Narendra Modi’s transformation from Hindu war goddess Durga to smiling Buddha was not dictated by choice but by necessity. After having weighed the military options in several meetings with military and intelligence chiefs Modi was convinced that war would do more harm than good to India. He decided therefore to go for non-military options. This was no easy decision as only a week earlier one of his cabinet ministers had demanded jaw for a tooth. Modi knew he would be accused by friends and foes of acting no differently from Congress who he had lambasted in his election speeches for being soft on Pakistan. Despite the political risks involved he opted for strategic restraint which is good for India and the region.
Not that India would not do its utmost to corner Pakistan, a policy every state takes resort to when dealing with rivals and antagonists. To counter this Pakistan has to depend on its diplomacy which should better be left to the elected government and foreign office. To avoid being further isolated Pakistan needs to go after terrorist outfits in Pakistan without cherry-picking. Attempts by India to reconsider the terms of the Indus Water Treaty should be foiled at right forums like the UN. Henceforth the India policy should be in the hands of the diplomats guided by the political government.
Ambassador Abdul Basit has said Pakistan will remain positive and constructive in its ties with India. This would send the right message both to India and the international community. Pakistan should be seen to be willing to go an extra mile for peace while maintaining its principled stance on Kashmir.
Despite its talk about isolating Pakistan India has sent its anti graft chief to attend the SAARC meeting in Islamabad. Similarly Samjhota Express continues to ply between the two countries. Pakistan should welcome Modi’s strategic restraint and take measures to ensure that all heads of the SAARC countries attend the summit due two months hence.
The way to counter Modi’s moves: edit in Pakistan Today, Sept 27, 2016
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