Editorial

India-Pakistan talks — need for maturity

Given importance and sensitivity of these talks, it may be wise on this occasion to revisit our stance on the matter

Editorial August 21, 2015

The Indian reaction is predictably knee-jerk. Meetings such as that proposed with prominent Kashmiri Hurriyat leaders are common. PHOTO: AFP

No talks between India and Pakistan, no matter the size or gravity of the issue, are ever easy. By their very nature, they are difficult, because they have to go to the heart of the ongoing conflict from the outset if they are to be meaningful, and will have to include players and stakeholders that are not acceptable to either side.

That is what talks such as this are about, the art of the possible and the creation of diplomatic space where none existed before, the islets of equanimity that are the outposts of a nascent peace process. They may still be surrounded by conflict, but they are the working area which is safe for both sides.

Getting as far as a point at which such islets may be contemplated in the context of a conflict as ossified as that between India and Pakistan is a gargantuan task. Although scheduled for August 23-24, the National Security Advisers moot in New Delhi is far from being a foregone conclusion — a fact recently noted in these columns. The latest rock in the road comes in the form of an invitation to Kashmiri leaders to meet the Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, on his visit to India, and the prospects of Mr Aziz raising the Kashmir issue at the talks.

The Indian reaction is predictably knee-jerk. Meetings such as that proposed with prominent Kashmiri Hurriyat leaders are common, and have not previously triggered a response like the brief house arrest of these leaders as has happened. However, given the importance and sensitivity of these talks, it may be wise on this occasion to revisit our stance on the matter. Not as any sign of weakness on our part, more as an indicator of strength and flexibility, a willingness to go the extra mile even before the metaphorical gun has been fired to start the race. If ever there was a time to display maturity, it is now. There is an opportunity here to create one of those islets referenced above. An opportunity that neither side can afford to miss. Cool heads must prevail.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22^nd, 2015.

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COMMENTS (11)

G. Din | 9 years ago | Reply "An opportunity that neither side can afford to miss. " Speak for yourself. You are not speaking for India. From now on, get used to "NO THIRD PARTY" (which includes your quislings in Kashmir or elsewhere) and strict adherence to Shimla Pact.

Varun | 9 years ago | Reply Well, it is a little mulish of Indians as well. We've had this spectacle once, and had enough time to settle this either way before repeating the same light-n-sound show. But look at it a little differently. Yes, playing rough is expected of Pakistan and yes, nothing is going to come out of these NSA talks, and yes, its a valid counter argument if India then asks to consult Baluchis when talking to Pakistan. However, the important point is lost in all this. All this is a side-show with no bearing on the building a more stable relationship. Talking to separatists is just harmless posturing by Pakistan, nothing has come out of it since Adam ate that apple. By letting a side-show drive the agenda is plain stupid. The agenda, mind you, is starting to talk at all levels, get the process moving. Substance will come much later, only if we allow the process to settle in.

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Vectra | 9 years ago | Reply Darwins Theory of Evolution says evolve adapt or perish,You cannot stay in old habit forever saying we meet hurriyat earlier also so we will continue to do so.You are not ready to evolve or adapt yourself doent mean India will not evolve and adapt itself.Changing world changing habit.India is evolving and adapting either you adjust falls into Darwins theory to perish

abhi | 9 years ago | Reply There is no point of stressing on meeting with Hurriet leaders before the talk. If meeting is so much needed mr Ajiz can meet them after the talk or someother times.

Prakash | 9 years ago | Reply Exactly. The maturity dictates that Pakistan show real interest in talks. However, by inviting the Hurriyat leaders, Pakistan has shown more interest in scoring brownie points.

harkol | 9 years ago | Reply Only "art of the possible" between India & Pakistan as it stands are farces where top delegations, dignitaries meet and exchange sweets, Mangoes or Biriyani. Anything substantive can't happen as long as one of the nations want to revise the geographical borders. And changing LOC in anyway won't be acceptable to India - as it'll put the entire Muslim population of India in jeopardy, as well as Hindu/Buddhist minority of J&K. Only solution will come about when Pakistan agrees to formalize current LOC as border with easy movement between two Kashmirs, but that's not acceptable to Pakistan.

Max | 9 years ago | Reply A mature Editorial. Kudos ET.

Sanjay Sharma | 9 years ago | Reply Under Modi's administration, India has shunned ambiguity in dealing with Hurriyat Leadership and Pakistan. Talks are now possible only when there is no third party between them.

ss | 9 years ago | Reply This meeting will not take place if The Pakistani Establishment has it's way. It's an internal fight within Pakistan between the political and the Establishment. And so far, The Establishment is winning! The meeting is in jeopardy, and failure will only harden the attitudes of both sides, something Pakistan can ill afford at this time with an angry Afghanistan and a cool Iran.

Anjaan | 9 years ago | Reply It is about time, the Pakistani leadership gather courage to meet the elected representatives of Kashmir also, and not just stick to the pro-Pakistan separatists ... !!

Feroz | 9 years ago | Reply The Hurriyat are not the representatives of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, for the sake of the misinformed J & K has an elected Assembly. If the Hurriyat had any following they should have tested and proved it at the hustings. Does Pakistan have a dispute with India which it would like to discuss and resolve or is the dispute with the Hurriyat. Should Indian diplomats visiting Pakistan be allowed to meet TTP leaders and Baluch dissidents before talks with Pakistani Government ? The Hurriyat cannot deliver anything to Pakistan, just an observation.

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