Amarjeet Singh Daulat, the former chief of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has admitted that the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), was the result of a major security failure. The assault claimed 26 lives and has severely heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
In a BBC interview, Daulat acknowledged that no proper security measures were in place at the time, stated, “Whatever happened in Pahalgam was due to a failure of security agencies because there was no security in place.” He differentiated between intelligence and security failure and emphasized the importance of support from the local Kashmiri population in gathering intelligence.
Daulat urged caution amid the growing diplomatic outcome, which includes India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling Pakistani diplomats, and closing its borders. In retaliation, Pakistan denied any involvement, suspended the Simla Agreement, halted trade, and closed its airspace. Cross-border skirmishes have since intensified along the Line of Control.
The former spy chief maintained that while limited military responses like surgical strikes could be considered, a full-scale war would be disastrous. “War is the last bad option,” he said. “Talking about war implies nuclear conflict. Such rhetoric is only meant to scare.”
He further noted the importance of presenting credible evidence to the international community if Pakistan’s involvement is to be proven.
Daulat concluded by stressing the need for dialogue, backchannel diplomacy, and regional cooperation to address the deeper issues at play and to avoid further escalation.
