India and Pakistan: A Window of Opportunity for Diplomacy

Strategic Insights -

The presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in New York for the 70th UN General Assembly creates a window of opportunity for the two leaders to meet and discuss issues related to terrorism and relations between the two countries. However, the recent cancellation of NSA-level talks and the insistence of Pakistan's NSA Sartaj Aziz on meeting pro-Pakistan Hurriyat separatists and discussing the modalities of a discussion on Kashmir have created tensions in the dialogue process. Despite this, India remains open to a fruitful bilateral dialogue with Islamabad, but with new red lines drawn, particularly on cross-border terrorism and Chinese activity in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Key Takeaways:

  • The NSA-level talks between Ajit Doval and Sartaj Aziz failed to take off due to Pakistan's insistence on meeting pro-Pakistan Hurriyat separatists and discussing the modalities of a discussion on Kashmir.
  • India has drawn new red lines for a fruitful bilateral dialogue with Islamabad, focusing on cross-border terrorism and Chinese activity in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
  • India is concerned about the US and China hobnobbing with Pakistan over the future of Afghanistan, particularly through the Murree talks with the Taliban and the announcement of Mullah Omar's death.
  • The US was conveyed in firm terms by New Delhi that India was kept out of the loop on talks with the Taliban and Mullah Omar's death in 2013.
  • There is a possibility of both NSAs exchanging notes on terrorism before the two heads of government meet in order to operationalise other aspects of the Ufa statement.

Statistics:

  • 70th UN General Assembly: Prime Minister Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif are expected to meet in New York.
  • NSA-level talks cancellation: The talks between Ajit Doval and Sartaj Aziz were cancelled due to Pakistan's insistence on meeting pro-Pakistan Hurriyat separatists.
  • Red lines drawn by India: Focus on cross-border terrorism and Chinese activity in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
  • Murree talks: India was not informed about talks between the US and Taliban, and Mullah Omar's death in 2013.
  • Ufa statement: The statement was signed by Modi and Sharif on July 15, outlining a roadmap for NSA-level dialogue on terrorism.

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times, dated: no date provided in the original text (see reference)
  • Hindustan Times, syndicated by HT Syndication, with permission from HT Media Ltd. (c) 2021 HT Media Ltd.
  • SyndiGate Media Inc., Syndicate.info.