It is still too early to say what Mr Khurshid’s style will be or what he will contribute to the Indian ruling party, which currently struggles for control. But as far as the question of Indo-Pakistan relations is concerned, the induction of Mr Khurshid should hardly make a difference. The policies on key issues will not change. But it will be interesting to see if we have any difference in style. His predecessor, Mr Krishna, had struck up a good working relationship with his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar. Beyond policies, personal equations also matter when it comes to negotiating delicate issues and for now, Mr Khurshid’s style is an unknown factor, though some predictions from India suggest he may adopt a more combative style than the immensely experienced Mr Krishna, who had established for himself a reputation of being a superb diplomat.
What is most important is that Indo-Pakistan relations continue along the lines they are currently proceeding on. The tensions that had resulted in the aftermath of the November 2008 siege of Mumbai have finally begun to ease, with the peace process more or less back on track. As Mr Khurshid takes charge of the foreign ministry in New Delhi, we must hope this continues and talks move forward at a fast pace, since harmony between the neighbours — given their history of acrimony — is essential to the welfare of the region as a whole.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2012.
COMMENTS (17)
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@ethicalman
@Cynical…what are you cynical about..? u’re comment is confusing too..
I am not cynical about anything. Don't go by the moniker, it's just, well, a moniker. Not all men named 'Sundar' are sundar (handsome), just as a certain 'ethicalman' is not so ethical. Anyway, let's leave the trivia and attend to your anxieties. What I gather from your disjointed tirade (your 2 posts taken together) is that you are concerned about; 1.Sons and grandsons of politicians (only congress variety) becoming ministers. Indian constitution doesn't prohibit sons and grandsons (even great grandsons) from contesting an election and, if they win and nominated by their party, from hold ministerial positions. The good news is, it equally applies to the anti-congress parties.
2.'about one track minded Pakistanis like ‘Maria’ Being pathologically preoccupied with only two obsessions i.e. ‘Pakistan’ and ‘Muslims’, you can mathematically claim to be the owner of a ‘multi track’ mind. No argument.
why did’t Pakistan took all the Muslims from India Muslims or Hindus, Christians or Sikhs, are neither a herd of cattle nor sacks of grain waiting to be herded or transported. They are people who were given the right to choose and they exercised their right. Whether they choose rightly or wrongly, is a matter of opinion best left to themselves.
‘bemaru state’ Ulta Pradesh so is Bihar..and Congress has the biggest hand in making UP what it is today.. I don’t think it’s ethical for an Indian to trash any member state of the union as ‘bemaru’. However, since 65 years of independence, both UP and Bihar were ruled by non-congress parties for a small matter of 30 years i.e. 46% of time.
Salman Khrushid is just another western educated lawyer and corrupt If it's a crime (even morally) to be a 'western educated lawyer', then he is in an illustrious company with, among other Indians; M K Gandhi, J L Nehru and M C Chagla (chances are you may not know the last named gentleman). It is premature to say that he is corrupt. Mere allegation, until proven in a court of law is still an allegation. Any member of the anti-corruption brigade (Instead of flashing bunch of papers in front of TV cameras) can file a PIL case or at the least file RTI application to get at the bottom of this issue. Actually I wish someone does.
Salman K was the lawyer for SIMI 7.'appease indian mulsims inspite of there crazy thoughts Right to have a legal defense and, a legal practitione'r right to defend an accused in a court of law are two sides of the same coin. That’s how it is and it should be in any civilised and democratic country. These are pretty basics. Yes, there are crazy lots. And I see them elsewhere too. I saw them vandalizing a place of worship and dancing on it’s ruins, I saw them burning library, ransacking art exhibitions, molesting girls on valentine day, proposing child marriage as a counter measure against the vile act of rape.….I can go on and on. Picking on a particular group, among the ‘crazy lots’ is unalloyed bigotry.
@Maria: This man is an Indian first and foremost so his job is to promote India’s interests. Since he comes from the powerful state of UP where Hindu culture and tradition is more dominant than other parts of India, he may well be more anti Pakistan than other Indians. So is the Bihar.Mere investigation of total number of canditate from these two state in armed forces can tell you the entire story.Recently my brother(from one of my relative) lost his life in cease fire violation.He was simply coming back home after finishing his duty.Unknowingly he got some bullet into hi s body.He married just one month back.The girl is still widow. and your army have ruined her life. We some how hold congi govt responsible for his death.Now not only i hate pakistan but i started hating muslim too. And i have all the valid reason for that.
@Cynical:
Intellectually speaking you both inhabit the same planet. May be you don’t know!
This is genuine perspicacity and I am not kidding, Sir. Those that take extreme positions in both countries are kindred souls, drawing sustenance from each other. Good news is they are a minority despite being loud.
@Cynical...what are you cynical about..? u're comment is confusing too..
@ethicalman I see no reason why you should fight @Maria. Intellectually speaking you both inhabit the same planet. May be you don’t know!
fight..? how can maria... maria..(ricky martin) fight with me..i'm all for love..and we inhabit the same planet ..thanks for telling me so..
but what is the point that you are aiming at me? you could have come back with some inquiry, or dissatisfaction about my comment..but you said nothing..
well let me add few points more to my earlier comment..
Salman K was the lawyer for SIMI (Students Islamic movement of India) who cordinated regular bombing in Mumbai, Jaipur, Ahemadabad, Delhi, Banglaore etc..SIMI went on to become Indian Mujahidin (IM) and Salman K was their man friday..after 5 yrs he gets promoted to cabinet ranks...no wonder India is in such a mess where you have to appease indian mulsims inspite of there crazy thoughts..it's easy for paksitanis they left no thought in pakistan other than Islam and Islamic..
@p r sharma: I agree with your views.
@Rakib
“….This man is an Indian first and foremost so his job is to promote India’s interests…” (Maria). Amazing perspicacity!
You can be funny too, if and when you want to. Loved the wit.
@ethicalman I see no reason why you should fight @Maria. Intellectually speaking you both inhabit the same planet. May be you don't know!
@p r sharma
Well said.
@G Din
'If Kejriwal (“India Against Corruption”) has the proof and is willing to mount a legal case against him for massive corruption by him and his wife (he has already accused him in public)'
It might disappoint some, but Kejriwal is not going to court, he never will. Whether that's good for him or for his adversaries, I don't know. But it's a great relief for any judge who would have dared (just in case) dismiss his case or exonerate his opponent. He would have, in all likelihood, been dubbed as corrupt and influenced by Italian mafia. Kejriwal is the plaintiff,judge,jury and executioner all roled into one. He is invincible.
It is important that both India and Pakistan carry on the road to friendship which should also mean giving in on some issues and show flexibility. We have to admit that a Muslim foreign minister of India should give us cause to rethink our policy of promoting only Muslims in 'Islamic' republic of Pakistan. I am sure the image of of a multi religious India will increase further in the world further.
Maria have a heart, don't be too harsh on India always and especially on UP which is also a home for millions of Indian Muslims who make a lot of contributions to India's success story. Salman Khurshid too is a polished politician who would continue the policies of his predecessor and apprehensions stated in the editorial are mere speculations with no basis.
Congress is a dynasty party, it believes giving reins to dynastic politicians..
Salman Khrushid grandson of Congress Zakir Hussain
Jyotiaditya Scindia son of former Congress Mahdav Rao Scindia
Sachin Pilot son of Congress Ramesh Pilot etc..
All these fellows don't work for India they work for pleasing Sonia Gandhi and the Gandhi dynasty.. If only they worked for India in the last 5 decades India would have been much much better than today..
and talking about one track minded pakistanis like 'Maria' ..why did't Pakistan took all the Muslims from India..as you killed all the Hindus and converted the rest..I would have accepted Pakistan.. untill then..keep thinking what Pakistan Army wants you to think about India..what Pak historians wrote about India..
UP has AMU, Deoband, Aligarh, Faridabad. Ghaziabad, Moradabad, Muzzaffarnagar, all the quintessential town names that even Pakistan has..all the ..bad.. bad ..ending names..and a lot of muslims...and that is the reason why UP is also called 'bemaru state' Ulta Pradesh so is Bihar..and Congress has the biggest hand in making UP what it is today..
Salman Khrushid is just another western educated lawyer and corrupt that congress is full of..it's like a house full of corruption..
@p r sharma: Beautifully said........ Agreed.
Dear Maria
You are being unfair to UP. We are the home of AMU, remember? Why would we be anti the only country that has raised our own language to the position of its national language and where so many of our UP people became national intellectuals?! We look upon Pakistan as second UP. Maria, you are welcome to visit us anytime. We can visit all the places in UP that should be important to you as a Pakistani. They join us together.
A Mahmoodabadi
This man is an Indian first and foremost so his job is to promote India's interests. Since he comes from the powerful state of UP where Hindu culture and tradition is more dominant than other parts of India, he may well be more anti Pakistan than other Indians. Remember UP is the home of the holy Indian city of Vanarsi and the Hindi speaking belt. South Indians and other Indians may be softer on Pakistan but UP people are fervent anti Pakistanis.
I don't think it's a case of quid pro quo; every congressman is ready to say the same. Except for the recent case of of alleged iregularity in the NGO run by his wife I haven't heard anything against him. He has the talent and deserves this post on merit.
His appointment is a quid pro quo for his statement that he is "ready to die for Sonia Ghandy". Look for his feverish attempts to arrange the Pakistan visit of ManMohan which his predecessor had openly suggested against. If Kejriwal ("India Against Corruption") has the proof and is willing to mount a legal case against him for massive corruption by him and his wife (he has already accused him in public), there may be some interesting times to look forward to!