Ep 243 - Pahalgam Terror Attack and Options for India
May 03, 2025•37 min
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Summary
Colonel Ajai Shukla discusses the post-Pahalgam terror attack situation in Kashmir, refuting claims of normalcy and highlighting the complex interplay of political changes and shifting local loyalties that fuel the insurgency. He examines the evolution of militant tactics, intelligence challenges, and questions the clarity of evidence linking the attack directly to Pakistan, considering its current strategic priorities. The conversation then explores the heated India-Pakistan rhetoric, the theatrical nature of military posturing, and the critical need for statesmanship to prevent further escalation, with a nuanced look at Pakistan's leadership dynamics.Episode description
Uzair talks to Colonel Ajai Shukla (retired) about the fallout of the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. We spoke about the state of the insurgency in the region, how their tactics and strategies are evolving, and what can be done to improve security. In addition, we also touched on the prospects of a India-Pakistan war and potential off ramps that could be available for either side to take.
Colonel Ajai Shukla (Retired) is a columnist and freelance journalist. He writes on strategic affairs, defence policy, military technology and the defence economy. He has written extensively for Business Standard, a pan-India daily; and for The New York Times, Guardian, BBC, Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post. He hosts a defence affairs blog, Broadsword (ajaishukla.com), which is visited daily by over 5,000 readers from across the world.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
2:00 Normalcy in Kashmir
6:00 Evolution of tactics
11:40 Intelligence failures and counterinsurgency
19:20 Evidence about links to Pakistan
25:30 India-Pakistan tensions
31:10 General Munir’s strategy
35:10 Conclusion
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