- Modi’s smart initiative to visit Pakistan gave people of both countries reason for hope, until the attack early Saturday morning at the defence installation. Where do they go from here?
Khaleej Times
Editorial
India and Pakistan should not take their eyes off peace despite the attack on the Pathankot Indian Air Force base by terrorists. The attack, coming just a week after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise visit to Lahore on Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif’s birthday, will put the latest fledgling dialogue process to the test. The hawks would certainly want talks to be called off in light of this terrorist attack. Violence has derailed diplomatic efforts in the past, but both PMs have a responsibility to stick to their stated goals on normalising ties between the two countries.
Indian forces repulsed the attack on Saturday morning, gunning down four terrorists, who went on a shooting spree at the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot. Three Indian troops died in the assault. PM Modi is sure to come to under pressure from elements within his party, the public and the opposition to abandon talks. The finger of suspicion has already been pointed at terrorists from Pakistan. How do you hold talks when terrorists are baying for your blood? How will the PM convince his critics that the talks must go on?
It will be a tricky balancing act for the premier who is facing pressure after his party’s poor showing in the Bihar. When sops and appeasement have failed in his domestic policy, the globe-trotting PM has tried to portray himself as a statesman and economic saviour. But his efforts have met with limited success because India’s ties with its immediate neighbours, barring Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, have hit the skids under the BJP government.
Modi’s smart initiative to visit Pakistan gave people of both countries reason for hope, until the attack early Saturday morning at the defence installation. Where do they go from here? Pakistan on its part has condemned the attack, saying talks should not be hijacked by terrorist acts. PM Sharif has often said there is no way out for the two countries but to live as good neighbours.
Sharif, however, will be under pressure from his country’s powerful military establishment to keep the Kashmir flame burning, and Modi would first want to talk terrorism, more so after this latest provocation by non-state actors.
A tough call for both sides. Larger security interests are at stake for South Asia with the rise of Daesh, and there’s too much to lose for both countries if ties are allowed to go downhill after this attack. It will be a test of patience and priorities. We hope the new personal rapport between the two leaders keeps the peace process on track.
