Ever since the fascist Modi government came to power, relations between Indian and Pakistan have plummeted. This reached its lowest ebb with the unilateral decision revoking Kashmir’s autonomous status last year with no chances of getting normalized anytime soon.
National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf, however, has hinted that India has set feelers for dialogue and Pakistan is willing to sit down for talks. Both countries came close to a military conflict last year but now realize that it is necessary to have the conversation going. As Moeed Yusuf said, both countries have terrible relations and need to think strategically and sit down as adults.
Pakistan has set pre-conditions for any possible talks with Indian and that Kashmir must be part of the agenda. The Kashmiris, who are being subjugated to severe atrocities by Indian forces, are a part of the dispute and must be part of any possible solution. Pakistan also wants Kashmiris to be given their basic rights and an end to a year-long military siege in the restive region.
Moeed Yusuf appeared in a rather combative tone as he levelled serious allegations against India and blamed their spy agency RAW for being orchestrating the tragic APS Peshawar attack. India has been responsible for a spate of terror attacks in Pakistan and has supported the merger of severe Taliban factions into a single group to carry out attacks on Pakistani soil.
Both countries came close to war last year as India violated Pakistani airspace to launch airstrikes and received a humbling. Pakistan also has KhulbhushanYadav under custody who confessed to sponsoring terrorism. India is facing worsening relations with China and cannot afford a conflict on two fronts. The question remains whether India will agree to any sort of dialogue with Pakistan.
The Modi government rode to power on a wave of anti-Pakistan narrative and discriminatory policies against Muslims. Any dialogue with Pakistan will bring a dent in its voter base comprising of Hindutva zealots who want to cleanse the diversity of India. For any possible and meaningful dialogue to happen, there must be an enabling environment and clear agenda on what needs to be achieved. There may be a strong desire for peace, but with Modi in power this may just be a pipe dream.
