Sentiments are understood.
Pardon the analogy.
Its like having sex and and suddenly disengaging before the climax/orgasm.
Stopping when we were on the ascendent is frustrating.
Yes, India in 1971 did split the old Pakistan.
Maybe we did show the middle finger to the US.
But circumstances and situations are different.
During the 1970's we had 2 superpowers.
Almost equal in military power and also roughly comparable in economic power.
The Indian economy of 1971 was not far too dependent on the United States.
Many European countries enjoyed a degree of autonomy from Uncle Sam.
France was almost neutral.
If the US had imposed economic sanctions on India in 1971, the then USSR would have stepped in to supply almost all necessary goods including oil.
Our economic growth rate would have dipped but India would have survived.
Compare the then situation to the present scenario.
Though we have a booming economy and a 4 trillion GDP our exposure to the US and dependency on the US is greater.
Face it. Right now we have only one economic superpower.
China is a large alternative economic power but can we even think of it as a friend.
Assume that the US imposes economic sanctions on India.
All of our exports to the US will be in danger.
The European Union is now more subservient to the US than during the Cold War.
Whatever Washington decides most of Europe will follow.
Another large export market, the EU will be in danger.
And God forbid if the United States asks Saudi Arabia and other big oil exporters in the Gulf to not supply oil to India, what happens.
I don't know if other oil producers barring Russia or maybe Iran will have the guts to defy any diktat from Washington.
Also India in its present state of development is not technologically self sufficient. We import almost all major electronic components and many high technology goods from the USA.
If the US imposes sanctions on India then the flow of technology will be choked.
Not saying that everything is bad.
One major truth is that India since the nuclear tests cannot be militarily blackmailed or arm twisted. I am not saying that we can defeat the Chinese or an Adolf Hitler(assuming that an fascist leader like him seizes power in the US) ) led United States.
But the costs incurred in attacking/defeating India will be unacceptable to the aggressor.
Ultimately it is the economy. And achieving technological independence.
We should not be susceptible to economic blackmail.
If complete economic independence is impossible and inter dependence is the norm, at least be in a position to economically hurt the adversary if that adversary imposes economic sanctions. In simple words - If you hurt me, I will ensure that you will also suffer equally.
Not supporting the Government but the reality is that whoever is in power will have a difficult decision to make.
An hypothetical situation
Suppose we continue our offensive against Pakistan. What happens?.
They cannot sustain any long conflict with India. Their reserves of ammunition and other war fighting materials will soon get exhausted.
Becoming totally desperate and feeling impotent they might believe that their nuclear weapons are their only savior.
So in an high risk situation like the above we have to preemptively take out all their nuclear weapons. Succeed in the first attempt itself. If their mad Generals & Mullahs manage to get access to even one or two nuclear weapons they will use it. Perhaps even smuggle it across the border if all other delivery systems like fighter aircraft, missiles etc have been destroyed by us.
Do we have the real time intelligence on every one of Pakistan's nuclear weapons?.
Coming to the apocalypse scenario. If we feel that Pakistan is a permanent existential threat to India then perhaps we can risk an nuclear war with Pakistan.
We might suffer substantial damage but our larger stock of nuclear weapons and superior delivery systems will ensure that Pakistan becomes a radioactive graveyard. They will cease to exist as an functional nation
India will survive and recover.
Fully possible.
Look at how Japan recovered.
Its a very complex situation.
