- Pakistan must take steps to restore ties, says Modi.
- India ready to protect sovereignty, says Modi.
- India to host G20 summit in IIOJK despite China, Pakistan’s opposition.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed India’s desire for normal and neighborly relations with Pakistan but placed the responsibility for achieving this goal solely on Pakistan. In an interview with a Japanese media outlet, Modi discussed the strained ties between New Delhi and its neighboring countries, emphasizing the need for a conducive environment free from terrorism and hostilities.
While Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has stated that Pakistan is willing to address any concerns raised by India, he also expects reciprocal efforts from the Indian side. During his recent visit to India as the Foreign Minister, Bilawal reiterated Pakistan’s position on bilateral relations, emphasizing the need for a review of the unilateral actions taken on August 5, 2019, in relation to Kashmir.
In addition to the Kashmir issue, India’s hosting of the G20 tourism meeting in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has further strained relations between the two countries. Pakistan has consistently criticized India for this move and has sensitized other G20 members about the human rights violations in Kashmir and the illegal Indian occupation of the region. China, Pakistan’s main regional ally and also a country with hostile relations with India, has also opposed the G20 summit in Srinagar, stating that it will not participate.
Tensions between India and China have escalated since a deadly clash in 2020, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers. Modi addressed India’s strained relationship with Beijing, stating that India is fully prepared and committed to protecting its sovereignty and dignity. He emphasized India’s commitment to peace, tranquility, and the resolution of conflicts through peaceful means, while also stressing the importance of mutual respect and mutual interests in shaping the future of India-China relations.
As Modi seeks a third term in power as the leader of the right-wing Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he is increasingly engaged in international diplomacy. He believes that normalizing ties with neighboring countries, including Pakistan, would benefit not only the region but also the wider world.
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While Modi’s statements highlight India’s stance on the normalization of relations with Pakistan, the path to improved ties remains uncertain. Both countries need to demonstrate a willingness to engage in dialogue, address mutual concerns, and create an environment conducive to peaceful coexistence. The resolution of long-standing disputes, such as the Kashmir issue, is crucial for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
