India Faces New Threat: Rival Declares Support for Pakistan in Case of War

Khalistan Leader’s Provocative Stance
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, a new threat has emerged. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent pro-Khalistan leader associated with Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has declared that Indian Punjab would support Pakistan in the event of war. In a video statement, Pannun vowed that Sikh communities would resist the Indian military and provide logistical support, such as community kitchens, to the Pakistan Army. This provocative declaration has raised alarms in New Delhi, complicating the already volatile India-Pakistan standoff.

Backdrop of Rising Tensions
The Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 tourists, has pushed India and Pakistan to the brink of conflict. India accuses Pakistan of backing the militants, a claim Islamabad denies, while retaliatory measures like India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and Pakistan’s airspace closure have intensified the crisis. Pannun’s statement, coupled with reports of Khalistan flags and pro-Pakistan slogans in Punjab, suggests internal dissent that could weaken India’s position. The Indian government now faces the dual challenge of external aggression and potential internal unrest.

Implications for India’s Security
Pannun’s pledge to align with Pakistan introduces a dangerous dimension to the conflict. The Khalistan movement, though diminished, retains influence among some Sikh diaspora communities. SFJ’s activities, including anti-India propaganda, could embolden separatist sentiments in Punjab, a strategically vital state bordering Pakistan. Indian security forces are already on high alert along the Line of Control, and this new rhetoric may force a diversion of resources to monitor domestic threats, straining military and intelligence operations.

Global and Regional Concerns
The international community, including the UN and US, has urged de-escalation, warning of catastrophic consequences from a nuclear-armed conflict. Pannun’s declaration adds fuel to an already explosive situation, potentially encouraging other anti-India groups. As India navigates this multi-front challenge, its diplomatic and military strategies will be tested, with the specter of a broader regional conflict looming large.