A perpetual diplomatic impasse, started with India’s annexation of disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, seem to define Indo Pak relations in the following years. 2024 was also not an exception. It started with allegations.
On Jan 25th, 2024, Muhamad Syrus Qazi the secretary of foreign affairs of Pakistan told the media in a press conference that spy agents of India, identified as Yogesh Kumar and Ashok Kumar have killed two nationals of Pakistan, one in Rawalakot and another in Sialkot district. Ministry of External Affairs of India rebutted the claims and termed it as “malicious anti India propaganda.”
In February, elections were held in Pakistan, and a new Government was formed by Pakistan Muslim League (N). Before elections it was reported that Mr. Nawaz Sharif, ex-prime minister of Pakistan and leader of PML(N) expressed hope in terms of establishing relations with India. Ironically, in the same month, on February 4th, Indian media revealed the capture of a Pakistani secret agent in Moscow. The captive was reportedly working at the Indian embassy and was allegedly passing sensitive information to Pakistan.
There wasn’t any response of Pakistan on this allegation. A month later, in March, putting all negativity in bilateral relations on the back burner, Mr. Ishaq Dar, Foreign Minister of a newly formed government of Pakistan expressed his government’s desire to ‘seriously’ resume trade with India citing his concern about ‘expensive’ trade with India via Dubai and Singapore.
India’s response was contrary to what was expected. In early April, instead of responding to Pakistan’s hint on resuming trade ties, Indian Defense Minister Mr.Rajnath Singh threatened Pakistan that “India would enter Pakistan to kill anyone who escapes over its border after trying to carry out attacks.” His comments were followed by a report that was published by The Guardian, a daily newspaper of United Kingdom, indicating that India had killed 20 Pakistani citizens on its soil since 2020.
Amid these allegations and counter allegations, general elections were conducted in India. The Indo Pak rivalry became a topic in Indian elections as well. All started with a tweet of former information minister of Pakistan Mr. Fawad Chaudhary. He wrote, “Rahul on Fire”, on his twitter account while commenting on a video where Rahul Gandhi could be seen criticizing Narendra Modi.
This tweet gained traction on social media and went viral. Amit Malviya, the head of BJP’s vast social media machinery ‘used’ Chaudhary’s tweet to fuel nationalist sentiments. He wrote on twitter: “Is the Congress planning to contest election in Pakistan? From a manifesto, that has imprints of the Muslim league to a ringing endorsement, from across the border, Congress’s dalliance with Pakistan can’t get more obvious.” A day later, Narendra Modi himself used Chaudhary’s remarks at his rally in Gujrat. He said “You must have heard. Now, Pakistani leaders are praying for Congress,” Modi said. “Pakistan is too keen to make the prince [Gandhi] the prime minister. And we already know that Congress is the disciple of Pakistan. The Pakistan-Congress partnership is now fully exposed.”
This election rhetoric exposed that animosity for Pakistan has been established as a significant electoral strategy in India. While India factor holds little or no significance in politics of Pakistan. PML(N) successfully made government in Pakistan despite expressing desire to foster healthy relations with India.
After formation of the government in India, the felicitation messages of Pakistani leaders were not reciprocated in the same manner by re-elected prime minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi. In July, again Indian media levelled very serious allegations on Pakistan army that they are directly launching attacks in Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir. Allegations were made by naming some individuals who were alleged to be serving officers of the Pakistan military. Pakistan again remained silent on allegations but in August, extended invitation to Indian premier to attend SCO summit, to be held in October, 2024.
Despite sending the invitation of attending SCO summit to the Indian prime minister, both countries shared barbs over Jammu and Kashmir at United Nations General Assembly Session on September 27, 2024. The SCO summit was attended by the Minister of External Affairs, Mr. Jai Shankar who before venturing to Pakistan, stated that an era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over.
It is ironic to note that India did send his Minister of External Affairs along with his team to visit Pakistan but at the end of 2024, it refused to send its cricket players in Pakistan for International Cricket Champions (ICC) trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February 2025. Due to India’s adamant stance, Indo Pak matches will be played in Dubai instead of Lahore.
Last year was marred by mistrust, specially from India towards Pakistan. It appears that it’s not in the interest of India to have workable relations with Pakistan. Pakistan’s status of an ‘enemy ‘serves the interest of the BJP politicians. It seems likely that the BJP aims to maintain a certain image of Pakistan to ensure its continued appeal to its voter base.
Does it mean that relations of India and Pakistan will improve if Congress comes in power? It is highly unlikely. In August, 2024, Rahul Gandhi alleged Pakistan’s involvement behind Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in Bangladesh. Throughout Modi’s consecutive terms in office as a prime minister, the people’s sentiment particularly in Hindi heartland has become significantly adversarial towards Pakistan. For India, fostering good relations with Pakistan may appear like betrayal of majority’s sentiments. Hence, Indo Pak relations will remain the same, as they are, unless an external influence compels both states to re-engage in dialogue.