INDO-PAK TIES

INDO-PAK TIES

Wars in the past have never solved any problem and will not solve any issues in future. It is pointed that only peace in the region can help people in both the countries prosper. Recent history has been witness to India and Pakistan exploring prospects of enhancing their economic ties. A key pointer in this direction is holding of talks between commerce secretaries of the both countries on sidelines of the SAARC ministerial meeting in New Delhi.

This would be followed by a second annual conference on normalizing India-Pakistan trade ties. Which would be attended by businessmen, academicians and trade experts from both sides.

Ironically not much importance has been given to definite steps taken by India and Pakistan to maintain their nuclear diplomacy. This year also began with India and Pakistan exchanging lists of their nuclear facilities. This exchange a part of a 1988 pact that prevents them from attacking each other’s nuclear installations, has been held each year on New Year’s Day since 1992. India handed over its  list to the Pakistan High Commission in new Delhi, while Pakistan handed over its  list to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

History of both Asian Countries bears witness to nuclear policies of both Indian and Pakistan having acted as a deterrent in preventing both countries from indulging in an open conflict. Continuous exchange of their nuclear lists points to the importance given by the both sides in maintaining their nuclear diplomacy. Even the United States, known to have always been critical of their nuclear capabilities has apparently toned down its approach. Initially US experts lashed out at their nuclear policies making noise about their heading toward mutually assured destruction. The US however still  maintains this approach but has ceased making much noise about it.  Whatever the US viewpoint, India and Pakistan have certainly come a long way from even considering indulgence in open conflict. Every year when they exchange lists of their nuclear capabilities and each time they consider options of improving their ties the important role played by their nuclear diplomacy stands out. Yet more political noise is made, perhaps to earn media coverage, about differences held regarding Kashmir and other issues as irritants in Indo-Pak ties. Some importance needs to be given to bridge communication gap prevalent in various sections regarding Indo-Pak relations.