India’s Commitment to Improving Relations with Pakistan Depends on Counterterrorism Efforts
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, expressed the nation’s desire for good relations with Pakistan, contingent on the absence of terrorism. He noted disrupted trade relations since Pakistan’s decisions in 2019 and emphasized that it is Pakistan’s responsibility to demonstrate change to enhance bilateral ties.
In a recent discussion in the Lok Sabha on December 13, 2024, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, reaffirmed the country’s desire to establish beneficial relations with Pakistan, emphasizing the necessity of these ties being free from terrorism. He indicated that while India seeks to improve relations like those with any neighboring country, it requires a change in Pakistan’s past behavior. Minister Jaishankar articulated that the onus lies on Pakistan to demonstrate such change to advance bilateral relations effectively. He also noted that trade ties were adversely affected due to decisions made by Pakistan in 2019, following India’s abrogation of Article 370, which had conferred special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Minister Jaishankar stated, “We would like to have good relations with Pakistan. But, like any other neighbour, we would also like to have relations free of terrorists.” He reiterated that India’s stance remains firm, insisting that Pakistan’s response towards altering its past behavior will play a crucial role in determining the future of their diplomatic interactions.
The relationship between India and Pakistan has historically been fraught with tension, primarily due to security concerns surrounding terrorism. The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 intensified these tensions and led to the suspension of extensive trade ties. Minister Jaishankar’s remarks encapsulate the current diplomatic stance of India, highlighting both the possibilities for rehabilitation of relations and the limitations imposed by Pakistan’s actions toward terrorism.
In conclusion, the Indian government, through External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, has articulated a clear message regarding its approach to relations with Pakistan. While India is open to fostering positive ties, it insists on the necessity of a significant change in Pakistan’s policies towards terrorism. The future dynamics of their bilateral relationship remain contingent upon Pakistan’s willingness to adjust its past behaviors.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
