In the evolving geopolitics of South Asia, India and Pakistan seem to have little scope to forge any relationship except one of adversarial nature. In fact over the past five years, the two countries have increasingly drifted apart: Pakistan has been sore over India’s abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and India, in turn, blames Pakistan for cross-border terrorism in Kashmir. And it seems unlikely that these irreconcilable differences can be bridged anytime soon.
However, it was heartening to see the Pakistan prime minister extending an olive branch to India in his speech on February 5, which Pakistan celebrates as the so-called Kashmir Solidarity Day. Sharif sought to resolve all outstanding issues through meaningful dialogue, according to the 1999 Lahore Declaration, a bilateral agreement that aimed to promote peace and security between India and Pakistan. This was significant as the reference to declaration shows Pakistan’s willingness to prioritize dialogue and cooperation with India.
Although one shouldn’t read much into the overture, it does mark a departure from the more confrontational rhetoric of previous years. Sharif stayed short of criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS and instead emphasised finding common ground and seeking peaceful resolutions.
Pakistan is currently grappling with political instability, economic difficulties, and a host of security concerns in the wake of its deteriorating relations with Taliban-led Afghanistan. The rivalry between Army Chief Asim Munir and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has only grown bitter. In fact, the Khan factor has become the single most source of instability in the country. This is forcing the country to explore the option of a more peaceful relationship with India. The ongoing challenges along the Afghan border has made Pakistan recognize the importance of a stable Line of Control and international border in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, It’s important to approach Sharif’s overture with cautious optimism. As is always the case with Pakistan, the path to meaningful dialogue is fraught with challenges. India and Pakistan have deep-seated grievances and a long history of mistrust, making both, the attempt to engage and the engagement a risky affair. But despite that the potential benefits of renewed engagement cannot be overstated.
For India, resumption of dialogue with Pakistan could be an opportunity to address security concerns and explore avenues for economic cooperation. For Pakistan, it offers a pathway to economic relief and political stability. The broader South Asian region stands to gain from reduced tensions and cooperation between the two nations. New Delhi should make use of the opportunity at a time Pakistan needs India for its own stability.
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