The overdose of sentiments causes Indo-Pak relations swing between two extremes. While one part in many of us supports the uninterruptable dialogue, the other part in us pitch for no communication till concrete action taken on state-sponsored terrorism. A large number of other variables make the relations between two nuke armed neighbors unresolved. Due to the sheer unpredictability of these variables, the common man always remains hopelessly clueless. It is very difficult if not impossible to define a Govt’s policy towards Pakistan. In many ways, the last 18-20 months of BJP govt was no exception. However, a pattern seems to be emerging and a line can be drawn which shows a stark resemblance of India’s foreign policy with the largest common denominator between two countries, i.e cricket.
‘See-Saw in policy’ or ‘adapting the format’
Rising of a right-wing nationalist leader as Prime Minister of India created a hurricane of shock waves across Pakistan. Pakistani Media was on a rampage on how the war was imminent and how the Indo-Pak relations will be severed and how the peace process between two nations had gone in cold storage. Statements across border started flying that India couldn’t dictate terms to Pakistan because Pakistan itself is a nuke nation. It was very important to break the shackles and let apprehensions fizzle out. Modi did exactly that. He invited all chiefs of SAARC nations (including Nawaz Sharif) in his swearing- in ceremony. It was his “maiden century on debut” moment. It should not be looked as the prequel of Modi’s Pakistan policy or the new and refined Indo-Pak relations.
In gentlemen’s game, a boy is considered evolved as a man if he passes the big test of “Test”. Test matches require perseverance and patience. The sheer maturity in handling hostile conditions may give the perception of putting things on hold, but in test matches sometimes draw is eventually more rewarding. Modi govt was in no hurry to close long outstanding issues for scoring few brownie points from liberals. They played the opponent session by session in an attempt to burn the opposition out. This requires enormous endurance to ignore the continuous mockery by so-called ‘fourth pillar of democracy’ as nothing is moving around. It was the true test of character.
In contrast, the shortest format of this beautiful game demands impactful punches fairly quickly. Below timelines of Modi govt for a comprehensive dialogue is more than impressive for the format:
Modi-Sharif meet at Paris: 30th Nov
Indo-Pak NSA talks: 7th Dec
Sushma’s visit to Islamabad: 9th Dec
Modi’s visit to Lahore: 25th Dec
‘Cancelling talks’ or ‘leaving the ball’
It is often said that a perfect test batsman knows which ball to leave better than which ball to hit. The condition of meeting Hurriyat prior to NSA level talks was like delivering a fiery spell of out-swingers with the new ball in the corridor of uncertainty. BJP, as handsomely as it could, restrained itself and left the ball to the keeper. A series of NSA level talks were cancelled and the govt like a veteran watched the ball till the very end to assess the bounce and the movement.
One-Days balance the game which swings between two extremes of tests and T 20s. It is all about doing the right thing repeatedly and consistently. This new dispensation in Delhi attacked Pakistan on terrorism in all relevant forums. They never let their argument waning. Grabbing all opportunities, they consistently hit right line and length to bind the opposition in defence.
‘POK’ or ‘The perfect googly’
In cricket, a googly is a weapon of mass destruction if delivered deceptively & artfully. It may not only disillusion the batsmen but in more occasion than not, gives the bowler his prized scalp. India has forgotten the other Kashmir long time back. For the first time after so many decades, India raised the issue of atrocities against Shias in shunni dominated Gilgit-Baltistan. It has served as a counterbalance to Pakistan’s moral policing. The authority at which India told UN – “Pakistan got occupation right, occupier wrong” caught everyone in the region by surprise.
‘Bilateral Series Vs Multinational Tournament’
Until recently the success or failure of any Indian govt’s foreign policy was unidimensionally measured by the Indo-Pak relations. Modi has been successful in changing that. He did whirlwind tours across the globe shrugging the responsibility of normalising the Indo-Pak Relations. In other ways, he concentrated more on winning multinational tournaments than exhausting himself out in bilateral series.
‘Lahore stopover’ or ‘an upper cut’
Sending a torturous off stump bouncer glaring past third man is a delightful sight in cricket. However, It is a dangerous shot which can edge the batsman to the keeper or in slips if not executed properly. Modi’s drop-by in Lahore was the first visit to Pakistan by an Indian PM in past 11 years. It has the advantage of adding a personal touch in the otherwise tasteless diplomacy between two countries or the disadvantage of Modi’s tough and no-nonsense image towards Pakistan getting shattered.
Is this risk worth taking? Only time can tell but fortune often favors the brave.