The visit of the External Affairs to Pakistan marks a significant moment in India-Pakistan relations, albeit under a multilateral framework. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will be leading a delegation to Islamabad to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on October 15-16. While this visit is part of a broader multilateral event, it could potentially serve to thaw the long-standing diplomatic freeze between India and Pakistan.
However, this development should not be misconstrued as a reduction in India’s security vigilance or a compromise on its sovereign position. Rather, it presents an opportunity for India to assert its stance on critical matters, particularly the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).
Diplomatic Engagement – A Cautious Step Forward
The visit of the External Affairs to Pakistan does not signify a softening of India’s hardline stance. Instead, it allows India to take its rightful place at the negotiating table, where key concerns such as POK can be raised. India must be unequivocal that any diplomatic dialogue with Pakistan should focus primarily on the illegal occupation of POK. The Treaty of Accession, a legal document that firmly cements India’s position over Kashmir, is a critical piece of history that cannot be overlooked.
India has long maintained that the only legitimate negotiation with Pakistan should center around the reclamation of POK, a territory that rightfully belongs to India as per the treaty.
Pakistan’s Expected Strategy at the SCO Summit
While the visit of the External Affairs to Pakistan is primarily for attending the SCO summit, it is not unexpected that Pakistan might attempt to bring up the Kashmir issue. Despite being a multilateral event, Pakistan’s track record suggests they could leverage the opportunity to raise the matter, contrary to the spirit of the Simla Agreement. In such a scenario, India must reiterate its firm stance on Kashmir and the illegality of Pakistan’s occupation of Indian territory.
India must emphasize its sovereign rights over Kashmir, citing historical documents like the Treaty of Accession, which validates India’s claim. At the same time, it’s crucial that the Indian delegation stays prepared to diplomatically counter any narrative Pakistan puts forward at the summit.
The Path Forward: Negotiating for Peace but on Our Terms
India’s diplomatic engagement with Pakistan, starting with the visit of the External Affairs to Pakistan, must revolve around India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The expectation of any peace talks must come with clear preconditions: no compromise on POK and no deviation from the Simla Agreement’s principles.
The time has come for the international community to recognize the significance of the Treaty of Accession and the rightful ownership of POK by India. While the SCO summit offers a platform for diplomatic discourse, India should seize the opportunity to firmly place POK on the negotiating table. Any talks with Pakistan should prioritize this pressing matter, ensuring that India’s legal and territorial claims are upheld in the international arena.
Conclusion: An Opportunity to Reassert India’s Position
The visit of the External Affairs to Pakistan could open up new avenues for dialogue, but it also serves as an opportunity to reinforce India’s position on Kashmir and POK. India’s diplomatic strategy should be clear: while we engage in discussions, there can be no compromise on issues that affect our sovereignty and territorial integrity. The SCO summit may be multilateral, but India must use it as a stage to assert its rightful stance on POK and prevent Pakistan from further undermining India’s legal claims.
