For last couple of weeks many developments have taken place on both sides of the international border by which one can safely assume that these developments would play an important role in breaking the impasse in Indo-Pak relations that pushed the region into uncertainty. From Indian side, some of the top rank government personalities including interior minister Rajnath Singh, foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and vice president of India M Venkaiah Naidu have made important statements which suggest a changing mode in New Delhi vis-à-vis the resumption of dialogue with Pakistan.
Addressing scientists at the Indian Institute of Integrated Medicine (IIIM), the Vice President MV Naidu said: “We want good relations with all, including Pakistan. We don’t have problem in talking with India’s neighbours, including our immediate neighbour, but they also have to reciprocate. Naidu also reminded his audience that peace was a prerequisite for progress and development anywhere in the world. His comments came on a day when External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told the media in Delhi that India is ready for talks with Pakistan. Though her tone and tenure was not different from India’s traditional stance but the message between the lines was clear and loud that there is a growing realization within the Indian political establishment that there is no substitute for dialogue. Though the resumption of formal dialogue between the two countries may probably take some time to start at official level but efforts are under way at Track II stage to revive the talks suspended by India in the aftermath of Mumbai attack. Track II diplomacy, which is being used as an essential tool to narrow down differences between the countries entangled in bilateral disputes, has a tacit support of influential world governments including United States, China and Russia. The original Track II initiative, Neemrana Dialogue, recently received a fresh start with a high-powered delegation of former Indian diplomats, military veterans and academics travelling to Pakistan to discuss ways to improve India-Pak relationship. The talks took place from April 28 to 30. Pakistan was represented by former foreign secretary Inam ul Haque and Ishrat Hussain among others. There are reports that India may probably approach Pakistan for formal dialogue once the new government takes reins of power in Pakistan.
Regardless of fast changing regional and international scenario the current thaw in Indo-Pak relations is good omen for peace and stability in South Asia. It is hoped that this thawing of relations between the two neighbours may eventually lead to resumption of full-fledged dialogue to resolve all disputes including the core issue of Kashmir. It is for sure that in the growing world of liberalization and globalization no country can afford to remain isolated and India and Pakistan too cannot afford to live in perpetual hostility. This is a bitter reality that the two countries should understand, sooner the better.