Ajay Bisaria, the former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, has underscored the gravity of the February 2019 developments when it comes to India-Pakistan ties, stating, "There was a distinct probability that India would escalate the situation if Pakistan had not returned the captured Indian pilot or if he had come to harm. That was certainly a point which was clearly made by India."

Following the Pulwama terror attack in 2019, India conducted surgical strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps near Balakot, leading to a dogfight between Indian and Pakistani air forces and the subsequent capture and later release of Indian IAF Pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan.

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Bisaria further offered insights into the suggested path for Pakistan's interests, stating, "Pakistan's best bet for its own interest is to try to normalize the country." He has revealed several details of his tenure in Pakistan and ties between the two countries in his book "Anger Management". His book also gives account of Imran Khan's tenure and his view on India ties. 

(With inputs from agencies)