'Change in approach may help better Indo-Pak ties'

Delivering the fourth leadership lecture on ‘India’s engagement with the world,’ organised by T A Pai Management Institute as part of its silver jubilee leadership lecture series here at Fortune Inn Valley View, he said it is one of the most difficult relationship with Pakistan that India shares. Situation is more different than anticipated. During 2004-05, India had comprehensive strategic dialogue with Pakistan that had several sub-texts. However, there were severe crimps of back channel dialogues during 2006-07.
The bilateral dialogue continued till Mumbai blasts. India made tentative efforts in course of dialogues. Reality is that the actual powers in Pakistan vest in military and intelligence powers, he added.

Briefing on the India’s relationship with China, Narayanan said there is willing efforts from both the sides to strengthen the strategic relationships. The co-operative strategic partnership during the year 2005 is the major milestone with respect to the bilateral dialogues. During his visit in 2008 January, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh signed a landmark document sharing the vision in 21st century. The relationship has been reiterated by both the countries from time to time. Leaders have expressed peace and tranquility across borders. However, currently the relationship is clouding the horizon vested on the close nexus of China with Pakistan. India should adopt a sophisticated approach to deal the strategic challenges posed by China. China being the second biggest economy, lingers the shadow in the surrounding boundaries. Besides, China perceives itself as dominant military power in South Asia. It maintains strong military presence in Tibetan region. India follows the policy of trust. At present the neutrality of China with regard to Jammu and Kashmir is not obvious. It might be temporary abbreviation. Media reports with hyper sensitve statements have no evidence. India need to handle the situation with care and see that there is no confrontation arises for any mistake. Besides, India should try and avoid of understanding the intentions of China on India, he added.

India shares an unique relationship with US and there have been profound changes in the bilateral engagements with US. He said high technology, space, agriculture, nuclear, defense and counter terrorism are the areas that have been of crucial importance. Indo-US nuclear civic deal is one of the historic happenings in the relationship between India and US. Bilateral defence is very important. Maritime security and counter terrorism has been reassured in the relationships. West, especially the US, has not deceived to restrict Pakistan’s state policy towards India. Obama years followed by Bush years have seen dramatic shift in relationships. Both the countries operate in the similar wavelength, he added.