India's Firm Stance Against Pakistan's Trade Proposal

India has reiterated its strong opposition to Pakistan's proposal to resume trade and economic activities, which were suspended in 2019. The Indian Foreign Minister, Dr. Jaishankar, emphasized that talks, trade, and terrorism cannot coexist, and until terrorism is eradicated, relations with Pakistan will not improve.

The longstanding hostility between India and Pakistan, spanning over seven decades, remains a significant international concern, particularly due to the presence of nuclear weapons in both countries. Factors such as xenophobia, hyper-nationalism, and mutual mistrust continue to fuel this animosity.

India's frustration with Pakistan escalated following terrorist attacks on Indian soil orchestrated by groups based in Pakistan. Despite India's efforts to have Pakistan labeled as a state sponsor of terrorism, it has resorted to leveraging threats of sanctions and blacklisting to constrain its neighbor.

India's current strategy involves maintaining economic pressure on Pakistan to force policy changes and address cross-border concerns. The potential resumption of trade, estimated at US$37 billion under normal conditions, poses a dilemma for India, as it could weaken its leverage over Pakistan.

With India's growing global influence and superior geopolitical, economic, and military position compared to Pakistan, it holds a stronger negotiating stance. The cyclical nature of India-Pakistan relations, marked by intermittent optimism followed by heightened tensions, has hindered sustained progress.

India's reluctance to engage in comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan stems from a lack of trust, past failures in negotiations, and domestic political considerations. The onus is now on Pakistan to demonstrate its reliability as a negotiating partner by making difficult decisions and abandoning unrealistic expectations.

While India aims to assert its status as a global power, the ongoing rivalry with Pakistan poses challenges that could drain its resources and credibility. Balancing political expediency with the risk of prolonged conflict, India emphasizes the need for pragmatic diplomacy and mutual commitment to address divisive issues for lasting stability in South Asia.