Short of a big bang that throws off the best-laid plans of India’s decision-makers, the pros for attending SAARC summit in Pakistan are beginning to outweigh the cons.
With Afghanistan on the agenda, Pakistan has said it would be open to India participating in the summit virtually or in person, but sources said New Delhi is considering its options.
China is no longer the elephant in the SAARC room, it occupies the entire zoo. India would rather jump over its neighbourhood and build ties with US, France, UK, Russia, and the Quad.
Pakistan downgraded diplomatic ties after India scrapped Article 370, but the countries could now reinstate high commissioners in each other’s capitals.
The coronavirus crisis left global leaders scratching their heads. But Modi saw an opportunity and launched a diplomatic blitzkrieg — first with SAARC, then with NAM.
Subcontinent’s political and security environment today is more suitable for a resolution than in 1988. But the most important difference is that the key interlocutors — IK Gujral and Nawaz Sharif — are no romantics.
Nick Jonas is not trying to modernise the mangalsutra, but his gesture shows that choices can be equal. If commitment must be flaunted, it need not be gendered.
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