Indo-Pak relations : Ups and Downs

The joint statement by the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yusuf Reza Gilani about the brief meetings they had prior to the 17th SAARC Summit in the Maldives did not come laden with any surprises. Dr. Singh called the meeting “a step towards opening a new chapter in Indo-Pak ties,” while Mr. Gilani restricted his words saying that “talks were positive.”

In spite of numerous talks at various levels and high profile visits of several ministers and delegates, leaders from both the sides practically agree to disagree on all the fundamental issues. The recent visit of Pakistan’s foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar created much hype but failed to yield any results.

All this only raises serious doubts and suspicion over the viability of improving relations and the commitment of the current polity and leadership. However, several initiatives have been taken although the two countries were engaged in three major wars. The Simla Agreement signed in July 1972 between the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to release about 90,000 Pakistani personnel and settle their differences through peaceful means was a  major breakthrough.

The 1998 nuclear tests mounted tensions but the Lahore Declaration signed on February 21, 1999 to re-establish peace and initiate dialogue by the former Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif eased tensions considerably. However, the boldest step was the Agra Summit held in 2001. But, it also failed after a two-day long conference, hours of discussions and five rounds of one-to-one meetings. Circumstances further worsened with serial terror attacks - the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, 2007 Samjhauta Express bombings and the 2008 Mumbai attacks to mention a few.

Finding permanent solutions to the core issues is certainly not easy as there exists a huge trust deficit between the two nations. Thus, a move towards Preferential Trade Agreement on the lines of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) with zero customs duty and people-to-people engagement through tourism can be fruitful initiatives.

Moreover, cross-border initiatives will also increase inter-dependence. But most importantly, perhaps India would need the involvement of the Gandhi family at a deeper level to find lasting solutions to the issues with its western neighbour. From Pakistan's side it would also need a leader of substance to come take bold initiatives. But is there anyone in sight? Perhaps not. So, meetings and issuing statements is fine but actually both the countries have a long way to go. Till then, it's just photo shoots and nothing more.