Finally, sanity has prevailed. After months of heightened border tensions, surge of the right-wing in India and rebuke of Sharif’s four-point peace agenda, India has started to show an interest in improving ties with neighboring Pakistan. Perhaps as a result of mounting international pressure or poor performance by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in state assembly elections, there has been a sudden change of heart from the Indian leadership and positive developments have been made in reviving the stalled peace process between the two sides. Whatever be the reason, the recent peace moves need to be welcomed as a step forward in the right direction.
While the “chance” meeting in Paris between Sharif and Modi at the climate conference did not result in any substantive discussions, it was definitely an ice breaker that spurred rumors of even bigger possibilities in the days to come. This was quickly followed by interaction between the national security advisers of both states, who discussed terrorism, peace along the Line of Control (LoC) and other diplomatic issues. If the warm smiles and positive words of India’s Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz are anything to go by, then Pakistan and India are ready to continue constructive engagement for improved bilateral relations.
This progress is a good omen for promoting peace and lowering tensions between the two bitter neighbors. Pakistan and India have agreed to reinitiate the comprehensive dialogue process to discuss all outstanding issues between the two sides. These issues include peace and security, confidence building measures, Jammu & Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, economic and commercial cooperation and counterterrorism strategy.
In addition, the two parties have also shown a desire to promote people-to-people exchanges to establish goodwill and better cultural understanding. These topics have been lingering on for a long time and have been discussed several times on high level platforms. Without wasting any more time, these disputes must be solved to establish peace in South Asia for improving the lives of about 1.5 billion people in the region.
Of course, there will be hawkish elements and haters on both sides of the fence, displeased with the current peace gestures. Keeping in mind the history of distrust and animosity between the two rivals, they will term the backdoor Modi-Sharif meetings dubious and a compromise on matters of national interest. These hatemongers, some of them having a strong presence on the media as well, will do their best to sabotage the peace process. But, it is hoped that the leadership of both countries will continue to explore all diplomatic channels to further the peace process by winning public support for the cause.
They must show political will and maturity, and conviction, in the peace talks to develop good relations and pursue their respective geostrategic interests in the region. It is only then that they will be able to defy history of their ties, which is marked by one step forward and two step back.
Till then, there is reason to be optimistic as foreign secretaries of the two countries are scheduled to meet soon, while Modi is also expected to travel to Islamabad for SAARC summit next year. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and pray for peace.
