NEW DELHI: Positive signals from Pakistan will be met with favorably by India, according to Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishanker. At a private event this week, he made the same declaration, saying that it will counter any unfavorable acts coming from over the border with equal vigor.
In summary, Mr. Jaishanker’s statements raised questions about the invitation that Pakistan made to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Shanghai Club Summit that Islamabad is hosting from October 15–16.
On Friday, a spokesman for India’s foreign ministry was questioned about the invitation. He accepted the invitation but begged not to hear the latest on Delhi’s answer.
During the undisclosed private gathering in Delhi, as multiple media outlets have reported, Mr. Jaishankar stated that “actions have consequences.”
It was said that Mr. Jaishanker’s remarks indicated a clear shift in the Modi administration’s approach to Pakistan. For instance, he said that “the era of uninterrupted dialogue… is over,” but he also made it clear that New Delhi is prepared to respond, “whether positive or negative,” to changes occurring over the border.
According to NDTV, he also sternly warned Pakistan and those within who encourage terrorist strikes on India that “actions have consequences.” In response to a query concerning relations with Pakistan, he said, “The problem is… what kind of relationship can we consider with Pakistan.”
In response to a notion that India is happy with the status quo of the relationship, he stated, “Maybe yes, maybe no.” However, I do want to make it clear that we are not powerless and that we will respond, whether things go well or not.
Regional difficulties
Jammu and Kashmir border disputes are a frequent source of tension in India-Pakistan relations.
The remarks made by Mr. Jaishanker coincide with a period of significant challenges for India’s relations with its neighbors.
India’s relationship with Bangladesh, a neighbor it could have relied on for consular support, has broken down.
It is courting Sri Lankan presidential hopefuls in an attempt to reach an agreement with the country’s next leader. It has to mend its relations with the Maldives immediately.
To its dismay, Nepal and Pakistan are encircled by China.
Even if it meant upsetting Delhi’s western minders, Mr. Modi could attend the SCO summit and save the Saarc from extinction for the benefit of the region. That would be a potentially more palatable course of action.
