Isolating Pakistan!
It has always been the same rhetoric from the Pakistan side be it after the Mumbai attacks or be it after the URI attack and even now in the aftermath of Pulwama attacks. We allege- they ask for proof- we garner evidence- they say it's not enough- and by then, the whole issue dies down. Its high time that India should look for long term measures that help stifle terrorism as a whole, in addition to the ad-hoc aggressive steps that are already being taken by India.
Before jumping into the course of action, let us first understand the political functioning of Pakistan and its position and worth globally as seen by the big powers. To start with, it is a well-known fact that the present government of Imran Khan is backed by military outfits and he is more of a de-facto PM following the instructions of military heads. While things are a bit rusty with the USA as Donald Trump has been stringent on Pakistan backed terrorism, it has been maintaining good ties with China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. Particularly with China investing heavily in Pakistan, and with no open condemnation of terrorism, China is posing significant challenges to India’s efforts in strangling Pakistan.
Now coming to what India can do in its efforts of isolating Pakistan, it must focus on two things. They are economic strangling of Pakistan and enhancing diplomatic ties with other countries. With Pakistan's economy already dwindling rapidly, it is difficult for it to survive without an IMF bailout package, that it is trying to negotiate, in the coming months. India must take steps ensuring that this doesn’t happen. With no financial support from the IMF, it will look upon wealthy countries and allies like Saudi Arabia. This is why enhancing diplomatic relations with countries in regards to Pakistan helps. With Saudi Arabian Prince Bin Salman scheduled to come to India on 20th Feb, this meeting becomes all very important. With the FATF( Financial Action Task Force) report on Pakistan due on Oct 2019, India must also make efforts in presenting its case, as a blacklisting by FATF will have huge economic consequences for Pakistan. India has already revoked MFN( Most favored nation) status given to Pakistan and raised import duties on Pakistan goods by over 100%. It is also making efforts to pressurize the UN to recognize various terror outfits globally.
One of the other two options that India can think of is to use the Indus water treaty pacted on 1960. Pakistan agriculture relies heavily on these waters and any tweaking in these matters will impact its growth. The other is to try and increase the expenditure cost of military services. Both of these options are in for the long run but should be the top priority, if India thinks of putting some pressure on Pakistan.
Before jumping into the course of action, let us first understand the political functioning of Pakistan and its position and worth globally as seen by the big powers. To start with, it is a well-known fact that the present government of Imran Khan is backed by military outfits and he is more of a de-facto PM following the instructions of military heads. While things are a bit rusty with the USA as Donald Trump has been stringent on Pakistan backed terrorism, it has been maintaining good ties with China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. Particularly with China investing heavily in Pakistan, and with no open condemnation of terrorism, China is posing significant challenges to India’s efforts in strangling Pakistan.
Now coming to what India can do in its efforts of isolating Pakistan, it must focus on two things. They are economic strangling of Pakistan and enhancing diplomatic ties with other countries. With Pakistan's economy already dwindling rapidly, it is difficult for it to survive without an IMF bailout package, that it is trying to negotiate, in the coming months. India must take steps ensuring that this doesn’t happen. With no financial support from the IMF, it will look upon wealthy countries and allies like Saudi Arabia. This is why enhancing diplomatic relations with countries in regards to Pakistan helps. With Saudi Arabian Prince Bin Salman scheduled to come to India on 20th Feb, this meeting becomes all very important. With the FATF( Financial Action Task Force) report on Pakistan due on Oct 2019, India must also make efforts in presenting its case, as a blacklisting by FATF will have huge economic consequences for Pakistan. India has already revoked MFN( Most favored nation) status given to Pakistan and raised import duties on Pakistan goods by over 100%. It is also making efforts to pressurize the UN to recognize various terror outfits globally.
One of the other two options that India can think of is to use the Indus water treaty pacted on 1960. Pakistan agriculture relies heavily on these waters and any tweaking in these matters will impact its growth. The other is to try and increase the expenditure cost of military services. Both of these options are in for the long run but should be the top priority, if India thinks of putting some pressure on Pakistan.
Comments
Post a Comment