Different allegiances

Pakistan will need to watch its foreign relations very closely. It has a neighbour ready to move into any space it thinks it can pull away from Islamabad to its own advantage. Certainly, occupying some of this space appears to have been the main purpose behind Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sudden visit to the UAE, where he stopped at Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Of course, India has every right to build its own relations. But in this case, the purpose seemed to be to take advantage of persisting UAE annoyance over the refusal of Pakistani lawmakers in April this year to step directly into the conflict in Yemen and take on Houthi rebels. The UAE has in the past been a steadfast ally of Pakistan, coming to its help on numerous occasions. During Modi’s visit, some of the language used was familiar. But this time, it was directed towards India, with talk of historic and cultural links and other common bonds. More significantly, the issue of terrorism was also discussed.
The Indian media has reported that Modi took up the matter of terrorism allegedly pushed across the border from Pakistan and mentioned that while every South Asian country was a partner for India in its road to development, any that chose not to join it could go its own way. In the context of the continued animosity between New Delhi and Islamabad, it would perhaps not be wrong to read this as a veiled reference to Pakistan. Significantly, India and the UAE reached a range of agreements in the economic, defence and cultural spheres. They agreed also to go further towards expanding these in the months ahead. This was the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the UAE in 34 years. The country has apparently been seen as being somewhat off limits for New Delhi given its strong allegiances to Pakistan. But even brothers can fall out with each other. It has happened before and Modi has been quick to capitalise on the recent developments. Islamabad will need to assess the situation and adopt its own counter-strategy. The reality is that we just cannot afford to lose friends. Yes, old friendships, such as those with China, are being strengthened – but it is still important to have a diversity of friends. The squabble over Yemen is unlikely to last. But Islamabad will need to work hard to make amends and make further diplomatic overtures to a nation that has steadfastly stood by it through many bad times in the past.