The ties between the US and Pakistan are generally based on geo-political expediency. The US tilt towards Pakistan goes back to the 1950s. Washington has glossed over Islamabad’s multiple transgressions in areas ranging from nuclear proliferation to terrorism. New Delhi has now accused Washington of taking the familiar route in regard to the 26/11 tragedy. The US has effectively sought immunity for the Pakistani Intelligence Agency, the ISI and two of its former Director Generals alleged to have been involved in the Mumbai massacre of 2008. Of course, the US administration has indicated that it continues to strongly condemn the 2008 terrorist attacks. They also claim that they are continuing to urge the Pakistan government to dismantle the Lashkar-a-Tuiba and to support regional and global efforts to combat terrorism. But the Indian government is unhappy with the US decision to give immunity to the ISI. For India, it remains of vital importance that justice is done and that those behind the horrible crime must be punished, irrespective of where they reside or operate. No organization, State or non-State should enjoy immunity.
The US attitude seems all the more objectionable to India as it comes in the wake of some controversial statements made by Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik on his recent visit to India. He appeared to equate the demolition of the Babri Masjid with the 26/11 attack in Mumbai. Whatever may be said against the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 12, 1992, it was an internal matter and had nothing in common with the LeT-inspired attack in Mumbai. Pakistan’s and US official attitude definitely shows a proneness to mitigate the enormity of the 2008 attack and Islamabad’s tolerant view of it.