An improvement in relations with Pakistan coincides with an improvement of relations with China. If the government is not careful about how to go about forging peace with both nations, it could jeopardise India's vital interests.
As early as September 27, 1999, this column said: "China will try settling with India on its own terms before Delhi can befriend Pakistan. That would make it the Big Brother, friendly to the two mutually hostile nations." The terms and timing of making peace with Pakistan and China will affect the very future of India and South Asia.
Government spokesmen say that while negotiating with Pakistan or China we should take one step at a time. That is fine as long as we are clear about where the last step should take us. India's minimum goal must be to convert saarc into a European-style union with a common defence and market. That would include a combined nuclear defence with Pakistan for both nations to jointly provide a nuclear shield for South Asia. To achieve this goal, we can be generous on other issues.
This would protect our security concerns and enhance the economic prospects of entire South Asia. It would enable nations of the region to play a genuine global role. Freed from internecine strife, South Asia would have much to offer to the new world order.
If India settles with China before settling with Pakistan, it would freeze the former's present status in the subcontinent. More crucial than India's border dispute with China is the latter's role in destabilising India through its proxies in South Asia, primarily Pakistan.
On the other hand, if India first settles with Pakistan on the terms of a common market and joint defence it would facilitate a just and honourable peace settlement with China. It would enable the subcontinent to reclaim its natural identity bestowed by history and geography, and end foreign dominance.
The PM should bear this in mind as he extends a hand of friendship to Islamabad, or travels to Beijing.
Measure brother with brother,
Measure friend with the other,
Take measure for measure
Or repent at leisure.
