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The strained relationship between India and Pakistan continues to be a focal point of international concern. Recent comments by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, suggesting a need for mutual effort to improve relations, have been met with a sharp rebuke from India. Dar's use of the idiom 'it takes two to tango' to describe the necessary conditions for improved bilateral ties was swiftly dismissed by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, who countered that the relevant 'T-word' is 'terrorism,' not 'tango.' This stark contrast in perspectives highlights the deep-seated mistrust and unresolved issues that plague the relationship between these two nuclear-armed neighbors.
India's firm stance against associating dialogue with terrorism underscores its long-held position. The country has repeatedly asserted that meaningful engagement with Pakistan cannot occur while cross-border terrorism persists. This position is rooted in numerous incidents of cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan, which India sees as a fundamental obstacle to normalized relations. The 2019 Pulwama attack, in which a suicide bomber killed dozens of Indian soldiers, stands as a stark example of the violence that continues to undermine any potential progress. The subsequent downgrading of diplomatic ties between the two countries further solidified the chasm between their positions.
Pakistan, under the PML-N government, has attempted to portray a renewed commitment to regional diplomacy. Dar's announced visit to Bangladesh, described as a nation akin to a 'lost brother,' reflects an effort to bolster economic and trade relationships with neighboring countries. This initiative, along with Dar's assertion that Pakistan has overcome a perceived diplomatic isolation, indicates an attempt to reshape international perceptions of the country. However, these efforts are complicated by Pakistan's ongoing struggles with internal security threats, including the resurgence of terrorism since the Afghan Taliban's return to power in 2021. Dar's criticism of former intelligence chief Gen Faiz Hameed for engaging with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the postponement of planned visits to Kabul due to terrorist attacks illustrate the significant challenges faced in stabilizing the region.
The contrasting narratives presented by both India and Pakistan reveal fundamental disagreements over the prerequisites for improved relations. While Pakistan emphasizes the need for mutual effort and reciprocal engagement, India insists on addressing the issue of cross-border terrorism as a non-negotiable condition for any meaningful dialogue. This stark difference in priorities underscores the deeply entrenched mistrust and the formidable obstacles that hinder any substantive progress in resolving the longstanding conflicts between the two nations. Dar's focus on economic and diplomatic outreach to neighboring countries, while significant for Pakistan’s regional standing, fails to address the core concerns of India regarding security and terrorism. Therefore, the prospect of a significant thaw in relations remains uncertain, unless a major breakthrough in addressing the root causes of the conflict and building mutual trust can be achieved.
Furthermore, the progress in Pakistan’s nuclear energy sector, as evidenced by the launch of the Chashma 5 nuclear power project, highlights a separate aspect of the country’s priorities. This advancement showcases Pakistan’s continued investment in its nuclear capabilities, a factor that adds another layer of complexity to the already tense relationship with India. The appointment of Sohail Mahmood as Secretary General of the D-8 Developing Eight Forum also suggests Pakistan’s ambition to play a more prominent role in international organizations. However, these achievements may not be sufficient to overcome the deep-seated security concerns and political mistrust that continue to define the relationship with its eastern neighbor. Until Pakistan demonstrates a firm and sustained commitment to curbing cross-border terrorism, India is unlikely to consider any substantive engagement beyond the bare minimum required for diplomatic purposes.
In conclusion, the current state of affairs between India and Pakistan remains precarious. While Pakistan seeks to mend fences and improve relations through diplomatic initiatives and economic cooperation, India's unwavering focus on countering terrorism casts a long shadow over any hopes of reconciliation. The differing perspectives on the issue of terrorism and the lack of trust are major obstacles to any lasting peace. Unless both countries can find common ground and demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict, the path to improved relations remains fraught with difficulties. The 'tango' metaphor, in this context, serves to highlight the deep disconnect between the two nations' priorities and the considerable distance that remains to be covered before any significant improvement in their relationship can be achieved.
Source: "Relevant T-Word Is Terrorism, Not Tango": India On Pak Deputy PM's Remark