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AI-generated content may be incorrect.Every war between nations leaves behind stories of various kinds—tales of exceptional bravery, new weaponry in action, and international diplomatic efforts to restore peace. The recent, unexpected four-day confrontation between India and Pakistan was no exception.

What stood out, however, was the puzzling and rapid shift in the United States’ approach. Initially indifferent, Washington suddenly exerted pressure on both nations to halt hostilities and was quick to claim credit for brokering peace. This abrupt change in U.S. stance left geopolitical analysts and diplomats bewildered. But now, emerging reports offer a possible explanation.

U.S. Involvement: A Strategic Shift

On May 7, India launched air raids targeting terror hubs in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and inside Pakistan. The international reaction was swift but varied. U.S. Vice-President Vance, who was visiting India at the time, made a guarded statement. The U.S. Secretary of State expressed concern but avoided blame. Then President Donald Trump suddenly stepped in, calling for an immediate ceasefire and suggesting American diplomacy had resolved the crisis.

This apparent U.S. flip-flop sparked speculation. Was the ceasefire about avoiding nuclear escalation—or was something deeper at play?

Satellite Revelations and Radiation Leaks

Satellite imagery released by China’s MIZAZVISION revealed significant damage near Pakistan’s Nur Khan Airbase, including large craters and structural devastation. The strikes, believed to be carried out using BrahMos missiles, reportedly targeted areas believed to house Pakistan’s nuclear assets. Following the attack, increased radiation levels were detected, prompting emergency landings by several U.S. aircraft in the region.

Column at a Glance
The recent four-day conflict between India and Pakistan revealed a surprising shift in U.S. involvement, as Washington transitioned from indifference to actively brokering peace. This change followed India's airstrikes on terror hubs in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, which reportedly targeted areas housing nuclear assets. Satellite imagery indicated significant damage, raising concerns about potential nuclear escalation.
Friday Fuss
By Pradeep Mathur
Emerging reports suggest that the nuclear weapons in Pakistan may actually be American assets stored under secret arrangements, challenging the narrative of Pakistan as a sovereign nuclear power. This revelation implies that U.S. intervention was motivated by the need to protect its strategic interests rather than merely preventing a nuclear war. The episode highlights a critical oversight by Indian intelligence and media, emphasizing the need for India to recalibrate its foreign policy in light of the U.S.'s self-serving motives in South Asia. Understanding these dynamics is essential for India to navigate its geopolitical landscape effectively.

A U.S. nuclear emergency support aircraft (B350 AMS) was dispatched to Pakistan, and Egypt's air force began supplying boron—a material used to contain radioactive contamination. International experts began speculating that the BrahMos strike may have hit a critical nuclear storage facility near the Kirana Hills, close to Sargodha.

A Shocking Revelation

What’s now emerging is startling: the nuclear bombs stored in Pakistan may not be of Pakistani origin at all. Allegedly, these are American nuclear assets stored in Pakistan under secret arrangements dating back decades. If true, this changes the entire narrative. Far from being a sovereign nuclear power, Pakistan might simply be hosting U.S. strategic assets—much like the U.S. nuclear bases in Turkey positioned against Russia.

This would also explain why the U.S. reacted so swiftly and decisively. Washington wasn’t just brokering peace between two warring neighbours; it was protecting its own strategic military investments. As soon as America sensed a credible threat to its nuclear base in Pakistan, it intervened to safeguard its long-term interests.

The Myth of Pakistani Nuclear Autonomy

Historically, Pakistan’s nuclear rhetoric has been used as a deterrent against India. But if the control and remote access to those weapons lie with the U.S., then Pakistan’s threats were mere bluffs. The U.S. presence in Pakistan may have long been intended to balance power in Asia—countering both Soviet influence in the past and China and  India’s growing dominance today.

As long as American nuclear bases remain in Pakistan, Washington has every incentive to keep Pakistan afloat with financial and military aid. The narrative that F-16 fighter jets were supplied to help Pakistan fight terrorism in Afghanistan now rings hollow. Their actual deployment during events like the Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor tells a different story—one aimed more at countering India than terrorists.

Propaganda, Myths, and Convenient Narratives

To cover its tracks, the U.S. has long pushed the story that Pakistani scientist A.Q. Khan independently developed nuclear weapons by stealing Western technology. This tale served as a convenient way to distance Washington from allegations of nuclear proliferation in South Asia. It also deflected criticism from the U.S. domestic audience, which would not tolerate headlines accusing their government of arming unstable regimes with nuclear weapons.

The notion that the U.S. stepped in to prevent a nuclear war between India and Pakistan is, therefore, misleading. A more plausible reason is that the U.S. intervened because its own nuclear installations were at risk. Had India succeeded in destroying those assets, it would have undone five decades of American strategic planning in the region.

Another inspection team from the U.S. is expected to visit the affected sites to assess damage and report back to the U.S. nuclear command. These are standard operating procedures—but this time, the implications are far from routine.

A Wake-Up Call for India

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of this episode has been the failure of Indian intelligence agencies and the media. It is one thing for politicians to be unaware, but it’s troubling that India’s foreign policy think tanks and strategic research institutes missed the underlying truth about U.S. nuclear interests in Pakistan.

The Indian public must wake up to this reality: whether it's Trump or Biden, America’s approach to India remains rooted in its own strategic calculus. The U.S. seeks to preserve the global power status quo and will go to great lengths to prevent any new world order from emerging—especially one led by India.

As long as America maintains nuclear assets in Pakistan, financial aid and political support for Islamabad will continue. Recognizing this is key to recalibrating India’s foreign policy and understanding the real motives behind American diplomacy in South Asia.

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