Changes in the subcontinent

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has stated that India will no longer engage in uninterrupted talks with Pakistan, and instead, will carefully consider which issues to discuss with Pakistan, prioritizing the country’s interests. This statement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an invitation to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Pakistan.

Jaishankar noted that the abolition of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir marks a significant development, and India must now thoughtfully consider the nature of its relations with Pakistan. He observed that Pakistan’s foreign policy is facing challenges, leading to increased isolation from the international community.

According to Jaishankar, Pakistan’s inconsistent approach to terrorism, where incidents within its borders are condemned as terrorism, while similar incidents in other countries are justified, has contributed to its weakened foreign policy. He attributed this to mistakes made by Pakistan’s policymakers and rulers over time.

Jaishankar’s statement suggests a shift in India’s approach to its relations with Pakistan, prioritizing national interests and careful consideration of engagement.

India has consistently sought to improve relations with Pakistan and other neighboring countries through negotiations. However, these efforts have been hindered by the double standards of these countries. Amidst global and subcontinental changes, only countries with clear vision and foresight can achieve development and prosperity.

In the past, Pakistan has often linked religious narratives to violence and bloodshed, leveraging this approach to secure international aid, particularly in relation to Jammu and Kashmir and Afghanistan. However, this strategy has now led to widespread resentment towards Pakistan’s rulers and policymakers.

The special status of Jammu and Kashmir has been revoked, and the region has witnessed significant development in recent years, surpassing the progress made in the previous 75 years. Srinagar and Jammu are being transformed into smart cities, with efforts to make towns and healthful places more attractive. The region has seen a surge in tourism, with thousands visiting daily from across the country, and new national highways connecting Jammu to Ladakh.

This development has sparked desire among the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to reconsider their relationship with India, which they feel has only brought poverty and hardship since partition. In this context, the foreign minister’s statement that the era of uninterrupted talks with Pakistan is over may be seen as a reflection of India’s growing strength and its desire to prioritize development and prosperity through negotiations with neighboring countries.

The new governments in Afghanistan and Bangladesh are also seeking to establish better relations with India, recognizing the benefits of cooperation in various fields. In this changing landscape, Pakistan may consider abandoning its dual policy and engaging in more constructive dialogue with India, potentially improving the lives of millions of people struggling with poverty and economic challenges.