India has strongly rejected Pakistans allegations linking it to a wave of brutal attacks in Balochistan, branding the accusations baseless and a blatant attempt to shift blame from Islamabads own failures. The exchanges come after one of the provinces deadliest insurgent offensives in recent memory, which left dozens dead and exposed Pakistans ongoing struggles with separatist unrest.

The attacks unfolded across multiple districts in Pakistans resource-rich but troubled southwestern province, targeting security outposts, hospitals, and bustling markets. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) took responsibility for the coordinated strikes, dubbed Operation Herof 2.0, claiming they hit Frontier Corps facilities in areas like Quetta and Gwadar. Casualties were heavy: at least 17 security personnel and 31 civilians killed, with Pakistani forces reporting over 130 militants neutralized in the fierce response. This flare-up echoes Balochistans long history of rebellion, fueled by grievances over resource exploitation and neglect in a region vital for projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Pakistans Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and others quickly pointed fingers at India, but New Delhi wasnt buying it. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal fired back on X, slamming the claims as frivolous and urging Pakistan to confront its suppression, brutality, and human rights violations instead. Deflecting from its own failings, Jaiswal added, highlighting a familiar pattern in bilateral spats. Indias stance draws from repeated past denials of similar blame during Pakistans internal crises, emphasizing that the real issue lies in addressing Baloch grievances head-on.

Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, already high after events like the Pahalgam terror strike, show no signs of easing with this latest blame game. Analysts note that rather than finger-pointing, tackling economic disparities—much like autonomy deals have calmed other insurgencies—could break the cycle. For now, Balochistans instability remains a powder keg, with implications rippling across South Asia.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.