India’s persistent efforts following the Pakistani terror attack at Uri have achieved a major success. It has succeeded in isolating Pakistan from SAARC. It has not merely decided to opt out of the SAARC summit slated to be held in Islamabad it has also persuaded Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Bhutan to boycott the summit. That gives the lie to the notion in western countries that terror sponsored by the Pakistani establishment is triggered by religious differences. Bangladesh and Afghanistan are Muslim countries but they are also opposed to terrorism facilitated by the Pakistani civilian government, its army and the ISI. Their latest decision proves it. It appears that sub-groupings are more effective than SAARC itself in promoting mutual assistance to further economic growth. At SAARC, Pakistan always scuttles Indian initiatives, especially to develop trade and connectivity. It is to be hoped that the boycotting of Pakistan by some Asian countries will change Islamabad’s militant attitude and make it refocus on its policies towards the region. It will also realise that its aid to cross-country terrorism on Kashmir will not serve any fruitful purpose.
India has also reason to be aggrieved about Pakistan’s shilly-shallying on its commitment to grant MFN status to India sooner or later. Two decades have passed without negotiations bearing fruit. Indian moves to normalise trade and connectivity have not been reciprocated by Pakistan. Maybe, it is because Islamabad is afraid that such normalisation may lead to normalisation of political relations. The bilateral format of talks on Kashmir should not then run into such major hurdles. India should therefore represent to the WTO against Pakistan over the MFN issue.
