India-Pakistan: You Can Change Friends but not Neighbors

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by Fateh Najeeb Bhatti     26 September 2018

 

The former Indian Prime Minister (Late) Atal Behari Vajpai once pointed out the importance of relations with neighbors as undeniable as the caption of this piece of writing indicates. Geographical proximity plays a vital role in foreign policy formulation of states. Internal atmosphere of the South Asian region has never left any country of this region unaffected during compelling circumstances overwhelming this part of the world. The significance of good relations with immediate neighbors is crucial for any state to be able to coexist peacefully and contribute towards regional prosperity.

Being in the highly volatile South Asian region, Pakistan seems to have apprehended this critical notion rightly. A few days ago, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi made his maiden foreign visit to Afghanistan to improve bilateral relations. This visit is critical to enhancing ever fluctuating Pak-Afghan relations. At the same, this juncture has highlighted some common grounds for revitalizing the relationship. The need for the peaceful neighborhood, trade and economic activity and trust mongering measures in a geostrategic environment of South Asia has opened a ray of hope to counter the mutual menace of terrorism, combined work for economic prosperity and to improve living conditions of general masses living on both side of Durand Line.

Afghanistan has suffered substantial damages ever since the Soviet Invasion of 1979. Since then, different kinds of conflicts have been prevalent on the Afghan soil. Pakistan has also been under spillover effect of situations in Afghanistan. Brutal ‘war on terror,’ terrorist’s sanctuaries and strategic game plans of big powers collectively left devastating footprints in this region. Simultaneously, Pakistan has also been in trouble because of ever-growing Indian influence in Afghanistan.

Developments in Pakistan’s Western and Eastern borders have diverted its focus towards tackling multiple anticipated threats simultaneously. So, the need for improvement in relationship with Afghanistan has always been very critical for Pakistan to secure its regional interests and territorial integrity coupled with solidarity.

The commitments made by both sides to improve diplomatic, security and economic relations have opened new horizons of cooperation. Years-long trust deficit seems to be vanishing very soon, and goodwill gestures are apparent. Most importantly, the Indo-Afghan transit trade through Pakistan has also come into focus. Analysts have started predicting plus points of such a remarkable political expansion. Likewise, the statement of the US ambassador John Bass in an interview to the newspaper ‘India’s Economic Times’ about the opening of a trade route through Pakistan is a clear indication of positive hopes in the hostile environment of South Asia. Improvement in Indo-Pak relationship is equally essential for the peace and progress of this part of the world. Although, new political leadership in Pakistan after taking office has offered India direct dialogue to discuss all controversial bi-lateral issues to reach a peaceful settlement, but Indian stubbornness via dismissing foreign ministers meeting in UNGA and threatening language of Indian army chief is proving to be a hurdle in the way of a slight glimpse of hope that emerged recently.

Sooner or later, India must realize the need for the durable peace process to ensure security and improvement of depleting living standards of the general masses in both countries. Massive expenditures on arsenal accumulating are paying nothing except obstruction and sense of insecurity. South Asia is the least internally integrated region of the world regarding economic and trade activities. This is a serious issue which needs to be addressed accordingly. Afghanistan can be the catalyst in playing a role of a bridge between India and Pakistan. It could refuse to be part of any proxies in future to avoid further devastation and dependence. The Afghan President’s invitation to the Prime Minister of Pakistan for a visit is a perfect gesture of moving forward in response to Qureshi’s visit. Peace is the dire need for all South Asian countries for which concrete steps are a pre-requisite. Certain CBMs must be followed by recent enthusiastic statements including the lifting of trade barriers, improving people to people contacts and harmony in dealing with regional conflicts. Above all, mutual consensus must be reached at to wipe off the shadows of tussle and mistrust.

One act of kindness enkindles another, the positive approach to discuss the prevalent issues and mutual respect for each other’s interests can do a lot. Afghanistan and Pakistan are deeply knotted in cultural, religious and ethnic bonds historically. The only impediment seems to be the will to resolve the longstanding trust deficit. Time has come to realize the significance of improved relations with neighbors both for Pakistan and Afghanistan. India on the other hand, being part of all controversies and a major stakeholder in this region has to play a responsible role to diminish all dark clouds howling over this region. The blame game and turning a deaf ear to the echoes of peace will never be appreciated anymore. Last but not the least, there is a need for realization on the part of all South Asian players that nothing is impossible in ever-changing global political scenarios, and peace should be given a chance.