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In its best and mature version, the larger bilateral project has stressed on richer cultural and sporting ties that can endure and survive the occasional diplomatic lows. After a 15-year lull, normal cricket ties between India and Pakistan were revived in 2004, the result of a deliberate effort. They have helped in shoring up and stabilising the conversation between the two countries since. Be it Musharraf’s 2005 visit for a match, which provided the tailwind for talks on Kashmir, or the world cup semifinal in Mohali that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Zardari watched together, cricket diplomacy has found resonance on both sides of the border.
Letting Pakistani sportspeople, performers and business delegations feel unwelcome in India, or compelling them to go back, is unwise and counterproductive. This is not a moment for India’s political leadership to pander to the irresponsible and the belligerent. It is a moment for statesmanship and unwavering focus on the larger goals.
"..Instead of defending the process, acknowledging the complexities of Pakistan%u2019s current situation and the necessity of greater economic integration in the long run.." Why is "greater economic integration" with Pakistan necessary for India? Do we import oil or some other vital commodity from Pakistan? No. Do we need Paki labour? Given the number of unemployed Indians, the answer is no. Do we need Pakistan as a market for our products? The US, Europe and China are far bigger markets, and Pakistan is a bankrupt country kept afloat by baksheesh from the US and other countries, so again the answer is no. If we don't need anything they produce, we don't need their labour to produce anything, and we don't need to sell them anything we produce, how do the geniuses of the Indian Express conclude that "economic integration is necessary"? This article is stupidity masquerading as statesmanship.
With due respect to the editor, we have tried to maintain the same line for the past so many years without seeing any benefit. India should now change its approach and call off all relations with pakistan and just hope that pakistan would leave us alone.. There is no benefit in having cordial relations with pakistan
I agree with the editorial. It makes sense to keep the peace dialogue and military response to Pak misadventures separate. It will suffice if army is given a free hand, though implicitly, to deal with such barbaric attacks while keeping the bilateral relations normal. Diplomacy with stern action on the border is the prescription for this disease.
Dear Sir, While you may be better trained and better versed to express your line of argument vis-à-vis how to deal with Pakistan, persons like myself who have some experience in life also have an opinion to offer, albeit in less elegant words. No matter what India does to ensure to protect itself from shenanigans of Pakistan, it cannot succeed in its objective. Self-serving military establishment of Pakistan, which is all-powerful, has no incentive to cease hostilities with India. It will find or induce one reason or another to derail peace initiatives however hard our government tries. Civilian government of Pakistan may have some incentive in keeping peace, but alas, it only survives as long as military establishment has pleasure to let it be. So, the least we can do is to maintain our dignity while suffering this curse of our nation's destiny. Let us at least preserve our honour.
Indian express has taken a steep step to generalize the things, If you take the religious histories there is no one from the follower of that particular religion which says that , their messenger has done a wrong thing by waging a war. yes to win over adharma there will be a required war. I hope the one who wrote this will not silent if i enter his home and kill his family and stay in his home.
Why not let the Pakis in and let them sleep with the spouses of Indian Express editors. They must realise it needs two to tango or if they are so dumb that it needs two hands to clap.
Kindly invite the spouse of late cop Ombale from Mumbai and ask her whether we allow Pakistanis play or perform here!
I would have liked to read IE's comments when Mr. Ratan Tata refused to supply the vehicles to Pakistan. Business, sports and cultural activities are not and can never be on top when the incidences like this take place on the border and terrorist activities within the country.
The indian express for past few years has appeared to be selling out to its editorial soul to paymasters from delhi or elsewhere. The editorial today questioning the Indian armies right to defend itself and India's territories for want of few cricket and hockey matches with Pakistan doesnt surprise me at all. For what else can be expected from an editor who has sold out to paymaster from 10 People Road and islamic emirates in Middle east
Despite a yearning for peace after a long and fruitless stand off, the leadership in both countries must accept that there are determined constituencies that can easily wreck any constructive initiative. How difficult would it be for General Kayani to speak quietly to his Indian counterpart and say that what happened was most unfortunate ? If the rules of engagement are soiled, sane voices will be drowned
I think this peace brigrade including IE editors have business interest with Pakistan, that's why they are preferring dialogue over tough stand even Pakistan is wrecking havoc in India.
Cricket and hockey ties are not more important than peace on the borders and the need to salvage the credibility of the nation's ability to defend itself against aggression which is being questioned by the Pak army at every opportunity they get.IE should stop blowing hot and cold in order to serve the interests of those who dictate its editorial line line from abroad.
