Former Pakistani Minister Highlights Need for Dialogue in India-Pakistan Relations

Former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri declared that current India-Pakistan relations are among the worst in history outside of wartime. He advocates for dialogue as the means to resolve disputes and highlights past opportunities for peace. Ashis Ray suggests cultural exchanges and cricket diplomacy as methods to improve relations between the two countries.

Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri recently remarked that India-Pakistan relations are at one of their lowest points in history, not counting periods of open conflict. During a discussion titled ‘Pakistan-India Relations – Current Situation and the Way Forward,’ he emphasized that dialogue remains the sole path to resolving the ongoing issues between the two nations.

Kasuri contended that following wars, there have been instances when Pakistan and India resumed talks promptly, highlighting a missed opportunity if both nations do not utilize their previous agreements, such as a four-point formula for the Jammu and Kashmir issue. This four-point solution, associated with former President Pervez Musharraf, offers a potential framework for discussion.

Having served as Foreign Minister from 2002 to 2007, and chairing the Institute of Peace and Connectivity, Kasuri said he has worked with both BJP and Congress administrations. He expressed optimism that the silent majority in India favors peaceful relations with Pakistan amid prevalent hostility.

Further commenting on the potential for improvement in relations, Kasuri shared his experiences of significant diplomatic gestures from leaders like President Musharraf and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In particular, Modi’s surprise visit to then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Lahore in 2015 and a proposed visit to Pakistan during April 2021 were noted as indications of the possibility for sudden positive changes in the future.

Kasuri also mentioned the shifting geopolitical landscape since the Trump administration and how these changes could facilitate better relations between India and Pakistan. He criticized the prolonged tensions that perpetuate poverty in both nations, asserting that dialogue remains imperative for addressing their disputes. He warned that terrorism continues to threaten the peace process.

In conjunction with Kasuri’s remarks, Ashis Ray, a noted author and journalist, called for resuming cricket diplomacy and cultural exchanges to foster warmer relations between the two countries. Ray argued for immediate constructive dialogue, asserting that if the US and Russia can reconcile, so too can India and Pakistan.

In summary, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri asserts that India-Pakistan relations are at a critical nadir, yet he holds out hope for improved ties through dialogue. The stewardship of personal diplomatic history suggests that despite current tensions, opportunities may emerge for constructive engagement. The need for dialogue is paramount, as is the recognition of shared socio-economic challenges. Ashis Ray’s advocacy for cultural engagement further emphasizes the importance of cooperative initiatives in breaking the ice between the nations.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com