Modi's Diplatomic Bomb

Modi’s Diplatomic Bomb

Modi has done it again ! He  has dropped a diplomatic –rather a diplatomic – bomb with a surprise “pitstop” teatime visit to Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif. With this one unprecedented  step he may scored many successes.

It is possible that Modi  has disarmed Pakistan without firing a shot.

He has opened  a new path towards peace for India and Pakistan.

He has protected the interests of peace  of not only the region but the world which has been worried about the state of Indo-Pak relations.   USA, im particular, may breathe easier.

On the domestic front he has better secured his political station leaving the opposition, mainly the Congress, making voiceless noises.

Modi has shown that democracy is not sustained by a babble of discordant noises but by leaders with statesmanship which is the courage to see reality,forget or forgive and step into the future.

It would be unreal to believe that the Lahore visit was an impulsive,last-minute decision given the huge security concerns associated with it. The fact remains that it did happen and it went well. The major significance of the visit is that the army  was consulted and there was ready agreement or that Nawaz Sharif has control of the army. I think it is the former as the Asmy is also eager to find an honourable exit from the need to constantly assert its readiness to face the Indian army while at the same time dealing with their north-western region. The NSA’s also deserve credit for their fruitful Bangkok meeting.

There is now better prospect of a more open dialogue in which real concerns on both sides can be addressed. It is also possible to resume discussions on both Kashmirs to really arrive at an understanding on whether India and Pakistan are holding on to unwilling “hostages“ by right  or might and how it can be resolved for ever.

Indo-Pak relations have become a matter of international concern for geo-political and military reasons. The Lahore visit will serve to offer many world leaders better sleep.USA in particular has reason to rejoice as they would  have less of a  tight-rope to walk on if there is greater understanding between I ndia and Pakistan..

Reaction in India has been on predictable lines. BJP and Congress, equally ignorant of the innermost details of the Lahore visit, have, nevertheless, been equally strident in their support and criticism. BJP has hailed Modi for his master-stroke while Congress spokesmen have raised questions which border on the amusing.

Congress has attacked Modi’s style as a violation of the rules of diplomacy.They have said that  Modi was taking international relations too lightly and as a matter  of personal rather than of national interest. The secrecy of Modi’s recent travel plan was another irritant for Congress who wish Modi had taken  the nation into confidence. They also saw no consistency in his foreign policy.

What strikes one about the objections raised by Congrss is their sense of being left out. They do not seem to have got used to being out of power and others taking major decisions on their own.

Except for the various conventions intended to regulate behavior in international relations there are no other rules that bind successive governments of a nation  to a single code or policy in its foreign affairs. The government in  power sets its own course and follows it as it deems fit. There is nothing to say that the oppostition has to be given a running commentary on every ongoing exploratory  process until a decisive stage has been reached when the information would be shared. With the present trust deficit that exists between the government and the main opposition the latter should not expect any consultation except what is mandatory. This will remain so till the two sides realise the futility of the present stand-off and Congress returns to sobriety in Parliament.

As for secrecy in the recent Lahore visit that is understandable in the context of heavy security concerns. Congress should easily understand this and also acknowledge that the visit was a notable step forward in putting some salutary pressure on Pakistan.

Th Congress charge that Modi took international relations lightly is baseless. That is one area in which Modi has made unprecedented progress. Hr has  established himself among the largest group of world leaders and as a pivotal figure in east-west relations. Outstanding as this achievement is, he should now start concentrating on implementing his many plans  that touch the lives of the aam aadmi. The half-way mark of his term in November 2016 is a milestone he should take note of as that is when a notional countdown begins towards the next election. It is essential that there are visible signs of change on the ground during this period.

Modi’s  Lahore visit has immense significance.  I strongly believe that, as a strategy, it has the power to take Indo-Pak relations  many steps forward and for the moment one has to wait and watch the future with optimism.