Mani Shankar Aiyar has dedicated an entire chapter in his autobiography to his tenure in Pakistan.
Introduction:
In a thought-provoking stance, seasoned diplomat and politician Mani Shankar Aiyar has brought to light the complexities of India's relationship with its western neighbor, Pakistan. Through his recently published autobiography, "Memoirs of a Maverick -- The First Fifty Years (1941-1991)," Aiyar emphasizes the need for dialogue and improved relations between the two countries. Drawing from his personal experiences as India's consul general in Karachi, Aiyar delves into the nuances of the India-Pakistan relationship and the potential it holds for shaping the future of both nations.
India's Asset in Pakistan: Its People
Mani Shankar Aiyar passionately underscores that India's "biggest asset" in Pakistan is the shared sentiment among the people of the two countries. Through his interactions and observations during his diplomatic stint, Aiyar realized that the average Pakistani does not view India as an enemy. This viewpoint challenges the conventional narrative and highlights the significance of leveraging this goodwill for diplomatic endeavors. He argues that rather than punishing the Pakistani government through measures such as visa restrictions, India should work on strengthening its rapport with the people.
The Necessity of Dialogue
Aiyar's call for the resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan is rooted in his belief that sustainable progress can only be achieved through open communication. He refers to the efforts made by former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who recognized the potential of private, uninterrupted talks to address contentious issues such as Kashmir. The diplomat's insights remind us that setbacks are inevitable in diplomacy, but persistence and patience are essential in forging a meaningful relationship between the two nations.
The Role of History and Shared Culture
In his autobiography, Aiyar emphasizes the shared history, language, and culture between India and Pakistan. Despite political tensions, he asserts that commonalities exist between the two countries, including a mutual love for Bollywood and its music, as well as a similar sense of humor. By highlighting these points of connection, Aiyar underscores the potential for cultural diplomacy to play a positive role in thawing diplomatic frost.
Conclusion:
Mani Shankar Aiyar's insights offer a fresh perspective on the India-Pakistan relationship, focusing on the importance of people-to-people connections and constructive dialogue. His call for embracing shared cultural ties and nurturing diplomatic patience provides an alternative approach to the age-old challenges faced by the two nations. As Aiyar aptly points out, until India and Pakistan can untangle themselves from the mutual albatross that impedes their relations, the journey toward global prominence remains a challenging endeavor.
