Reason must prevail: Pakistan cannot blindside India indefinitely

While clear pathways for normalizing relations between Pakistan and India exist, any suggestion to this effect evokes considerable anxiety.

The policy establishment as well as scholars, think tanks, former bureaucrats and generals find it difficult to ponder reconciliation or a way forward.

Talking points and well rehearsed clichés are the standard hallmark of track two meetings and symposiums where both sides are determined not to give way.

This is understandable as the Pakistan-India rivalry is one of the most enduring and complex geopolitical tensions in the world. The two nuclear-armed neighbors have been embroiled in a cycle of hostility for over seven decades, with periods of relative calm punctuated by outbreaks of violence.

But now, Pakistan-India hostility has transcended reasonable bounds, causing immense human suffering, economic losses, and regional instability. Historical disputes, particularly over Kashmir, have fueled the animosity. The 1947 partition of British India and subsequent wars have created deep-seated mistrust. However, the conflict has evolved beyond territorial disputes, encompassing issues like terrorism, water rights, and ideological differences.

The consequences of this unremitting hostility are far-reaching. Thousands of lives lost in wars, skirmishes, and terror attacks. Billions spent on defense, diverting resources from development and welfare. Constant tensions hindering regional cooperation and economic integration.

To move beyond this cycle of hostility, both nations need to engage in sustained dialogue and diplomacy; address historical disputes through compromise and reconciliation; foster economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges; and build trust through confidence-building measures.

A gradual, incremental approach to peace-building with India requires desensitizing the policy from domestic political constraints.

Salman Bashir

While the path to normalizing relations is long and challenging, incremental progress can lead to greater stability, economic benefits, and improved lives for the people of both nations.

Given India’s present position, Pakistan needs to consider unilateral concessions to improve relations with India. The appointment of High Commissioners in New Delhi and Islamabad is the first step. This could be followed by easing visas for Indian citizens, including tourists, business people, and pilgrims.

Other steps may include trade normalization, cultural exchanges, adhering to the ceasefire agreement, and such humanitarian gestures as the release of fishermen in Pakistani custody. The Kashmir dispute needs to be resolved but making this into a precondition may not be helpful.

Key principles for a sustained approach for normalizing ties require reciprocity, flexibility, consistency, patience and inclusivity. The aim is to improve the overall environment.

When engaging India, Pakistan should be aware of potential pitfalls. Unrealistic expectations, a trust deficit, domestic political constraints, external influences, economic disparities, cultural and historical differences, lack of communication are some aspects that need to be factored in.

Unilateral steps for normalizing relations with India should be guided by a bold vision of the region and Pakistan’s policy to rise beyond the dictates of present day realities. India is a neighbor and cannot be blind sided indefinitely. A fixed framework for improving ties must be put in place that does not seek singular advantages.

A bold vision will require overcoming the anxieties that have limited the thought and range of actions and will naturally solicit reactions by India. A steady framework will thus be necessary, irrespective of the challenges that are bound to come.

A gradual, incremental approach to peace-building with India requires desensitizing the policy from domestic political constraints. A focus on geo-economics and rebuilding the socioeconomic foundations of Pakistan as a viable and progressive state are necessary.

The limits on thoughts and actions on the Pakistani side, imposed as a result of history will have to be overcome. Hopefully, the public opinion in both countries can shift toward more positivity, enabling the governments to increase their level of engagement.

By understanding the benefits and challenges, Pakistan and India can work toward a more stable and cooperative relationship, ultimately leading to a more prosperous and secure region.

- Salman Bashir is a Pakistani diplomat who served as Foreign Secretary of Pakistan and as High Commissioner of Pakistan to India.