Pakistan would lose any conventional war with India
John Kiriakou, a former officer of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), has stated that Pakistan would lose any conventional war against India and urged Islamabad to recognise that initiating war would bring no benefit. He underscored that his remarks refer specifically to non-nuclear, conventional conflict.
Geopolitical implications
Kiriakou’s assessment reflects the strategic reality of the India-Pakistan military balance, where India’s conventional forces are considerably larger and better resourced. He warned that Pakistan’s repeated provocations against India do not alter the underlying disadvantage in a direct conventional conflict.
Call for de-escalation
The former CIA officer’s remarks arrive amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, and he used the occasion to appeal for restraint. He suggested that Pakistan re-evaluate its strategic posture and focus on diplomatically and politically addressing its disputes rather than depending on military confrontation.
