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.
