Pakistan’s former foreign secretary and ambassador to the United States, Aizaz Ahmed Chowdhury suggests that Mumbai attacks distorted India-Pakistan relations and Pathankot became a turning point wasting years of positive diplomatic gestures made by Pakistan. Pathankot was Pakistan’s loss and it had no incentive to get involved. Relations have deteriorated since Pathankot as India has become increasingly inclined to blame Pakistan for everything that happens within its territory. Aizaz also believes that PM Modi has put himself in a tight spot by spreading anti-Pakistan hate. While anti-Pakistan sentiment has remained the locus of Indian polity and a reason of Hindu unification and consolidation, Modi’s Pakistan-centered populism has made him hostage to desperate demands from the public to respond to Pakistan. He’s in a fix now as he faces the challenge to give a dignified response to Pakistan, unlike the one they gave after Pulwama which backfired and brough international embarrassment for India.