Anger Management: A Practitioner's Account of India-Pakistan Relations

Introduction

The title of this blog, "Anger Management: A Practitioner's Account of India-Pakistan Relations," may seem intriguing at first. But upon delving deeper, you will discover the significance behind it. This blog aims to provide an overview of the complex relationship between India and Pakistan, which has spanned over 76 years.

Anger has played a pivotal role in shaping this relationship. From the anger over partition to the anger stemming from wars, there has been a constant undercurrent of frustration and resentment. India's anger towards Pakistan's perfidy and terrorism has only added fuel to the fire.

However, this blog also emphasises the concept of managing this relationship through diplomacy. While a permanent resolution may seem elusive, various diplomatic measures have been employed to manage the tensions between the two nations. The argument is that even if complete peace cannot be achieved, it is possible to navigate this complex relationship through careful diplomacy and other means.

Throughout its 76-year history, there have been instances of anger and attempts at its management. One notable example is the recent episode involving the capture and subsequent release of Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. Pakistan, faced with a credible threat of force, chose to de-escalate the situation and return the pilot, highlighting the role of diplomacy in managing anger.

By juxtaposing the concepts of anger and management, the title "Anger Management" invites readers to explore the complexities of the India-Pakistan relationship and reflect on the possibilities of diplomatic resolutions amidst the anger that continues to define the relationship.

Coercive Diplomacy: The Return of the Pilot

In a recent incident involving India and Pakistan, Pakistan captured Indian pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. The situation escalated quickly, with a credible threat of force looming over Pakistan. It was reported that Pakistan had prepared nine missiles as a response.

However, rather than allowing the conflict to escalate further, Pakistan made the decision to de-escalate the situation and return the captured pilot. This move highlighted the role of diplomacy in managing anger and tension between the two nations.

The threat of force played a significant role in Pakistan's decision to return the pilot. The credible threat, which was communicated through various means, made it clear to Pakistan that not returning the pilot would have dire consequences. This forced Pakistan to choose diplomacy over further aggression.

It is worth noting that during this episode, the Prime Minister of Pakistan attempted to call the Prime Minister of India. Although the call did not go through, it demonstrated an effort on Pakistan's part to communicate and potentially resolve the situation through diplomatic means.

This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing the India-Pakistan relationship. The concept of coercive diplomacy, where force is used as a tool to influence outcomes, was at play. The threat of force created a sense of urgency and compelled Pakistan to take action.

Looking back at the history of the relationship between India and Pakistan, it is evident that anger has been an underlying factor. From the anger over partition to the anger stemming from wars and terrorism, the relationship has been defined by these emotions. However, this episode highlights the possibility of managing anger through diplomacy.

While a permanent resolution may still seem elusive, the use of coercive diplomacy and the decision to deescalate the situation demonstrate that it is possible to navigate this complex relationship. Diplomatic measures, even in the face of anger and tension, can lead to outcomes that prioritise peace and stability.

The Case for Stronger Responses to Terrorism

In order to effectively combat terrorism, there is a strong argument for more decisive action. Throughout history, missed opportunities have allowed terrorism to persist and escalate. However, recent events have demonstrated the impact of stronger responses.

The argument for more decisive action against terrorism

Terrorism poses a significant threat to the safety and security of nations. By taking more decisive action, countries can send a clear message to terrorists that their actions will not be tolerated. This can deter future acts of terrorism and protect innocent lives.

The missed opportunities in the past

Looking back at the history of India and Pakistan's relationship, there have been instances where stronger responses could have prevented further acts of terrorism. For example, in the 1980s, taking decisive action in response to terrorism in Punjab could have lessened the pain and suffering experienced during that time.

The impact of India's response in 2016 and 2019

In 2016 and 2019, India's surgical strikes and air strikes demonstrated the effectiveness of strong responses to terrorism. These actions sent a clear message that India would not tolerate terrorism and showed a willingness to take decisive action to protect its citizens.

Possible prevention of past instances of terrorism

If stronger responses had been taken in the past, there is a possibility that instances of terrorism could have been prevented. By making it clear that terrorism would be met with a strong and immediate response, the incentive for terrorists to carry out attacks would have been greatly diminished.

In conclusion, the case for stronger responses to terrorism is clear. By taking decisive action, nations can deter future acts of terrorism, prevent further instances of violence, and protect the lives of their citizens. Past missed opportunities highlight the need for stronger responses, and recent events have demonstrated the impact of such actions.

India-Pakistan Relations and the Agra Summit

Contrasting narratives about the Agra Summit:

The Agra Summit, held in July 2001, was a significant event in India-Pakistan relations. However, there have been contrasting narratives about the summit's outcome. While Pakistan's then-president, General Pervez Musharraf, claimed that the summit failed due to the presence of "hawks" in India, particularly referring to senior politician Lal Krishna Advani, the actual reason for the failure was Musharraf's overreach on the Kashmir issue.

Musharraf's overreach on the Kashmir issue:

During the Agra Summit, Musharraf insisted on linking every aspect of the document being discussed to progress on the Kashmir issue. He wanted to make Kashmir the centrepiece of the negotiations, which created a significant gap between Pakistan's position and India's position. This insistence on linking progress on other issues to Kashmir ultimately led to the failure of the summit.

Failure of the summit due to differing positions:

The Agra Summit failed primarily due to the differing positions of India and Pakistan on various issues. While India wanted to address a range of bilateral issues, including terrorism, Pakistan's focus on Kashmir hindered progress. The lack of consensus and compromise on these differing positions prevented the summit from reaching a successful outcome.

Vajpayee's understanding of Musharraf's mindset:

Despite the failure of the Agra Summit, it provided an opportunity for Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to gain a deeper understanding of Musharraf's mindset. Vajpayee recognised the need to engage with Musharraf and attempt to resolve the Kashmir issue. This understanding would later play a role in Vajpayee's approach to future negotiations and his efforts to achieve lasting peace between India and Pakistan.

The Kartarpur Corridor: A Symbol of Hope

The Kartarpur Corridor holds immense significance in the complex relationship between India and Pakistan. It serves as a symbol of hope, showcasing the potential for peace and cooperation between the two nations.

Addressing security concerns, the corridor was opened on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Despite initial concerns, the Indian political leadership, led by Prime Minister Modi, recognized that the corridor would benefit the people and took steps to ensure its implementation.

Prime Minister Modi's leadership played a crucial role in making the Kartarpur Corridor a reality. Despite existing security concerns, he prioritised the interests of the people and emphasised the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving long-standing issues.

Furthermore, the successful implementation of the corridor can be attributed to the role of divine forces. It is a testament to the power of faith and the belief that even in the face of deep-rooted animosity, positive change is possible.

The Kartarpur Corridor serves as a bridge between India and Pakistan, allowing Sikh pilgrims from India to visit the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. This initiative has fostered a sense of unity and goodwill among the Sikh community, transcending national boundaries and reminding us of the shared cultural heritage between the two nations.

In conclusion, the Kartarpur Corridor symbolises hope for a brighter future in India-Pakistan relations. It highlights the significance of addressing security concerns through diplomacy and dialogue and underscores the role of strong leadership, such as Prime Minister Modi's, in making positive changes a reality. With divine forces guiding the way, it is our hope that the corridor will serve as a stepping stone towards lasting peace and understanding between India and Pakistan.

Expulsion and Article 370

Pakistan's surprise at the abolition of Article 370:

India's decision to repeal Article 370, which gave Jammu and Kashmir a special status, caught Pakistan off guard. The move was unexpected and caught Pakistan off guard, as it had not anticipated such a significant change in India's Kashmir policy.

Limited options for Pakistan's response:

After the abolition of Article 370, Pakistan had limited options for its response. Given the power differential between the two countries, Pakistan could not resort to military action. Instead, it decided to ask the Indian High Commissioner to leave as a symbol of its anger and protest.

Expulsion of the Indian High Commissioner:

In response to the abolition of Article 370, Pakistan asked the Indian High Commissioner to leave the country. Expelling the High Commissioner was seen as a way for Pakistan to express its anger and disapproval of India's actions regarding Kashmir.

The significance of India asserting its Kashmir policy:

The abolition of Article 370 and the expulsion of the Indian High Commissioner signify India's assertion of its Kashmir policy. By abolishing Article 370, India made it clear that its Kashmir policy is separate from its Pakistan policy and that it considers the issue an internal matter. This move highlights India's determination to address the Kashmir situation on its own terms.

The Role of Diplomacy and Diplomats

The focus on diplomacy in the book is:

In "Anger Management: A Practitioner's Account of India-Pakistan Relations," the author emphasises the concept of managing the complex India-Pakistan relationship through diplomacy. The book explores the role of diplomacy in navigating the tensions and anger that have defined the relationship over the past 76 years.

The influence of diplomats on events:

Diplomats play a crucial role in shaping events and outcomes in the India-Pakistan relationship. Through their diplomatic efforts, they can influence decision-makers and contribute to the management of tensions between the two nations. The book highlights the significance of diplomats in navigating the complexities of the relationship.

The challenges of diplomatic communication in the India-Pakistan context:

Diplomatic communication in the India-Pakistan context is not without its challenges. The deep-rooted anger and animosity between the two nations make effective communication and dialogue difficult. Diplomats face the challenge of finding creative and innovative approaches to communication to bridge the gap and reach out to decision-makers.

Creative approaches to reaching out to decision-makers:

To effectively reach out to decision-makers in the India-Pakistan context, diplomats must adopt creative approaches. This may involve utilising proxies, finding indirect channels of communication, and employing unconventional methods to establish dialogue and build relationships. The book explores these creative approaches and their potential for fostering positive change.

The Future of Diplomacy: Cautious Optimism

As we look towards the future of diplomacy between India and Pakistan, multiple dynamics at play will shape the relationship. One key factor to consider is the upcoming elections in both countries. In Pakistan, elections will determine the leadership and direction of the government, while in India, elections provide an opportunity for a new regime to take power.

These elections present a chance for fresh mandates and new leaders to emerge, which could potentially lead to a shift in the approach towards diplomacy between the two nations. With new regimes in place, there may be a renewed willingness to reach out and engage in dialogue, paving the way for future diplomatic efforts.

While the road ahead may still be challenging, there are reasons to be cautiously hopeful about the future. The recent episode involving the capture and subsequent release of Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman demonstrated the potential for small steps in the diplomatic process. Pakistan's decision to deescalate the situation and return the pilot showcased the role of diplomacy in managing anger and tension between the two nations.

This incident serves as a reminder that even in the face of anger and conflict, diplomatic measures can lead to positive outcomes. It highlights the potential for small gestures and acts of deescalation to pave the way for further dialogue and understanding.

Looking ahead, it is important to recognise that a permanent resolution to the complex issues between India and Pakistan may still seem elusive. However, by embracing cautious optimism, there is hope that diplomatic efforts can continue to navigate the complexities of the relationship.

The future of diplomacy between India and Pakistan lies in the hands of the leaders and diplomats who will shape the path forward. By prioritising peace, stability, and the well-being of their citizens, there is a chance for progress and a brighter future.