There should have been an introspective pause by the Indian government before calling off its dialogue, at the foreign secretary level, with its Pakistani counterparts.
The anticipated discussions between the foreign secretaries of the two countries, scheduled for August 25, would have provided an impetus to bilateral relations after the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, when the former assumed office.
Hopes had been raised of warmer ties before unforeseen speed breakers cropped up — the latest one being India’s protest at Pakistan’s apparent meeting with Kashmiri separatists which, the former believed, “undermined the constructive engagement initiated”. There is much that can be achieved by the two states through constructive engagement. The momentum must not be lost and it is important for them to brush aside doubts and focus on bridging the trust deficit. Result-oriented conversations at the foreign secretary level pave the way for greater gains when senior representatives sit down to iron out their agendas. There are so many positives to take home on multiple platforms. Pakistan has prioritised the engagement despite battling an internal crisis. It is important for India to reciprocate.
