It’s to the benefit of both
Being neighbours has not helped both countries, Pakistan and India, in becoming, well, neighbourly. With relations taking a hit after the Mumbai incident, both have only recently begun to unwind the tangled ropes that have strangled their relations for far too long. Mistrust still appears to be an issue which could offer a chance to obscurantists to highjack the budding peace process.
The talks at the home secretary-level between New Delhi and Islamabad did not end up the way they were supposed to. This is not withstanding the progress actually made in these talks. Both countries have decided on a relaxed visa regimen while many other issues were at least touched upon. Many were hoping that this crucial meeting results in some tangible progress, but the eleventh hour call from the Pakistanis saying that internal approvals were still missing makes at least the action, if not the intentions, doubtful. Why would you sit with them on a negotiation table if you have not yet cleared it in-house? Who actually here would bless the Pakistani side with internal approvals, if not the political class? Some quarters, those that have always had a say in our foreign policy, might have brought down the enthusiasm level, feeling left out. A rosy picture won’t suit their goals considering what’s going on around our borders.
Ideally, politicians formulate policies while the bureaucracy translates these policies into actionable plans. Rehman Malik’s insistence on having the new visa regimen pact signed by the political class seems nothing other than an attempt at putting a feather in the feeble government’s crown. Moving on should be the key point that is addressed now. Some positive signs can be seen on both sides, but it is still going to be a journey of a thousand miles. Both can benefit from trade through a border that runs throughout the entire eastern side of Pakistan. With greater economic activity, the area could see some much needed progress and a reduction in the poverty that more than 400 million people of both countries live in.
Rehman Malik is not taken seriously in Pakistan then why would India give him importance? India is just in process of engaging Pakistan and that means to keep these kinds of meetings keep going. It does seem that Pakistanis are overwhelming looking to improve relationship with Indian but without paying any cost and not sacrificing jihadist ideology. Indian public is not favorable in improving the relationship with Pakistan till jihadist ideology is abandoned. Public opinion plays big role in established democracies. And, next year, it is most likely that India will be mid-term election mode. Unless and until BJP is on aboard, heart to heart progress with Pakistan will not happening.
@Allah Ditta:
{1} You are right. Being an Indian, I know that overwhelming majority of Indians don't want liberal visa regime until Pakistan shuns Jehadist ideology fearing infiltration of state supported Jehadis in the garb of traders.
{2} During recent bonhomie between India and Pakistan, Pak officials, politicians and Pak media has been giving an impression that for peace talks this time, Pak army is on board, whereas contrary indications are being given by this editorial. Common indians' doubts are true – Pakistan army Generals don't want friendship with their perceived arch enemy, come what may. Pakistan should get its house in order first – seems to have lost its way.
Why would India want 'good neighbor' relation with Pakistan? It is not like Pakistan has anything that India wants. If it is in the hope that if India bends over backwards and tries to be good friends, Pakistan would give up its state policy of infiltrating terrorists into Kashmir and the rest of India. So, what exactly does India gain in opening up to Pakistan? India waited 60 some odd years with occasional wars in between. I suggest that India wait another 60 years – Pakistan may come to its senses or spin off into multiple smaller countries like Bangladesh. Either one is a good option to wait for
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