India-Pakistan Tensions Reach Highest Levels Since 1999, Says B.C. Expert
A respected international relations expert based in British Columbia is warning that tensions between India and Pakistan have reached their most dangerous level since the 1999 Kargil War, raising concerns about the potential for renewed conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Dr. Rohan Mehta, a political science professor at the University of British Columbia and a South Asia specialist, says the current geopolitical climate, military posturing, and nationalist rhetoric from both New Delhi and Islamabad are contributing to what he calls “the most volatile flashpoint in South Asia in over two decades.”
“This is the highest level of hostility we’ve seen since the Kargil conflict,” Mehta said in a recent interview. “There is very little diplomatic engagement, rising domestic pressure on both sides, and increased militarization along the Line of Control. All of this creates a dangerous environment with little room for de-escalation.”
The Kargil War of 1999 was a high-altitude armed conflict in the Kashmir region, which nearly led to full-scale war between India and Pakistan. Since then, relations have remained uneasy, but Mehta and other analysts now fear that a confluence of political and security factors is pushing both countries closer to the brink.
The latest wave of tension stems from recent cross-border skirmishes, nationalist rhetoric by political leaders, and alleged interference in internal affairs, including accusations of intelligence operations and cyber intrusions. India’s strategic partnerships with Western nations and Pakistan’s evolving ties with China are also adding layers of complexity to the already strained relationship.
Mehta emphasizes that Canada and the global community must pay closer attention to the unfolding situation, particularly given the diaspora communities in places like B.C. and Ontario, where many families have deep cultural and personal ties to South Asia.
“This isn’t just a regional issue anymore,” Mehta added. “The India-Pakistan relationship affects global peace, economic stability, and even domestic harmony in countries with significant South Asian populations.”
He also noted that the absence of consistent dialogue and the increase in media-fueled nationalism are contributing to misinformation and heightened public anxiety.
Observers around the world are now urging both nations to return to diplomacy and international mediation efforts to prevent further escalation. The United Nations and several Western governments have expressed concern, but so far, no concrete de-escalation initiatives have taken root.
As the situation develops, experts like Mehta are calling for vigilance, peace-building efforts, and a stronger global diplomatic response to what could become one of the most pressing international crises of 2025.
Source : Swifteradio.com
