Any mention of India and Pakistan is not complete without dragging Kashmir into it. That is what Pakistan has been doing for years to score a brownie point on international platforms with little success. SAARC summits which are a gathering of regional heads of state has also seen instances when Pakistan tried to the raise the issue and defeat the very reason why SAARC was formed.
Pakistan was seceded from India in 1947 and since then the state of J&K has witnessed end number of debates over its accession to the Republic of India. Even after being defeated in three major wars and several mini-wars over the period of 60 years, one wonders what keeps the estranged neighbour (Pakistan) to accept that J&K has always been and will always be an integral part of India. Even though we have Article 370 in the Constitution it does not give Kashmir anything beyond special status and certainly not Pakistan any indication that India will think of letting Kashmir go.
The entire world knows that India and Pakistan share a hostile relationship when it comes to Jammu & Kashmir. Both the countries have discussed the issues so many times without result that any mention of talks on Kashmir gives a feeling of dejavu. The repeated breach of trust by Pakistan is one of the reasons why India has refused to have a dialogue. But India too could be accused of not adopting any hard stance against its neighbour. What has happened in the last decade has only worsened the matter but the weakened and silent approach by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in the Centre has demeaned India’s stand globally.
A lot has been said about India’s relationship with Pakistan on Kashmir. We take a look at the relations between the two countries after Narendra Modi-led NDA government assumed office on May 26.
1. Narendra Modi invites all SAARC leaders to attend his swearing-in ceremony
It surprised many when Narendra Modi invited SAARC leaders including Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to attend his oath taking ceremony on May 26 after an epic win in 2014 Lok Sabha Elections. Many questioned the expected hardline approach of Modi towards Pakistan. While Narendra Modi gifted a shawl for Sharif’s mother, Pakistan PM returned the favour when he sent mangoes and a white sari as a gift for Modi’s mother. It shook all the political analysts, seeing the pleasantries between Prime Ministers are being exchanged. Nothing conclusive was talked about J&K as Modi underlined the issues of cross-border terrorism, speedy trial of 26/11 case and much more. There was less of talking, perhaps the first meet blues for both?
2. Pakistan initiates talks with separatists
In the month of August, Pakistan being Pakistan couldn’t resist holding talks with the Separatists in J & K valley. Despite the Indian authorities issuing a warning to Pak officials that their meeting with Separatists is unacceptable and it’s an interference with India’s internal affairs. In a sharp reaction to the meeting, India called-off secretary level talks with Pakistan and canceled foreign secretary Sujatha Singh’s visit to Islamabad. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said, “Pak authorities were told that their meeting with Kashmir separatists was unacceptable to us and still went ahead with it. Sending foreign secretary to Pakistan under these circumstances is useless.” (Pakistan for the first time was stunned with India’s hardline approach on the issue of J&K).
3. Pakistan violates ceasefire time and again; India retaliates aggressively
Beheading Indian soldiers and getting away with ceasefire violations may be a routine job for Pakistan in the last decade, but not during the tenure of BJP-led NDA government. After initial warnings to Pakistan PM Narendra Modi gave a free hand to Army to retaliate against Pak in an aggressive manner. Former Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said to Pak that their misadventures would be unaffordable for it.
4. Bilawal Bhutto’s uncalled Kashmir rant
Bilawal Bhutto, son of former slain PM Benazir Bhutto, made an irrelevant remark on the sensitive issue of Kashmir in September. Bhutto is often compared to Rahul Gandhi when it comes to his political capabilities and dynast background. The Pakistan People’s Party leader Bhutto while addressing a rally in Multan said, “I will take back Kashmir, all of it, and will not leave behind a single inch of it.” India dubbed Bhutto’s statement as far from reality while the Congress said he was day dreaming. Well, what can one except from 25-year-old Bhutto if he is termed as ‘Pappu’ of Pakistan?
5. Nawaz Sharif takes the matter to United Nations, Narendra Modi gives a befitting reply
Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif thought he could pressurise the Indian government by raising the talks of Kashmir in United Nations. Sharif criticised India to withdraw scheduled peace talks the two nations in Islamabad. Sharif said, “We are disappointed to see India cancelling the foreign secretary-level talks, and the world community saw it as missed opportunity too.”
PM Modi in his maiden address in United Nations said, “I am ready to engage in serious bilateral talks with Pakistan, but without the shadows of terrorism.” In a rebuff to Sharif’s remarks on Kashmir Modi said, “Raising issues (of Kashmir) in this multination forum (UN) is not the right way to make progress.” (India 2-0 Pakistan)
The issue of J & K state has not gone down well with Pakistan and its timely revocation of it by them signals that it won’t go down easily either. There have been several instances after the United Nations address too. When it was announced that US President Barack Obama will be the chief guest of 2015 Republic Day celebrations in India, it was reportedly said that Sharif has asked his US counterpart to raise the issue of J & K with India. Now, how much will Pakistan stoop low and not act defiantly on the J & K issue? Will we hear next: PM Modi to meet Vladimir Putin, Sharif rings Putin and asks him to raise Kashmir issue with India!
The relation between the neighbouring countries has always been dicey, although there was a little hope of friendship between the nations with some of Modi’s moves, it looks like Pakistan is will continue to sing the Kashmir song for some more time to come.
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