The cost of war

The war talk going on between India and Pakistan is resulting in escalation of tensions.

The aftermath of Pahalgam has made people on both sides angry. It was heartbreaking, and the whole world sent strong condemnations in the strongest possible terms. Now, television screens have plunged people into deep trauma, anxiety, and depression. Fighter jets, missiles, radars – all for the destruction and devastation of mankind is looming around every corner. TV channels are busy showcasing the military capacities and destructive potential of both countries. But killing, destruction, and devastation are not power — saving, protecting, and securing mankind from ruin is the real power.

Everybody is talking about war- war, war, and war. But it is not the solution to any problem. Rather, it is a disaster for humanity. War simply means the killing of innocent people. Let there be two categories: those who want war and those who don’t. Because my life is not for sale, it has not been sold to anyone. It is my fundamental right to live. I don’t want war. How many among us truly want war? Nobody. So please, explain to me, why war?
For whom is the war? And for what? When there is other alternative available which can be helpful and productive.

Every media outlet is engaged in comparing arms and technology, provoking war, and hosting heated debates on how India can eliminate Pakistan and how Pakistan can respond with a nuclear strike. From Pakistan to India, war has been made inevitable, visible, and seemingly real. From the channels there to the channels here, nobody talks about peace, resolution, mediation, or investigation. These platforms not only build a narrative for war but also fuel hatred and prepare people to fight each other. This is how the race toward war is threatening to eliminate mankind in both South Asian countries.

So far, all those involved in war-mongering and provocation have left no stone unturned in making the two countries ready for war. We the common citizen has a legitimate right to question those institutions involved in escalating the threat of war and comparing weaponry and the potential damage to life and property. My simple question is: Have you ever highlighted or shown what will actually happen if war breaks out? What will be the consequences for two nuclear powers? What is the situation in countries where war has become a lifelong reality? What if an ‘Atom Bomb’ is dropped. Why not our media showing future consequences of war.

Have you ever enlightened a common person about war and its aftermath, or the true cost if war happens? Have you issued advisories or explored any alternatives that can save innocent lives and prevent war? I say no—I have not seen any. What I am witnessing, as a close observer, is that a narrative is being built for war, and it will carry a very heavy burden for both nations.

War is Loss: Big or small, war means loss of men, money, peace and prosperity. It happens easily, never ends easily, started with pride and happiness and ends with pain, happens within movements but leaves scars to generations, begins with easy decision and ends with destruction.

A fight between India and Pakistan would be like that between an elephant and an insect. But both would play roles not for human development, but for destruction at both lower and higher levels. No doubt, India needs to fight its enemies, but not with the gun, rather with diplomacy and democracy. India is excelling on every front, claiming a permanent seat in the UNO, and emerging as one of the world’s biggest markets, growing, developing, and pioneering. India is progressing toward becoming a developed nation, and our leaders need to give serious thought before indulging in war.

No doubt, when the wind goes over the head, the situation becomes do or die. But giving your enemy a moment of mercy shows great strength, and India deserves that dignity. Today, we see war mounting all around us, and we can never truly predict its consequences. The consequences are devastating, with far-reaching and long-lasting repercussions. My humble request to all leading local, national, and international media is to also focus on how to build consensus between the two warring nations, acting as bridges for the restoration of peace, and to become true anchors of justice for the most innocent populations in the world.

Last Option

India is at the path of strategic diplomacy. War must be the last resort, not the first instinct. In an era where diplomacy, economic strength, and global alliances shape the destiny of nations, India must continue to demonstrate restraint, wisdom, and strategic patience. Rather than choosing the path of destruction, India can and should leverage its robust foreign policy to isolate hostile nations and expose their internal failures.

India’s voice is heard at global level. India is emerging as global power. It can use these platforms to highlight violations, garner support, and push for targeted sanctions against nations that sponsor terror, promote instability, or violate international norms. Sanctions, trade restrictions, diplomatic isolation, and exposure of human rights violations can be more damaging to a faltering adversary than any weapon.

War with collapsing country seems unfit. The nations supporting terrorism will be doomed by their own actions, own karma. It is a testament that countries built on deceit, oppression, and aggression eventually fall, without the need for external destruction. India is strong 100 times then Pakistan, but trillion times politically and diplomatically mature showing the world that responsible powers resolve conflict through dialogue, global consensus, and strategy not blind retaliation. Let others perish by their own faults; India must rise by its values, vision, and leadership.