“Tit for Tat Is the New Doctrine”: Foreign Affairs Expert Praises India’s Firm Stand Against Pakistan

May 11, 2025: Leading foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev has commended India’s strong and calculated response to Pakistan amid recent military tensions, stating that the country’s new strategic doctrine is firmly grounded in “tit for tat.” In an interview with ANI on Sunday, Sachdev emphasized that India’s retaliatory approach has sent a clear message to both Pakistan and the global community.

Sachdev’s remarks come in the wake of the recently halted hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. He addressed key concerns about the escalating conflict, the nuclear threat, and the alleged role of the United States in de-escalation efforts.

“In this conflict, a tipping point was bound to come—either the U.S. would intervene, or Pakistan would seek American help. Yesterday, Pakistan reached out to the U.S. in desperation,” Sachdev said. He noted that Pakistan warned Washington of potential nuclear consequences, painting a grim picture of mass casualties and the possibility of its nuclear arsenal falling into the hands of non-state actors.

“Pakistan essentially told the U.S.: If India escalates, our army and institutions could collapse, and our nuclear weapons could end up being used for dirty bombs by radical elements, even reaching the Middle East or American soil,” he explained.

Sachdev praised India’s strategic restraint combined with its firm retaliatory strikes, pointing out that such a stance reinforces India’s growing geopolitical maturity. “It’s good common sense from India’s side. We must focus on our economic and national power without getting entangled in wars. But if provoked, India will strike back hard. That’s now our doctrine—and the world is taking note,” he said.

His comments follow those of U.S. President Donald Trump, who also acknowledged the de-escalation. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump expressed relief over the cessation of aggression, crediting both India and Pakistan for their leadership.

“I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan for having the strength, wisdom, and fortitude to fully understand it was time to stop the current aggression. Millions of good and innocent people could have died,” Trump posted, adding that their “legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions.”

Sachdev concluded by reiterating that unless Pakistan reforms and ceases terror activities, India will continue to respond decisively. “We will keep hitting unless you reform,” he warned.