Spying is known as the second oldest profession in the world. It has continued for centuries, involving both friends and foes, with nations desperate to gather information on the activities of others. It is, therefore, hardly surprising that Pakistan and India would spy on each other. The mechanisms we are hearing about are also not new, with diplomatic missions used as a place where persons assigned to gather intelligence converge in the guise of diplomats. This has probably been the case for decades, and the expulsion of diplomats from the two countries by the other was a noted feature in the 1990s. The spying battle this time, however, comes with added vengeance and possibly added menace. This is because of the growing hostility between New Delhi and Islamabad, with both the civilian and military leaders on either side of the border making increasingly antagonistic comments and statements about intervention in their country. A few days back when India expelled a Pakistani diplomat for spying and even went so far as to name him and release footage of him, it was inevitable Pakistan would respond in kind. We have now expelled eight Indian diplomats, confirmed their identities and leaked photographs of them to the media. The recent heightening of tensions between the two countries has come about on account of India continually ramping up its campaign to demonise Pakistan. It’s defence for its campaign of violence in Kashmir is to blame Pakistan for orchestrating militant attacks in Kashmir and then accuse the liberation movement, which is organic and home-grown, of being directed by Pakistan. In turn, Pakistan responds to every militant attacks at home by hinting at Indian involvement and speculating that it is trying to undermine the CPEC.
It is very much possible that India would do everything to undermine the CPEC since it brings closer together its biggest political rival and biggest economic rival. Even if one were to accept this unfortunate situation, the responsibility lies with the rulers of both countries to be more responsible and try to keep tensions to a minimum. Yet, Modi continually ramps up the aggression, both on the diplomatic front by trying to isolate Pakistan internationally and on the military front through unprovoked firing along along the LoC prettied up in the garb of ‘surgical strikes’. Yet, eventually, Islamabad and New Delhi have to move towards talks once again. They cannot survive without dialogue and without negotiation on the issues that divide them. The spying business we are seeing simply adds to the brew cooking on the burner. It must not be allowed to spill over and create a situation which cannot be salvaged. Given the harsh approach seen from Modi, it is hard to see how the Indian government can be persuaded to show greater flexibility and a readiness to talk matters over. So far, it has shown no signs of a readiness to move in this direction, despite the fact that it has essentially failed in its mission of turning the world against Pakistan. There are dangers ahead in the region. These must be circumvented carefully and cautiously to save the billions of people who live in the region from the ill-effects of greater instability and greater tensions. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/162491-Spies
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