Way forward on Kashmir
It is interesting that the Indians chose Pakistan Day to expand on their understand of way forward on Kashmir. Modi’s letter of congratulation to his opposite number was not a surprise. Neither was his wish for “bilateral dialogue” to resolve “all outstanding issues”. But the external affairs ministry’s follow-up left a little to be desired. Its statement, that no third party would be welcome to any negotiations, was duly explained by the behaviour of minister of state, their former army chief, General VK Singh.
It seems he was not very happy when the prime minister’s office asked him to attend the reception at the Pakistani consulate. That, of course, was because of the presence of Hurriyet members, which has put off India repeatedly since Modi took office, and was responsible for cancelling foreign secretary level talks last August. However, arriving late and staying only ten minutes before leaving and making veiled suggestions like ‘duty’ and ‘disgust’ on social media, which obviously found its way to more mainstream media, did not suit such a senior representative of the government. The Indian government did not do itself, or any other party to the conflict, any favours by taking a position that puts any chance of progress on indefinite freeze.
It was hoped that the Modi administration was beginning to realise the dead-end nature of its initial Pakistan policy. Whether the cue came from Washington or it was really just a part of wider SAARC outreach, India’s foreign secretary’s visit actually vindicated Pakistan’s policy of steadfastness all the time Modi pulled surprises. It meant that whenever Delhi would finally return to the table, Hurriyet and the Kashmiris would have to be in the loop. Since this reality was not lost on previous administrations, including BJP’s, it was thought to have finally dawned on the present dispensation as well. Yet once again the neighbour takes one step forward and two steps back. In this way no manner of progress is possible, not even, as they demand, in a bilateral setting. Modi cannot play two cards forever. He keeps posturing for peace but quickly puts hurdles in the way by making unrealistic demands. Yet as Islamabad as repeatedly made clear, and even India’s friends across the Atlantic have agreed, Delhi must resume the dialogue with Pakistan without making preconditions that are sure to be rejected. That is the way forward on Kashmir.
