VERY PERTINENT
| Date :21-Aug-2019 |
DURING his telephonic conversation with United States President Mr. Donald Trump, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has brought to fore a very pertinent point that the situation between India and Pakistan would not ease out if Pakistan continued to kick up a lot of issues with which Islamabad has no business to be concerned about, particularly in the wake of abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir. Mr. Modi reportedly described Pakistani statement as “extreme rhetoric” that was only adding to problems rather than sorting those out. Mr. Modi also stressed that Pakistan was fanning anti-India sentiment and violence, which, too, did not have any reason to exist.
The momentary temptation which Mr. Trump had fallen prey to and tried to push himself in as a mediator on Kashmir apart, the US has maintained that the problem needed to be solved only bilaterally. Despite this, Mr. Modi made it clear that it was Pakistan that was fanning trouble in the subcontinent when it has no locus standi in the matter. Historically, Pakistan has often tried to push itself into contention as regards Kashmir. It has refused to admit the reality that Kashmir belongs to India and that every thing related to the State is India’s internal matter.
Despite shameful defeats at India’s hands in four wars, despite the near-total international isolation on the issue, Pakistan has often tried to dabble in Indian affairs. The latest behaviour of Islamabad as regards Kashmir, in fact, does not merit any attention. Yet, the Pakistani leadership has continued with its old policy of meddling in Indian issues. The sole aim of its policy is to ensure that it is a stake-holder in Kashmir somehow. And this is the reason why India has refused to engage Pakistan in any talk. Interestingly, however, the latest stand of New Delhi has added a new meaning to the subcontinental politics. Union Home Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh has stressed that from now on, any talk with Pakistan will have a focus on Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.
Others in the Government are talking also about Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan. This Indian effort to expand the scope of assertive engagement vis-a-vis Pakistan is being seen by the world as a legitimate response to the Pakistani overtures in the past seventy years. This is causing a lot of heart-burn in Pakistan, as can be guessed from the manner in which Pakistani media has been talking about India in general. Non-partisan experts in various fields in Pakistan have turned to appreciating India’s achievements and backing Mr. Modi’s leadership. Many Pakistani experts are known to advise Islamabad to withdraw from Kashmir totally and try to build bonds of friendship with India.
Their advice may not be heeded by the powers that be in Pakistan, but they do indicate the direction in which winds are blowing in their country. No matter that, Pakistani experts who understand the reality of regional balance of power also expression apprehensions that Islamabad’s overtures may anger India no end and there could be a major confrontation between the two countries, mostly instigated by Islamabad. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s point in his conversation with Mr.
Trump pertains to this. Mr. Modi reportedly told Mr. Trump how Pakistan was trying to kick up the anti-India hysteria that could lead to a massive escalation of hostilities between the two countries. Mr. Modi, thus, has added a smart twist to the situation by telling Mr. Trump the entire reality and interpreted things for his benefit. The point he has made is very pertinent that it is Islamabad that is kicking up trouble, almost in a hysterical manner. This has been the trouble for long, and this is the trouble even now, for which Pakistan will be solely responsible.