India is more likely to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a US intelligence report.
The Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community report states that Pakistan has a long history of supporting anti-India militant groups, adding that under the leadership of PM Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force.
“Each side’s perception of heightened tensions raises the risk of conflict, with violent unrest in Kashmir or a militant attack in India being potential flashpoints,” the report said.
Relations between India and Pakistan have often been strained over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
The US intelligence report pointed out that crises between India and Pakistan are of particular concern because of the risk of an “escalatory cycle between two nuclear-armed states”.
“New Delhi and Islamabad probably are inclined to reinforce the current calm in their relationship following both sides’ renewal of a ceasefire along the Line of Control in early 2021,” the report added.
