(Image source from: Something brewing between India and Pakistan? No clues})
An editorial "Changing winds?" in the Daily Times has said that it seems the brief Parisian encounter between the prime ministers of India and Pakistan is proving to be more than a mere outcome of courtesy, "as a demonstrable thawing of tensions between the two countries is evident ever since Modi went against the grain and seemingly extended an olive branch to Nawaz Sharif".
"Now, in a first since 2012, India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived in Pakistan and has enhanced the credibility of the Heart of Asia conference. That India, a key player in the affairs of Afghanistan, is participating, ensures that the proceedings will not lose meaning and a favourable outcome can be reasonably expected."
"It is important to note this is the same Sushma Swaraj, who had taken a particularly confrontational tone at the time of the NSA meetings breakdown a few months ago. Now, in her address to the conference, she took on a decidedly more diplomatic and conciliatory tone, while urging both nations to be “mature” and increase economic cooperation as a gateway to bridge trust."
The editorial said that, "at this point it is difficult to foresee an immediate future where Pakistan will give in to this demand, since, despite the evident forward momentum in terms of diplomatic relations, there remains a high degree of mistrust and suspicion between the two countries."
"Swaraj’s changed tone indicates that sense has prevailed and the importance of dialogue over displays of strength has been recognised. This thawing of ties has been noted internationally and has been welcomed by partner countries, including the US."
The daily said that "war, or even the threat of war, is simply not an option given the extremely real possibility of a nuclear apocalypse. Neither of the two countries can progress if this cloud of fear hangs over their respective populaces. The only way for stability is for the mature discussions the Indian minister is calling for".
A joint statement was issued, which was reminiscent of Composite Dialogue and Joint Anti-Terror Mechanism (JATM) that was put in place. Terrorism figured high on the agenda of talks between the sides. They noted that both countries had condemned terrorism and resolved to eliminate it. "They noted the successful talks on terrorism and security related issues in Bangkok by the two NSAs and decided that the NSAs will continue to address all issues connected to terrorism. The Indian side was assured of the steps being taken to expedite the early conclusion of the Mumbai trial," the joint statement said.
By Premji
