The government is aware that it will not be a smooth ride, and in case there is another 26/11-type attack, it may have to face the wrath of the public and opposition.
The government’s fresh diplomatic move to engage Pakistan is fraught with high risks. The government is aware that it will not be a smooth ride, and in case there is another 26/11-type attack, it may have to face the wrath of the public and opposition.
But it is willing to risk this, as by refusing to engage Pakistan it is not gaining much. It could be hurting its ‘big power’ ambitions in the region. Moreover, the international community is not appreciating India’s tough stand on the talks.
While officials have dressed up the current turnaround as a “practical, pragmatic approach’’, government sources maintain that there is a consensus in the country for dialogue with Pakistan.
It is not known if the government has discussed the move with the opposition.
Selling this to the opposition and the domestic audience may be difficult, given the rallies that are being held to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day. Considering it has become a practice to observe February 4-5 as Solidarity Day and anti-India protests are beamed live into homes in the country, the government should have timed its announcement better.
“There is a season, there is a time for everything. Diplomacy is not static and we need to change with the situation. The important thing is to unlock the gridlock,’’ a senior official explained, trying to justify the turn around.
India’s focus will be on terrorism and the need to destroy the infrastructure of terror in Pakistan. Sources in the government noted that infiltration in Kashmir has increased.
Islamabad is also insisting on composite dialogue while New Delhi is not ready yet for resumption.
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