C Raja Mohan argues that India should redirect its focus towards the evolving situation along Pakistan’s Durand Line with Afghanistan, as recent events, particularly the Pashtun Qaumi Jirga, may hold more significant implications for the region than the conventional diplomatic interactions between India and Pakistan. The historical complexities stemming from past geopolitical events continue to influence current dynamics, heightening the urgency for India to understand these shifts, which could affect bilateral relations and regional stability.
C Raja Mohan articulates the necessity for India to broaden its focus beyond bilateral engagements with Pakistan, considering the pressing developments along the Durand Line dividing Pakistan and Afghanistan. The recent Pashtun Qaumi Jirga in the Khyber district highlights crucial socio-political dynamics that could more substantially impact the future stability of the region compared to bilateral discussions, such as the visit of India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to Islamabad, which is deemed less consequential. Despite periodic improvements in relations between India and Pakistan, the structural issues defining their interactions have persisted, often overshadowed by diplomatic theatrics. Jaishankar’s visit marks the first by an Indian foreign minister in a decade, but expectations for breakthroughs remain low given the deeply entrenched nature of their relationship. The historical context reveals that significant events, particularly the Iranian Revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, have had far-reaching effects on the regional geopolitics. The return of the Taliban to power has resulted in heightened tensions in the Pashtun areas, undermining Pakistan’s attempts to exert control. This turmoil is compounded by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) activity and the emergence of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), which demands greater autonomy and acknowledgment of Pashtun rights. Moreover, the Baloch population has also begun to express their grievances, further destabilizing the region. These developments forewarn of a potentially protracted period of unrest along Pakistan’s western frontier, which could reverberate throughout South Asia, including relations with India. The author concludes that the solutions to India’s challenges in the context of Pakistan may ultimately derive from the lessons learned amidst this regional tumult.
The article by C Raja Mohan discusses the often-overlooked complexities of the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly against the backdrop of India-Pakistan relations. It draws attention to significant shifts occurring along the Durand Line, particularly the dynamics involving the Afghan Taliban, the TTP, and the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, while also referencing historical events that have shaped the geopolitical environment of the region. The implications of these developments are critical for understanding not only internal struggles within Pakistan but also their potential ripple effects on India and broader regional stability.
In conclusion, C Raja Mohan emphasizes the importance of recognizing the tumultuous situation along Pakistan’s western border with Afghanistan, as it presents significant implications for India’s regional strategies. The internal dynamics driven by Pashtun and Baloch nationalism, compounded by the historical and contemporary challenges of the Taliban and TTP, suggest a period of volatility that cannot be overlooked in India’s diplomatic considerations regarding Pakistan. The author calls for an informed perspective that accounts for these developments, ultimately recognizing their potential impact on future bilateral relations between India and Pakistan.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
