A couple of years back, I went to the Wagah border to watch the lowering of flags in the evening. I was amused to see that tall soldiers on both sides were trying to out-kick each other. To me it did not sound like a brave or professional act; rather it sounded like how children act. India has failed to realise that it is much bigger and stronger, economically, militarily and politically than Pakistan, and keeps equating itself with Pakistan and acts as immaturely as does Pakistan.
Since its creation, Pakistan has been ruled by the army for the most part, till its first democratically elected government. Pakistan seems to have five-and-a-half “directors” (none of them is a master anymore) controlling policies and actions. Currently, in spite of the perception, the government is the leading director as for the first time the government has been able to successfully sideline, to some extent, others including military and ISI. Pakistan has realised three facts. First, it has to get rid of terrorists as they are bleeding Pakistan badly. Second, it is very important for Pakistan to improve its economy and it will be very difficult to do so without having a good relationship with India. Third, the issue of Kashmir has bled Pakistan much more than it did India and it cannot get Kashmir. In spite of this realisation, due to psychological hangover, Pakistan will continue to talk about Kashmir in public.
Pakistan's military leaders had convinced themselves and the public that they could take Kashmir by hook or by crook and started encouraging terrorist activities and frequent military incursions in Kashmir and other parts of India. For the first time, A.B. Vajpayee seriously tried to normalise the relationship with Pakistan and Kashmir separatists. He visited Kashmir and Pakistan and conveyed his message of peace. Pakistanis still remember his trip to Pakistan. Unfortunately, General Musharaf attacked Kargil which derailed Mr. Vajpayee's efforts. When Musharaf became Pakistan's president, Mr. Vajpayee still wanted to normalise the relationship with Pakistan. When I was in Delhi during that period, he invited me to his residence and expressed this desire to me. He also mentioned that he did not trust Musharaf. I have been a known hawk against Pakistan, however I also realised the need for India to have a good relationship with all its neighbors including Pakistan. I encouraged Mr. Vajpayee to pursue his efforts so that Musharaf would not have any choice but to respond positively. Unfortunately, Vajpayee's efforts and dreams remained unrealised. After him, the Congress government wasted ten years and no progress was made towards normalisation of relationship with Pakistan.
Mr. Modi is a shrewd person and has a good habit of studying and analysing all the issues himself. As a CM, he got a fairly good handle on domestic issues; however, he had no experience and knowledge of foreign affairs.
In spite of his efforts and actions related to foreign affairs, why have the ground realities not changed much? None of his close advisors and prominent external ministry officials have much experience with foreign affairs. The National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is an IPS officer. The foreign minister Sushma Swaraj has had no experience with foreign affairs. Although Mr. Modi himself did not mention about the agenda of the NSA meeting, some ministers, who have nothing to do with foreign policy, started saying in public that India would only discuss terrorism. There was absolutely no need for such statements prior to the NSA-level meeting. India and Pakistan have other important issues such as business and economic issues, Afghanistan, condition of Hindus and Sikhs and their places of worship in Pakistan. I had insisted that both India and Pakistan discuss all the issues frankly.
India should realise that no one can take Kashmir away from India and should start being less sensitive about the "K" word. India should not get agitated and keep quiet whenever someone mentions Kashmir. As is evident by the formation of PDP-BJP government, a majority of Kashmiris have reconciled to the fact that their future lies with India. Detention of Hurriyat leaders was not needed. If India ignores Hurriyat and separatist leaders who represent a small minority, their actions will soon become irrelevant.
Pakistan’s decision to cancel the meeting was more immature and does not serve her interests either. It is very important for India to have a democratic government in Pakistan, and India can help a lot by resolving issues with Pakistan and enhancing a business relationship with Pakistan. India should act as a mature country and take a leadership role. In order to get the talk process with Pakistan back on track, India should release all Pakistanis who have not committed any criminal acts. India should hold a well-publicised meeting between the businesses of both the countries. Pakistan should follow up these actions by assigning MFN status to India. Pakistan has to try hard to reduce Indians' apprehension about its intentions. Increased tourism between the two countries and renewal of cricket and hockey matches will also help. I believe most Indians and Pakistanis hope that both countries will start with a clean slate and develop confidence and cooperation with each other.
J.K. Tuli is Coordinator for the Friends of India Society in Washington, which is the international affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). He has been an unofficial interlocuter on India-Pakistan relations, and advocates better ties through cultural links between the two countries.
