The recent escalation following the Pahalgam incident has not only raised concerns about regional stability but also brought India's foreign policy response under check. At a time when effective diplomatic outreach was crucial, India's approach appeared disjointed and reactive, exposing the growing gap between its global ambitions and diplomatic preparedness.

One of the most notable aspects of the episode was the absence of India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar from the public eye. In recent years, Jaishankar has made a reputation for being a sharp, articulate representative of Indian foreign policy on international platforms. Yet during this critical moment, there was little engagement or explanation from the country's top diplomat. He remained mute, watching his carefully scripted 'Vishwaguru' image unravel in real time. The silence left space for confusion both within India and abroad which in turn allowed speculation to overshadow substance.

It was also unusual for the........

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