Pakistan should control their terrorists first
Ties between the US and Pakistan have hit an all-time low. This is because the US had called on Pakistan to move against militant groups such as the Haqqani network which for Islamabad are strategic assets.
America had differences with Islamabad many times in the past. Pakistan did try its best not to lose support of the US. At one stage Pakistan even provided support to the American military effort across the Durand Line to evade serious indictment.
But now the things are different. America had enough of Islamabad's two faces. And also after America spotted Osama bin Laden in the Pakistani garrison town of Abbottabad earlier this year, Washington doesn't fully trust Islamabad. America now wishes to freeze most aid to Pakistan. Even if Washington and Islamabad are able to get over this rough patch, it is unlikely that things will be back to business as usual.
Now Pakistan is trying to counter American pressure in its own way. It is trying to woo China and is also trying to improve its relations with India. The Indian and Pakistani foreign minister exchanged pleasantries just recently on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. India too responded equally positively by hosting Pakistan's commerce minister at Mumbai's Taj Palace hotel which was a prime target of the 26/11 terror attack. This is a golden opportunity for India to give boost to the trade between the two neighbours. Once the trade and business ties are normal, the two countries will be on a friendly track.
India should also somehow get the Pakistan government to crack down on their terror groups which are dangerous for our country. In the past terror attacks coming from Pakistan had damaged Indo-Pak relations. Hence tackling of these terrorists should be the first and foremost demand that India should make to Pakistan if the latter is interested in normalizing relations with our country. Also this is a golden opportunity for India to try and be in the good books of America.
Ties between the US and Pakistan have hit an all-time low. This is because the US had called on Pakistan to move against militant groups such as the Haqqani network which for Islamabad are strategic assets.
America had differences with Islamabad many times in the past. Pakistan did try its best not to lose support of the US. At one stage Pakistan even provided support to the American military effort across the Durand Line to evade serious indictment.
But now the things are different. America had enough of Islamabad's two faces. And also after America spotted Osama bin Laden in the Pakistani garrison town of Abbottabad earlier this year, Washington doesn't fully trust Islamabad. America now wishes to freeze most aid to Pakistan. Even if Washington and Islamabad are able to get over this rough patch, it is unlikely that things will be back to business as usual.
Now Pakistan is trying to counter American pressure in its own way. It is trying to woo China and is also trying to improve its relations with India. The Indian and Pakistani foreign minister exchanged pleasantries just recently on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. India too responded equally positively by hosting Pakistan's commerce minister at Mumbai's Taj Palace hotel which was a prime target of the 26/11 terror attack. This is a golden opportunity for India to give boost to the trade between the two neighbours. Once the trade and business ties are normal, the two countries will be on a friendly track.
India should also somehow get the Pakistan government to crack down on their terror groups which are dangerous for our country. In the past terror attacks coming from Pakistan had damaged Indo-Pak relations. Hence tackling of these terrorists should be the first and foremost demand that India should make to Pakistan if the latter is interested in normalizing relations with our country. Also this is a golden opportunity for India to try and be in the good books of America.
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