President Asif Ali Zardari was one of the first few leaders to congratulate the Congress party on its election victory.
The president said he was looking forward to resuming dialogue with India. Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani too congratulated Dr Manmohan Singh after his re-election and stressed the need for peacefully resolving all outstanding issues between the two countries.
Analysts believe Singh’s strengthened mandate after India’s general election frees his hand to better manage ties with Pakistan that have deteriorated since last year’s Mumbai attacks.
Last Wednesday India handed over fresh material evidence to Pakistan, which is being seen as a message to speed up the prosecution of the Mumbai attack plotters.
While there may not be any major peace moves, it is believed that the Indian prime minister could make a limited opening to Pakistan, which includes dropping a travel advisory and reviving people-to people contacts.
Pakistan’s fresh offensive against the Taliban in Swat is also being closely watched by its neighbor and its outcome is expected to affect any consideration of a peace move from the Indian side. Dawn.com invites readers to debate the Congress victory in India and how it augurs for Pakistan. Also, what steps are needed on both sides to revive dialogue and the stalled peace process.
Latest parliament election results gave substantial mandate for Congress lead coalition to complete unfinished agenda. among other things, foreign policy and in particular relationship with its neighbors from Af, Nepal, Sri lanka ,china, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan, to Burma etc will be an opportunity for this govt to work on without much hindrance. Congress will have to garner bi-partisan support in parliament to push for building stronger relationship with each of country. This relationship cud be based on culture, sports, trade, political exigencies for each case. Relationship with Pakistan will surely take more time of foreign desk than any other country because of trouble brewing in the western borders. India may have to relent more than Pakistan in terms of trade and culture in exchange for Pakistan eradicating the extremists and eliminate the mind set ( not just extremist bodies). eradicating extremist mind set is more crucial than eliminating extremists. India should assist Pakistan in this process of eliminating extremist mind set from soil of Pakistan, which will be good for people of both nations. There will never be enduring peace in the region unless Pakistan goes after these mindset.. this is not pre-condition for peace talks but need of hour. its is better Pakistan understands early. India has gone through such challenges but in smaller scale in Punjab, Assam etc, but have succeeded because Govt and people both were determined to eliminate such extremist mindset. Time is running out for Pakistan. It would be mirage …if Pakistan is hoping kashmir wud be made pre-condition for India to come to negotiating table. Indian has many issues to tackle and hence cannot get stuck in history with Pakistan on issue of kashmir. Let us move ahead , solve this extremists problem on war footings..Jai Ho…!
Whether it was the Congress or the BJP in power, it would not make much difference in India’s policy towards Pakistan. There might have been a minor difference in nuance had the BJP come to power, but the shift would have been cosmetic and marginal, not a fundamental change in policy.
The ball is really in Pakistan’s court. If it dismantles the terror training camps on its soil and takes action against folks like the Mumbai attackers and Dawood Ibrahim, relations will improve with India. India is not a threat to Pakistan — they just want to be left alone in peace. Even after 1965 and 1970, all territory captured by Indian forces was returned to Pakistan — they have no use for Pakistani territory.
But if Pakistan fails to curb cross-border terrorism and infiltration across the LoC, relations will continue to deteriorate and may result in open hostilities.
It’s really that simple.
It is interesting to see majority of comments comming from Indians and advising Pakistan to change its attitude towards India. How about Indians changing their attitude. There are very genuine reasons for Pakistan to feel threatened from Indian postures. Living in USA i come across young people hailing from India who always say that these two countries should be united. Why cannot you adjust to the reality of Pakistan. Have trade, have friendly relations and let there be no visa requirements, but tell us that we should be one country. That will not happen and sooner they realize better for both countries and people. And would you please stop calling Kashmiris as terrorists. Do you remember what name was given to people struggling for independence from Britishers.
Well does having the Congress Government in control really matter? As long as it is strong and stable I guess things are the same for Pakistan.
India is a democratic country and all its diplomatic channels engaged in interactions with Pakistan would be guided by democratic norms. We saw no shift in the policy towards Pakistan when government changed from NDA to UPA. And perhaps we would see no shift in the future either, unless there are drastic events.
As far as cessation of hostilities are concerned, as long as Pakistan is engaged with Taliban “and winning” it’s government would ensure its level best to disallow any misadventure in Kashmir. And so would Indian government ensure that nothing untoward happens on the border, as a Pakistan sans Taliban would be in its best interest. Had the numbers for the Congress been less, we could have expected short term measures like tough posturing by the Congress/BJP government keeping into the possibility of a mid term election. However, as Congress is firmly routed, the focus would be economy and security.
And as far as issues like Kashmir are concerned. Well, lets not have too many hopes. To expect either India or Pakistan to forgo their claims could be hoping against hope. It can only happen when either one is very weak, or the other very strong; neither possibilities exist as of now.
Congress or no Congress, the current South Asian situation demands both the nations to play safe…and it seems there is no other way.
It is the victory of entire asia, because Dr.Manmohan singh is going to take India very forward. He has shown it in the past with his hand tied.now atleast he got full majority in the house,he can make some decisions freely.
Lets stop playing games.live like a good neighbors, put our hands togather and make progress,rather living sleepless nights.So I would say it is not the victory of Indian peoples it is the victory of this region.India has a gr8 potential and Dr.Manmohan singh is the right person India has found,luckly.I wish my pakistan friends good luck with their current polotical situation or growing fundamentalism.
This discussion is completely irrelevant. Good relations are only between countries. Talks are possible only when maturity is achieved, and the people are able to elect atleast a few stable leadership, and army knows that its responsibility is defence, not running the state.
It is imperative that both neighbours live in peace and help each other no matters who rules – congress in India or PPP in Pakistan.
The sooner our rivaleries disappear, the sooner both nations will beocme stronger and more prosperous.
Both need to rediscover Qaid and Mahatma.
Congress Victory – Boon or Bane for Pakistan.
Unlike others who already commented, I would try to focus on the above mentioned title.
1) Congres victory (and the just concluded elections) should certainly be boon, not only for pakistan but also for other neighbours of India. The whole exercise of elections and the congress retaining power highlights the people power – which makes everyone feel equal and that everyone is important for the system. Irrespective of caste, creed, religion, such a process helps in nation building and eventually brings economic prosperity. Having said this, it still remains to be seen how this can help other countries. In my opinion, it provides a huge motivation for them and for their people. If a country as diverse and complex as India can have a good democratic system, then for sure the lesser complex and diverse countries can have a better democratic system. So, I believe this will (or should) motivate all pakistanis. A stable and propering Pakistan is good for India as well.
2) Congress win for sure brings the stability to government. A stable government in India is good for the stability of whole south asia, especially because all Indian neighbours are suffering for one reason or other. A stable government (with mandate from its people) will help in making quick decisions on foeign issues as well.
3) On the front of foreign policy, I do not expect any major change with congress at centerstage (for that matter, any other government also). Foreign policy is an evolving process and any change, if needed, also depends on what people want. However, for Pakistan (and also for India) this can be an opportunity that should not be missed. If Pakistan shows sincerity (and consistency) in bringing the perpetrators, of Mumbai terrorist attack, to justice then then one can expect some change of heart in New Delhi. This will help the government in India to take tough decisions (even if they are in favour of Pakistan and for the benefit of whole region).
4) The focus of congress government and the people of India is on the economic progress and development. Assuming that relation between India and Pakistan improve, the economic activity between two countries will increase thereby bringing benefits to both and ultimately bringing them so close that they start enjoying each other’s trust.
In my opinion, any talks will be for show. Come back in 5 years, and it would be no different. Peace comes from convergence of interest and I don’t see that happening.
I fully endorse mr.faiza Moideen’s view. The peace process is betn govt to govt. If they wish they can sway the public opinion in this direction. Let us give respite to jawans who also one among us from depriving the emotional bond with their families.
with regards,
India has her own reasons to justify the ellaborate defence expenditure. I barely intend to sound obnoxious, but the truth is, we do not have close to a million and a half soldiers, many many nuclear warheads, a huge and impressive navy or a capable airforce to fight a relatively smaller pakistan.
Our armed forces on the other hand reflect two other things. One is the growing aspirations of the indian people to play a wider role in the SEA region. And the other ofcourse is our nothern nemesis – china. If india wants her land in the moon, it is imperative to address both these points. So, the average pakistani can be rest assured that india does’nt quiet have it in its radar to enter pakistan and make times really difficult for you.
We see these discussions after every election in India. We don’t see these discussions after any election in Pakistan. Because we all know that nothing will change when the armed forces are always the wild card. Or probably because we don’t have that many elections.
The first step in moving towards a better relationship is to want a better relationship.
The first step towards being a democracy is to want to be a democracy. If we really valued democracy we would not have tried to block the majority party from forming a government in 1970, and we would still have East Pakistan.
The question is not what India will do to improve relations. The question is what Pakistan is willing to do. What is our raison d’etre?
Are we an abode of Islam, a conglomeration of Punjabis, Sindhis, Baluchis, Pathans and Kashmiris, or is our identity just that we are not-India?
No matter which political party runs India the policies won’t change much unless Pakistan eradicates terrorism. Basically I feel Pakistani education system spreads the anti India venom and I believe each and every Pakistani needs to read the true history of this region.
If terrorism is dealt with firmly, Many hands of friendship will ovewhelm you. Not just from India, but all over the world.Kashmir should be resolved in favour of a better life for kashmiris, and neighbours.
While Indian Congress Party is engaged in celebrating its vistory, a BIG challenge still lies ahead of it, FOREIGN POLICY in the region.
We as Pakistani too are ready to put this behind us like always and extend the hand of friendship to show that we mean business but we cant clap with a single hand, we need sincere participation, and that what we would return.
I’m wishing and hoping that India and Pakistan will come closer together and tackle terrorism together. I understand that they already have been cooperating.
But India’s demand that there be no terrorism emanating form Pakistani soil before there can be better relations is unrealistic. India itself cannot prevent terrorist attacks on its own soil, how can they expect Pakistan to insure that? Pakistan has its hands full fighting terrorism in Swat at the moment. It also cannot insure that no terrorist incidents occur on its own soil. And then there is the factor of militants migrating from Afghanistan and from Central Asia. What gives here? That prerequisite is impossible to guarantee.
India, Pakistan and Afghanistan must cooperate and vanquish terrorism together. Until that job is done, it unfortunately looks like all sorts of terrorist events are going to happen in all three countries.
I Agree with Rashid. Pakistan must first prove its truthfulness, in dealing cross Terrorisim than India will act. For both countries Peace is Must for prosperity. Essentialy Religion is a personal and private affair between God and Person to deal, It should not come in between for restoring keeping human relation with each-other.
Relationship with Indo Pak becomes mimicry of ties to hold to resolve something constructive. Both sides polititicians are not serious enough to hold talks to resolve key issues like Kashmir particularly. Until we resolve this key issue, we can’t make fruitful results from ties between us. Congress in India & PPP in Pakistan are two undoubtedly popular parties in respective countries. It is the opportunities for both of these political parties to make the mark to resolve the issue of Kashmir in a win-win position. By resolving this issue, we people, in subcontinent make following benefits:
1) Reduction of Budget in forces on both sides.Thus this budget may be spent on the development activies for sub-continent.
2) Trade Promotion.
3) Cultural Promotion Business on both sides for attracting tourism business.
4) We can safe our energy & spend the same in our houses instead of out of boundaries.
5) Many More unlimited benefits for both states.
My one question to both side political forces, are we sincere to our homes to make these homes sweet homes? May Allah bless the insight in political forces of both countries to make these countries neighbor hood like USA/CANADA. Again I am seeing a dream of ideal states of Indo Pak.
Greatest normalization of ties will be acheived when we maintain status quo on kashmir issue and move beyond that.
We indians will never like to part with any of our territory as it threatens our integrity. I doubt any govrnment will ever risk that. This is a reality.
As far as defence spending is concerned, we dont have only worry as pakistan as we have bigger threat of China.
Indian and pakistani essentially are same people with same culture,same food,same way of thining,same langauge but who knows when we will start looking each other like each others reflection in mirror rather than rivals.
I think India tried its best to extend hand of friendship with pakistan through variuous means but its for pakistan to make new initiative now.
Dear All
It is in the interest of all that we have Asian Union. When joined together, we will be economically powerful.
Lets work hard to achieve this. We have natural resources, man power, technical advantages etc etc. We can do it.
Lets get together and be a world power in this century
Its a time for both governments to resume dilaouges and identify key issues like water and energy crises, redefine their relationship like cordial relations as necessity not luxury and term it as shift in diplomatic stance of fresh governments on both sides.Closer economic,intellectual and diplomatic ties plus exchange of intelligence reports by both sides can act as detterent.
Very well said, Kumbhkaran65.
I agree with you for the most part. The Indian military is stronger and India’s economy is better than Pakistan’s. Goverment led by Hindu fundamentalist would have further deprived the religious minorities and would have “tried” to form another “Untouchable Sect”. This is exactly why Pakistan was created in the first place.
My 78 year old mother distictly remembers the incident when her Brahim teacher accidently bumped into her and my mother was punished for that. The teacher went home in disgust (to be “cleansed”).
If Hindu fundamentalists do succeed in forming a goverment and work towards their agenda, the military AND economy strength WILL weaken very fast. Just look at the history. Indian Kings, in past, have invited Afghan, Tajik & Uzbek warlords to settle disputes between them. They have been ruled by foreiners for god knows how many centuries. Yes!, Hindu fundamentalist goverment will be harsh on religious minorities in short term but will be absolutely devastating for Hindus themselves in the long run.
I guess we both are basically saying the same thing.
This is a very golden opportunity of Indian PM and Pakistani President to resolve the India-Pakistan relation for the future of the subcontinent. All these years, Pakistan was kept hostage to the policy of anti-India strategy. But Pakistan has now understood that its existential threat came from inside, from Taliban; not from India. It is a well come situation that Pakistani political parties and population have realized that ‘anti-India” policy did not do any thing good for their country. It only helped the Army and Mullahs to keep their hold on the state. They do not need an Islamic ant-Indian country in twenty first century; they need a democratic, secular country with India as its biggest trading partner. It should be like the relation of Canada and USA.
Whether Congress government is a boone or bane for Indo-Pak relations will depend on Pakistan. India alone can’t imporve the relations. The onus is on Pakistan to change its behaviour. Until that happens don’t expect any change in Indo-Pak relations, no matter which party is in power in India.
In the future there will be an Asian Union (AU), the matured SAARC, on the lines of European Union (EU) and there is no escape from it. We see the world order getting organized into bigger Economic & Trade Groups to better their living standards. The question is when that AU will take shape as there are many differences of religion, more trust in outside powers than in next door neighbors, etc. Any delay will make this region less competitive versus others. However, a humble and unassuming beginning can be made which would build the great option in converting us into AU as an easy step in future. Under the SAARC, we can have (probably there is already!) a task to study the three wings of governance of each member country, indentify the best and work towards bringing as much uniformity as possible. The result is, in all the countries, we will have exactly the same system which would make the borders irrelevant.