logo
From Standoff to Setback: Modi's Policies and India's Diplomatic Challenges

From Standoff to Setback: Modi's Policies and India's Diplomatic Challenges

Express Tribune2 days ago

Modi says water once flowing out of India will now be retained and used domestically for India's interests. PHOTO: FILE
Post Pak-India clashes scenario has once again established the fact that non resolution of Kashmir, water and terrorism issues would continue to hinder peace in the South Asian Region.
Besides reestablishing Pakistan's conventional deterrence Pak-India standoff helped in revival of the Kashmir issue on the international stage, which served as a blow to India's diplomatic standing.
Narendra Modi's wrong policies have not only led to disappointment for India diplomatically, moreover, his policy of bilateralism on Kashmir has suffered a significant setback. The Pakistan-China Institute (PCI) in its report titled 'Sixteen hours that reshaped South Asia' has termed Modi's flawed policies the main reason of severe blow to India's interests since India's defeat in 1962 war against China.
Human history is replete with wounds inflicted by humans on other humans, but it is also true that societies, as they traverse the stages of cultural evolution, gradually begin to shed their animalistic tendencies. However, our misfortune is that we have a nation living in our neighborhood that still adheres to the philosophy of Machiavellian deceit and barbarism, as embodied by its political deity Chanakya, and its foreign policy is founded on the same philosophy.
However, there is another side to the picture. The law of nature dictates that anything built on deceitful thinking will eventually decline. Not long ago, India had complete influence over all the small countries in the region, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Nepal, and its voice was paramount in these countries. But when India's true face was exposed, the world witnessed how India's puppet regime, in the form of Sheikh Hasina Wajed, met its ignominious end.
To harm Pakistan's existence, India invested heavily in Afghanistan, establishing centers of terrorism and using its proxies to target CPEC, in an attempt to deprive the region of developmental progress. India is also working on a plan to eliminate China's presence in Pakistan and the Arabian Sea region.
Despite India's continuous efforts to create differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan, recent diplomatic developments have strengthened ties between the two brotherly nations. China, emerging as a reliable regional partner, has further reinforced this trilateral alliance with a commitment to economic cooperation and mutual security.
Afghanistan's formal inclusion in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) marks a new era, which has thwarted India's destructive designs. India's fabricated narratives have failed to isolate Pakistan, which has consistently demonstrated responsibility, restraint, and patience, as evident in the recent India-Pakistan conflict.
While India continues to engage in provocations, Pakistan has shown utmost responsibility. In contrast, the region, home to two billion people, might become a victim of Modi's political vendetta and obsession – this is not leadership but preparation for collective destruction.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

A budget beyond rhetoric
A budget beyond rhetoric

Express Tribune

time3 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

A budget beyond rhetoric

Listen to article There is no dearth of proposals and ideas for the forthcoming federal budget for the year 2025-26, nor is there any shortage of ambition and claims by the finance ministry about the poor-friendly nature and positive impact of the budget on the economy of Pakistan. What, in fact, is lacking is any innovation or change — and above all, the resources to meet the aforementioned aspirations and claims. Why not think out of the box and come up with some game-changing and transformative actions? This is the time for Pakistan to defy rhetoric and prove an ability to do something different and unexpected. Some of these ideas are as follows. First and foremost, there is a real need to expand the revenue base and numbers. Every year there are certain adjustments in tax rates and incidence, primarily to expand the taxpayers' base. This adds a couple of hundred billion rupees each year, in addition to the normal increase in the revenue base due to economic growth. This time, why not meet this target by another source — bar the banks, particularly the government-owned ones, from loan write-offs and recover those as part of the federal revenue? This would yield at least a couple of hundred billion rupees. Moreover, why not cease the subsidies to state-owned enterprises, especially the likes of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan Steel, and Pakistan Railways? This would save another few hundred billion rupees. This would spare the poor taxpayers, especially individuals, who must bear the burden of increased tax collection every year. Among the more standard and expected actions to increase revenue is the implementation of comprehensive tax reforms. This includes broadening the tax base by bringing more individuals and businesses into the tax net. Simplifying the tax code, reducing exemptions, and enhancing tax compliance through digitalisation and automation can significantly improve tax collection. Additionally, introducing progressive taxation policies can ensure that the wealthy contribute their fair share to the national exchequer. Secondly, rather than curtailing public sector expenditure in the development sector, it is imperative that we increase it. Investing in infrastructure is crucial for boosting productivity and economic growth. The government should prioritise the development of transportation networks, energy projects, and digital infrastructure by itself rather than relying only on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be leveraged to attract private investment in large-scale infrastructure projects. Improved infrastructure will not only facilitate international and internal trade and commerce but also enhance the overall quality of life for citizens. Thirdly, it is important to incentivise and invest more in the agriculture sector rather than finding ways to tax it. Agriculture remains a vital sector for Pakistan — not only for the economy and jobs but for the very basics of society and the future of food security. Increasing agricultural productivity will have a transformative impact on the whole economy and society. The government should invest in modernising agricultural practices, providing access to high-quality seeds, fertilisers, and irrigation systems. Promoting research and development in agriculture and offering training programs for farmers can lead to higher yields and better-quality produce. Additionally, establishing efficient supply chains and reducing post-harvest losses can improve the profitability of the agricultural sector. Fourthly, it is important to announce an impactful and sizable support package for the promotion and strengthening of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). SMEs are the backbone of Pakistan's economy, and supporting their growth can lead to substantial economic benefits. The government should introduce targeted incentives for SMEs, such as a blanket tax break for innovation-oriented SMEs, low-interest loans, and grants for innovation and technology adoption. Establishing business incubators and providing access to training and mentorship programmes through government support programmes can also help SMEs thrive and create more job opportunities. Fifthly, it is time to adapt the fiscal system to promote innovation and technology. Innovation and technology are key drivers of economic growth in the modern world. The government should invest in research and development (R&D) and promote collaboration between academia, industry, and government institutions. Providing grants and incentives for startups and tech companies can spur innovation and create new business opportunities. Additionally, enhancing digital literacy and expanding access to high-speed internet can empower citizens to participate in the digital economy. Sixthly, to ensure inclusive growth, it is essential to strengthen social safety nets and provide support to vulnerable populations. The government should enhance resources for social welfare programmes such as the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), but also expand these to healthcare, education, and housing. Implementing targeted cash transfer programs and providing subsidies for essential goods can help alleviate poverty and improve the standard of living for marginalised communities. It is quite easy, despite the challenging economic situation, to come up with a budget with some adjustments in the usual economic and budget toolkit and create a political marketing package for it. It may, however, be much easier for the citizens, more impactful in the long term, and better for the country if some game-changing actions are taken at the cost of short-term political capital. THE WRITER IS AN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIST

Gen Mirza warns of nuclear confrontation risk
Gen Mirza warns of nuclear confrontation risk

Business Recorder

time4 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

Gen Mirza warns of nuclear confrontation risk

SINGAPORE: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza has said that there exists the danger of a nuclear confrontation between India and Pakistan. Speaking at the 22nd Shangrila Dialogue, 2025, in Singapore, held in the backdrop of Pak-India tensions, he said that no mechanis could work as long as there is distrust between the two countries. 'Pakistan desires lasting peace with India and at the same time wants to protect its honour and prestige,' Mirza has said, adding, 'Talks between the two countries are now inevitable if we are to ensure the security of South Asia.' Pakistan, India close to completing border troop reduction, senior Pakistani general says He has opined that preventing tensions in the region is better than allowing these bitter relations to develop into a crisis and then dealing with that crisis. 'The resolution of the Kashmir dispute in the light of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions will prove to be a basis for peace in the region, which is on the brink of crisis,' he has said, adding that the dispute is a reason for tense relations between Pakistan and India. He has further said that India's plan to block the flow of rivers to Pakistan is a blatant violation of international law. 'As per the national security committee, any such attempt by India will be deemed to be an act of war.' The CJCSC chairman has lashed out at India for targeting innocent civilians and mosques during the recent war with Pakistan. The corps commanders and other senior-most Pakistan Army officials have held sittings with the students and teachers of different educational institutions of the country. During their interactions, they brought home the fact that no nation could progress without education. They also briefed them on the contributions being made by the Pakistan Army to different development projects in the country.

Pakistan, Afghanistan push ahead with UAP rail project
Pakistan, Afghanistan push ahead with UAP rail project

Business Recorder

time4 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

Pakistan, Afghanistan push ahead with UAP rail project

ISLAMABAD: In a bold bid to reshape the geopolitics of Central and South Asia, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi dialled in a high-stakes phone call on Sunday to push forward the game-changing Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line project. The proposed 573-kilometer rail link, stretching from Tashkent through Kabul to Peshawar and connecting to Gwadar and Karachi ports, carries a projected cost of $4.8 billion. It is poised to serve as a vital artery linking Central Asia's landlocked economies to international markets, potentially turbo charging economic ties and fostering deeper regional connectivity. According to a statement from Foreign Office, the two ministers agreed on the urgency of finalizing the framework agreement swiftly for the UAP Railway project, reflecting a shared commitment to cementing this infrastructure vision. The dialogue follows Dar's recent conversation with Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich to coordinate final details for the project's forthcoming signing ceremony. Pakistan, Russia, CARs: meeting on UAP rail plan likely on April 23-24 Beyond infrastructure, the phone call underscored a parallel diplomatic thaw. Afghanistan's Amir Khan Muttaqi welcomed Pakistan's recent move to elevate its diplomatic mission in Kabul from chargé d'affaires to ambassador level – a gesture Kabul has pledged to reciprocate by upgrading its envoy in Islamabad. Both countries have been maintaining embassies headed by chargés d'affaires, a reflection of strained ties over decades marked by mistrust and conflict. 'This is a very positive development,' Muttaqi said, framing the diplomatic upgrade as a milestone in the 'brotherly countries'' evolving relationship. The mutual embassies' upgrade follows similar steps by China, the first nation to accept an ambassador from the Taliban-led government, and the UAE, signalling a cautious but tangible international shift towards engagement with Afghanistan's new regime. Both the ministers also reviewed progress on a slate of agreements from Dar's April visit to Kabul, reaffirming their commitment to fostering mutual trust and cooperation in a region historically fraught with geopolitical volatility. As Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan move forward with this massive rail project and diplomatic rapprochement, the moves may herald a new chapter of connectivity and stability in a part of the world long challenged by division and uncertainty. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store