Indian intent exposed

Former ambassador
As expected, the visit of the Indian Foreign Secretary Jaishanker has not gone beyond rhetoric. Prime Minister Narender Modi took the initiative to send his newly appointed Foreign Secretary to Pakistan under the cover of SAARC Yatra, perhaps to underscore that India did not want to escalate tension with Pakistan and acknowledge its role in regional connectivity. It was hoped that the Indian goodwill gesture was genuine and therefore be hailed as an icebreaker. At the same time, Pakistan was not convinced that the visit was in step with Indian aggression on the Line of Control and the working border. In this context, the strong statement from the Amy Chief, warning India of a matching response from Pakistan is notable.
It is fair to assume that the visit was more in the context of SAARC and therefore it did not provide enough time to deliberate on all outstanding conflicts in any details. Nevertheless, both side fulfilled the ritual and stated their known positions on all their concerns and interests. Foreign Secretary Aizaz Choudhry said at a press conference that issues ranging from India’s interference in Balochistan, the Samjhota Express case, and the line of control (LoC) ceasefire violations were brought to India’s attention. He complained that no investigation details on Samjhota incident have been shared with us by India. India also raised issues such as terrorism and tension on the border and Line of Control. According to Aizaz Choudhry both have an understanding to fight and end terrorism. He said, “We are working to find a common ground from where we can start our joint efforts.”
It was clear from the reports emerging from New Delhi and Islamabad that nothing tangible was achieved. Barring nice words and smiles nothing else can be reported as substantive achievement. Dialogue even if it is hollow should be welcomed. It leads to solutions, in due course. Our Chinese friends have advised us many times to pretend cooking even if the utensils are empty. The noise of cooking keeps the ambiance cosy and the hope alive that in due course food will be ready with your efforts.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif did not lose hope and send a good message to India insisting on the need to work together to realize the aspirations of the peoples of both countries. The South Asian region has suffered enormously due to tensions and unresolved disputes, despite being blessed with enormous resources, urging to put an end to it by resolving the dispute peacefully Will this message resonate with the Indian leadership? In my view, there is a little chance that his message of peace will be given a second reading in the South Block in New Delhi. Both the countries unfortunately may continue to suffer .