It looks like all parties benefited by the recent 4 day Indo-Pak conflict.
Pakistan got an IMF loan, China tested their jets and missile system, Turkey tested their drones, the BJP ensured a sweeping victory in the forthcoming Bihar and other elections, France tested Rafale, the Pahalgam terrorists got their 72 virgins, and Trump got his credit and may get the Nobel Peace Prize.
So it is a win-win situation for all. Let us consider each
1. Pakistan
Pakistan, which is a perpetually broke country, subsisting on handouts from IMF, Saudi Arabia, etc got a $ 2.4 billion loan from the IMF ( of which $ 1 billion will be disbursed immediately ) even when hostilities with India were going on.
This decision was taken despite objection of India
Pakistan is broke, but its military is not. Fighter jets, drones, submarines, warships—Islamabad continues to amass them all, even as it lurches from one financial bailout to the next. But Pakistan’s military might seems untouched by the country’s worsening economic collapse.
How ? Because the rules are different when your chief arms dealer is also your banker. China supplies more than 80% of Pakistan’s military imports, and it doesn’t just deliver hardware. It offers the money to pay for it too—on credit, with low interest, flexible terms, and long grace periods. That means Pakistan doesn’t need cash to keep arming itself; it just needs friends.
2. China
Chinese J-10C fighter jets have created history, by shooting down Rafale and Sukhoi jets used by the Indian Air Force.
The Chinese have thereby proved that they can produce better fighter jets than Europeans or Russians. Nobody could have earlier imagined this.
Chinese PL-15 missiles have also proved their effectiveness in this war
It is almost certain that now many countries which do not make their own aircraft or missiles will start buying Chinese jets and missiles, in preference to European, Russian or American ones, as they will be much cheaper, and yet as effective, if not more.
3. Turkey
Pakistan used 300-400 Songar drones manufactured by Turkey in this war
This war may help increase sales of these drones in the world market, as it has brought about awareness of these unmanned aircraft, about which people may not have known earlier.
4. The BJP
The ruling Bhartiya Janata Party ( BJP ) will harvest huge dividends from this war ( as it did in 2019 after the Balakot strike ) as it has created a wave of jingoistic support for the party whose government allegedly gave a bloody nose to Pakistan in this conflict.
This will ensure victory in the coming Bihar Assembly elections ( to be held in October or November this year ), and some other state elections in 2026 ( provided the euphoria lasts ).
5. France
No doubt the French Rafale was worsted in this war by Chinese jets which proved to be superior, but this will compel the French to improve their jet fighter. So it will be a blessing in disguise.
6. The Pahalgam terrorists
Those who committed the massacre of 26 Hindu tourists in Pahalgam on 22nd April will no doubt be suitably rewarded by getting 72 ‘hoors’ for their ‘brave’ deed ( after their demise ).
7. Donald Trump
A big winner in this episode is US President Donald Trump, whose popularity was sinking, but has again soared, as he is perceived as a peacemaker, who had earlier brokered the ceasefire in Gaza, and has now done it again in the Indian subcontinent, preventing a nuclear war.
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5293611-donald-trump-india-pakistan-conflict-cool-down
One would not be surprised if he gets the Nobel Peace Prize this year
Dear Markandey Katju Sahib
I am a great fan of your sincere and honest opinions about Pakistan -India relations, your visionary analysis and forth right expressions.
That is why, I was a bit disappointed when you mad fun of the reasons of Pahalgam terrorists to carry out terrorist attacks. In your article; A win-win situation for all, you say; ” Pahalgam terrorists got their 72 virgins”. Such remarks do not fit with your seriousness or intellect. The terrorist attcks have always political purposes and as long as Kashmir issue is not resolved with the support of Kashmiris, such terrorism would not end.
Secondly, you credited Turkey for giving drones and China for giving jets to Pakistan but forgot to mention that Israel gave drones to India and Russia supplied SS 400 missiles, both of which failed.
Thirdly, it is not weapons that win the wars but the dedication, training and professionalism of the soldiers. India according to India’s own defence analysts lacks behind Pakistan in this field.
Anyhow, we need peace for the ordinary people of both countries and that would only come through negotiations and talk.
Kind regards