Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Use multi-pronged diplomacy with Pakistan'

Use multi-pronged diplomacy with Pakistan

The government is thinking of adopting the policy of “diplomatic isolation” of Pakistan. The truth is, in today’s interconnected world, it is vainglorious to expect countries to join a unilateral plan for isolation. While isolation might work as a campaign slogan for domestic audiences, it is quickly rebuffed each time a country engages with the nation one is trying to isolate.

The success of the efforts led by the U.S. and other countries to ‘grey list’ Pakistan at the Financial Action Task Force or of French efforts for a United Nations Security Council statement on Pulwama points to that. India must prepare for a pushback from Pakistan, most likely in terms of internationalising the Kashmir issue, and linking it to progress in Afghanistan.

Pak says that any attack by India would “impact the momentum” of the peace talks in Afghanistan. The government must prioritise action over words, when it comes to moves against Pakistan’s sponsorship and hosting of the JeM. The government must consider other options, especially with the countries that carry the most leverage and access in Pakistan: China, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

Finally, India must look to its own actions on the diplomatic front with Pakistan. As the nation prepares for a possible military response to the Pulwama attack, it is important that New Delhi consider its diplomatic response carefully, particularly taking into account both the historical and regional context of its moves.

The point is PM Modi sabotaged his own policy of 'isolating Pakistan' when he went to the airport to give a theatrical hug to the Saudi prince MBS, who has described himself as 'Pakistan's ambassador.'

The EU has urged 'dialogue' between Pakistan & India. In diplomatic communications, the Western powers have raised the issue of human rights violations by Indian security forces in Kashmir -- an issue reported by UNHRC. 

As far as UN is concerned, Veto power of super powers should be deleted. All member countries should have equal say and those who back terrorism should be kicked out. Parity between sermon and practice should be compromised. A nuclear war can erase the last trace of life from the globe. Let us work for a global government, the virtue of humanity should be preferred.