Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs for India, recently sat down with Newsweek to discuss the current relations between India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed nations that have a long history of conflict. The conversation took place nearly two months after the most serious conflict in decades between the two countries, and Jaishankar’s words shed light on the current state of affairs and the path forward for these two South Asian neighbors.
The February 2019 military standoff between India and Pakistan was triggered by a suicide bombing in the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 40 Indian soldiers. India quickly blamed Pakistan for the attack, while Pakistan denied any involvement. This led to a series of airstrikes and the downing of each other’s fighter jets, raising concerns of a full-blown war between the two nations.
However, in a turn of events, Pakistan released an Indian pilot who was captured after his plane was shot down. This gesture was seen as a de-escalation by many and paved the way for possible talks between the two countries. Jaishankar, in his interview with Newsweek, expressed hope for a positive outcome from this recent conflict.
When asked about the possibility of talks between India and Pakistan, Jaishankar stated, “If Pakistan can take some demonstrable steps against terrorism, then we are always open to dialogue.” This statement highlights India’s main concern and demand from Pakistan – to take strong action against terrorist groups operating from its soil.
In recent years, India has been a victim of numerous terrorist attacks carried out by Pakistan-based groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. These groups have not only destabilized the region but also posed a threat to India’s national security. Jaishankar emphasized that unless Pakistan takes concrete steps against these terrorist organizations, it will be difficult to move forward with any sort of dialogue.
In the aftermath of the February conflict, India also took diplomatic measures to isolate Pakistan on the global stage. It withdrew the Most Favored Nation status given to Pakistan, which had allowed for easier trade between the two countries. It also launched a successful campaign to blacklist Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar at the United Nations. These actions sent a strong message to Pakistan that India will not tolerate any more acts of terror.
However, Jaishankar also acknowledged the fact that India and Pakistan need to find a way to coexist peacefully. “We are two large countries with a lot of challenges, opportunities, and interests. We cannot wish each other away,” he said. He also added that both countries have a shared history and culture, and it is in their best interest to work towards a stable and peaceful relationship.
The current situation in South Asia is tense, with both India and Pakistan boasting nuclear arsenals. Any escalation of conflict between the two nations can have catastrophic consequences not just for the region, but for the entire world. It is imperative that both countries find a way to resolve their differences and move towards a more peaceful coexistence.
In the past, India and Pakistan have engaged in numerous talks and negotiations, but these efforts have not yielded any significant results. However, Jaishankar remains optimistic about the future, stating that “creative solutions are possible if there is political will.”
One of the most significant challenges in resolving the issues between India and Pakistan is the lack of trust between the two nations. Jaishankar recognizes this and believes that building trust is crucial for any meaningful dialogue to take place. He also stressed the importance of maintaining an open dialogue, even during times of tension, to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations.
In his interview, Jaishankar also addressed the issue of Pakistan’s support for militant groups, which has been a major hindrance in finding a resolution. He stated that Pakistan needs to understand that supporting terrorism will only harm its own interests, and it is in the best interest of both countries to put an end to these activities.
The recent conflict between India and Pakistan has once again highlighted the need for open and honest dialogue between the two nations. It is heartening to see that both countries have taken steps towards de-escalation and have shown a willingness to engage in talks. It is now up to Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorist groups, paving the way for a more stable and peaceful relationship with India.
In conclusion, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s
