India@2047 Summit: Is India Preparing for a Fifth War with Pakistan Amid Renewed Hostilities?

At the India@2047 Summit, national security concerns dominated discussions, especially the growing speculation over whether India is preparing for a fifth war with Pakistan. After having defeated Pakistan in wars in 1948, 1965, 1971, and the 1999 Kargil conflict, India has largely pursued peace and progress. However, the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 innocent lives were lost, has once again shaken the nation. Former diplomat Ajay Bisaria, who served under PM Vajpayee and was India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, emphasized that India's past responses in 2016 (Uri) and 2019 (Pulwama) showed its shift towards kinetic actions and strategic deterrence.This time, India has already signaled strong intent by reconsidering the Indus Waters Treaty — a 65-year-old agreement. Experts believe cutting Pakistan’s water supply could serve as a powerful message. Meanwhile, Pakistan is internally unstable, facing economic collapse, political unrest, Taliban opposition in its west, and growing anger among its own people. Analysts suggest a limited military action could follow, but on India's terms — surprise, precision, and effectiveness. With military gaps now bridged, India stands prepared, not for revenge, but to ensure justice and to re-establish deterrence against future terror. The message is clear: never again.