Indo-Pak relations : Ups and Downs

The ousting of the UPA government in the recently concluded Lok Sabha
elections and overwhelming victory of Narendra Modi led BJP has given a
clear cut signal that time has come for India to change. The UPA
government was under attack for strained ties with the US and for acting soft
on Pakistan.
But, Narendra Modis gesture to call the heads of SAARC countries to his
swearing in ceremony came as a thrust to Indias position at the global level.
It led to the new definition of Indian government in the International
fraternity. Modis talks with Nawaz Sharif assured the watchdogs of breaking
the impasse on cross-border terrorism and Kashmirs issue. It seemed the
beginning of a new, fruitful relationship between New Delhi and Islamabad.
Foreign Secretary level talks were scheduled, but Pakistan spoilt the talks by
arranging for a meeting between Pakistans envoy and Hurriyat leaders. What
was started to improve ties, finally came as a setback to Indo-Pak ties.
Domestic politics of India and Pakistan also intrude into efforts to normalize
the relations. His New York speech was a move to blunt criticism by his
opponents that he has been soft on India, and an effort by him to buy some
peace with army. He has not completely won the battle against cricketerturned politician Imran Khan, who is gathering support to topple Sharifs
government in Pakistan.
But, his tough stance on Kashmir issue and pitch for plebiscite on Kashmir
was not a major agenda in Mr. Modis UN speech. Modi, on the other hand,
called upon, to fight the disastrous floods that have rocked India and
Pakistan. He refused to take on Nawaz Sharif head on over the Kashmir issue.
He called on for global action against terrorism and chided Pakistan for
raising Kashmir issue at the UN.
Analyzing rationally, we can conclude that PM Modi is prepared to engage in
serious bilateral dialogue with Pakistan to rekindle the ties without the
shadow of terrorism. It is rightly said the voice of talks get lost in the sound
of bomb blasts.