Bilawal warns of rising nuclear tensions amid India’s 'abnormal' doctrine during U.S. visit

Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has warned that Indian aggression is dangerously raising the stakes of future conflicts between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, cautioning that Pakistan may have “very little time” to respond in the event of another escalation.

His remarks came during an interview with Bloomberg while leading a high-level Pakistani parliamentary and diplomatic delegation visiting the United States, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Pakistani Embassy in Washington.

Bilawal stated that India’s recent actions, particularly the use of nuclear-capable missiles in past confrontations, have created greater uncertainty and volatility in the region. Referring to the post-Pahalgam clash — one of the most tense moments between Pakistan and India in decades — Bilawal stressed that Indian leadership's framing of their aggressive stance as a “new normal” is deeply troubling.

“We call this Indian ‘new normal’ abnormal,” he said, warning that it dangerously suggests a precedent where mere accusations, without evidence or proof, could be used as justification to launch attacks on neighboring countries.

Bloomberg’s analysis cited the Pahalgam incident as a turning point in bilateral tensions, with Islamabad categorically denying Indian allegations and rejecting its narrative.

According to Bilawal, despite a ceasefire that former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed was achieved through American diplomatic efforts, the Indian Prime Minister’s declaration of a “new normal” has only deepened regional insecurity. Bilawal praised the U.S. role in calming tensions but emphasised that long-term peace requires sincere and structured engagement.

The former foreign minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s position that comprehensive dialogue is the only sustainable path forward between the two countries. He also expressed appreciation for the U.S. leadership’s efforts and suggested that Saudi Arabia could play a constructive role in promoting peace between Islamabad and New Delhi.

The Pakistani Embassy further announced that the visiting delegation is expected to continue its diplomatic outreach in European capitals, including London and Brussels, as part of a broader effort to raise awareness about regional security concerns and promote dialogue-based solutions.