occupying power rather than a benevolent administrator. Labelling protesters as “terrorists” and responding with violence only deepens the alienation. Pakistan’s actions mirror the authoritarian playbook it often accuses others of employing, revealing a governance model rooted in coercion rather than consent.

The timing is significant. As the India-UK trade deal takes effect and India strengthens its global economic footprint, Pakistan continues to grapple with internal fragility. Its economy teeters, political instability festers, and now popular discontent in PoK threatens to unravel its carefully curated international narrative. The Indian seafarer’s tragic death in the Strait of Hormuz amid broader regional tensions further underscores how Pakistan’s alliances and adventurism endanger innocents across borders.

India’s response strikes the right balance—principled condemnation without escalation. By shining a light on human rights violations, New Delhi reinforces its moral high ground. Unlike Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism and radicalisation tactics, India has integrated Jammu and Kashmir fully into its democratic framework, delivering development, elections, and normalcy post-Article 370. The contrast is stark: one side builds, the other suppresses.

The international community must take note. Selective silence on PoK while amplifying other narratives undermines global credibility on human rights. Democratic nations should press Pakistan to allow independent observers, restore basic services, and engage meaningfully with protesters’ legitimate demands. Sustained repression risks further destabilising the region, with spillover effects on security and migration.

Pakistan must recognise that genuine control comes not from force but from addressing people’s aspirations. Until then, its claims over Kashmir will remain as hollow as its governance in PoK. India’s steadfast position serves as a reminder: true peace and prosperity in the region can only emerge when all stakeholders prioritise people over propaganda.

In a significant diplomatic recalibration, the United States has scaled back its aggressive tariff threats in a revised Russia sanctions bill. The proposed 500% tariffs on countries continuing to import Russian oil and gas have been moderated to 100%, offering relief to major economies like India and China. This development on July 15, 2026, underscores the limits of economic coercion in a multipolar world and highlights pragmatic geopolitics amid ongoing global energy volatility.

The original proposal reflected Washington’s frustration with nations undermining its sanctions regime against Russia. However, the revision acknowledges harsh realities: abrupt disruption of Russian energy flows would spike global oil prices, fuel inflation, and hurt Western consumers and industries. For India, which imports substantial discounted Russian crude to stabilise domestic fuel prices and support its refining sector, the eased threat is a major win. It validates New Delhi’s policy of strategic autonomy—purchasing energy based on national interest rather than external dictates—while maintaining strong defence and technology ties with the US.

China, too, benefits, though its motivations differ. The move reflects mutual economic interdependence. A full-blown tariff war would have accelerated de-risking efforts but at the cost of global supply chain chaos. By moderating its stance, the US bipartisan group of senators has prioritised calibrated pressure over self-defeating absolutism.

This adjustment arrives against the backdrop of heightened West Asia tensions, including US-Iran confrontations affecting the Strait of Hormuz. Energy security remains paramount. India’s diversified imports, including from Russia, have shielded its economy from extreme shocks, enabling steady growth even as it deepens partnerships with the Quad and Western allies. The India-UK trade deal operationalised today further illustrates New Delhi’s multi-alignment strategy—engaging all major powers without exclusive blocs.

Critics may view the US retreat as a sign of weakening resolve. Yet, it demonstrates maturity. Sanctions are tools, not ends in themselves. Overreach risks alienating key Global South players whose cooperation is vital for addressing climate, supply chains, and regional stability. For India, this episode reinforces the importance of energy diplomacy, domestic production boosts (via renewables and exploration), and diplomatic agility.

The revised bill sends a clear message: while the US will continue targeting Russia’s war economy, it recognises the need for flexibility with large emerging markets. India should leverage this space to strengthen its negotiating position in future forums, advocating for fairer global trade rules and energy transition support.

In an interconnected world, punitive extremes often yield to pragmatic compromise. The US decision averts immediate economic pain for millions while keeping pressure on Moscow. For India, it affirms that principled realism in foreign policy delivers results. As global power shifts, such calibrated diplomacy offers the best path toward stability and shared prosperity.

• SAS Kirmani