From fiery television debates to trending hashtags and election speeches — one thing seems constant in India’s national discourse: Pakistan. Whether it’s cricket, politics, or military affairs, Pakistan remains a recurring subject in Indian conversations.
- 1. The Legacy of Partition Still Defines the Present
- 2. Security Concerns Keep Pakistan in Daily Conversation
- 3. Media and Social Networks Profit from the Obsession
- 4. If BJP Wants to Win Elections, They Just Say “Pakistan”
- 5. National Identity and Psychological Projection
- 6. Cultural Rivalries and Cricket Fever
- 7. A Shifting Landscape — Slowly, But Surely
But why? Why do so many Indians appear obsessed with Pakistan, mentioning it repeatedly in every major national moment? The reasons are complex — rooted in history, politics, media, and identity.
1. The Legacy of Partition Still Defines the Present
The 1947 Partition was one of the most traumatic events in South Asian history. It divided families, religions, and geographies — and created two nations born out of bloodshed and displacement.
For many Indians, Pakistan became not just a neighboring country, but a symbol of “what went wrong” during independence. The Kashmir dispute, a direct remnant of Partition, continues to keep both nations emotionally entangled.
Thus, Pakistan lives not just across the border — but deep within India’s collective memory.
2. Security Concerns Keep Pakistan in Daily Conversation
India’s foreign and defense policies often revolve around “managing” Pakistan. Cross-border incidents, militant attacks, and political statements constantly make headlines.
Surveys by Pew Research show that a significant portion of Indian citizens view Pakistan as their primary external threat. Each incident — no matter how small — becomes a subject of national discussion, cementing Pakistan’s place in India’s public psyche.
In short: India doesn’t just share a border with Pakistan; it shares a permanent security narrative.
3. Media and Social Networks Profit from the Obsession
India’s 24/7 news cycle thrives on drama and division — and Pakistan provides the perfect storyline. From hyper-nationalist anchors to sensational “war room” graphics, coverage about Pakistan guarantees ratings, engagement, and political mileage.
During the 2025 social media escalation between the two nations, thousands of false or exaggerated claims went viral — proving how algorithms reward outrage.
Even beyond newsrooms, memes and online rivalries turn Pakistan into a daily talking point, especially on Indian social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
4. If BJP Wants to Win Elections, They Just Say “Pakistan”
This phenomenon isn’t just cultural — it’s political strategy.
In modern Indian politics, particularly under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), invoking Pakistan has become a tried-and-tested election tactic.
During rallies, speeches, and media appearances, BJP leaders often use Pakistan as a symbolic opponent — linking it with issues of nationalism, defense, or religion. The moment “Pakistan” is mentioned, applause rises and emotions peak.
Analysts note that the BJP’s formula often works like this:
- Criticize Pakistan → appear “strong” and “patriotic.”
- Link opposition voices with Pakistan → frame them as “anti-national.”
- Invoke cross-border threats → divert attention from economic or social issues.
This tactic not only unites the voter base emotionally but also paints every election as a battle for national pride, not just governance.
“Every time the BJP’s popularity dips, they just say ‘Pakistan’ — and the crowd roars,” a Delhi-based political journalist told The Pixel Pakistan.
5. National Identity and Psychological Projection
Nations often define themselves in contrast to others. For India, Pakistan serves as that “other” identity — a mirror against which it measures nationalism, progress, and power.
This constant comparison keeps Pakistan relevant even when there are no active tensions. In many ways, Pakistan has become part of India’s internal conversation about itself.
Psychologists describe it as national projection — when a society externalizes its internal conflicts or insecurities onto a neighboring nation.
6. Cultural Rivalries and Cricket Fever
Cricket matches between India and Pakistan are more than sports — they’re emotional wars. Ratings skyrocket, streets empty, and social media explodes.
Even in entertainment, Pakistani artists and dramas enjoy quiet popularity in India, while Bollywood frequently uses Pakistan as a backdrop for “enemy” or “spy” plots — ensuring that Pakistan remains an ever-present figure in Indian pop culture.
7. A Shifting Landscape — Slowly, But Surely
In recent years, a few Indian policy experts have begun questioning this fixation.
Samir Saran, president of the Observer Research Foundation, recently said India must “stop fantasising about Pakistan” and focus on broader global ambitions.
However, as long as Pakistan remains politically useful, emotionally potent, and media-profitable — the obsession is unlikely to end soon.
India’s repeated mention of Pakistan isn’t simply an accident of proximity — it’s a complex blend of politics, history, and psychology. From the trauma of Partition to electoral strategy, Pakistan functions as both India’s mirror and scapegoat.
For now, it seems, every Indian political season has a little bit of Pakistan in it — whether on debate shows, social media, or campaign stages.
Until this relationship evolves from rivalry to realism, the “obsession” will remain — not as a neighborly interest, but as a deeply embedded national narrative.
