Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 12, 2025, 11:03 AM
India-Pakistan Relations: Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar recently attacked the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government regarding Pakistan. He said that the current government is not showing the courage to establish dialogue on issues related to Pakistan. Criticizing the government's steps like surgical strike, he said that the way for dialogue should be opened.Aiyar said that Pakistan is often considered the center of terrorism, but the truth is that Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism. He emphasized that Pakistan's old thinking has always been to bring the Taliban to power in Afghanistan. However, now the same Taliban has become the biggest threat to Pakistan.Advocating talks with Pakistan, Mani Shankar Aiyar said that not communicating with Pakistan could be suicidal for India. He said that we should open the way for dialogue at the diplomatic level, as former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did on the Kashmir issue during his tenure.He also said that the people living in Pakistan are also like Indians. The tragedy of Partition has separated the two countries, but at the level of humanity we are alike. Aiyar also stressed that India should take concrete steps towards improving its relations with Pakistan.Mani Shankar Aiyar also commented on the attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh. He said that it is true that Hindus are being attacked in Bangladesh, but the main reason behind these incidents is their support for Sheikh Hasina.He said that these attacks are being exaggerated in the media. Aiyar clarified that most of the conflicts are happening due to political differences. He described it as a political conflict more than religious discrimination.Mani Shankar Aiyar spoke in praise of Sheikh Hasina Aiyar praised Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He said that Sheikh Hasina has done many important works in the interest of India. He praised the decision to grant Sheikh Hasina asylum in India.Aiyar said, "I hope everyone will agree that Sheikh Hasina has done many good things for India. We should respect her and she should be allowed to stay in India as long as she wants. Even if she has to stay in India for the rest of her life, we should continue to be her hosts."Mentioned his personal experience Aiyar also mentioned his personal experience. He said that being a Tamil person, he and his Punjabi wife do not see any big difference from a Pakistani Punjabi. He said that the basis of humanity is one and cultural differences are just superficial. He also said that the similarities between us are much deeper than our divisions.Advocating for improving relations with Pakistan despite criticism Mani Shankar Aiyar's statement has come at a time when relations between India and Pakistan are very tense. Despite this, he has advocated opening the way for dialogue. He said that dialogue is very important to establish peace between the two countries.This statement of Aiyar has created a stir in political circles. His remarks may draw a strong reaction from the ruling party. However, Iyer seems to be firm on his statement. He says that restoring diplomatic dialogue between India and Pakistan is in the interest of both countries and will also promote regional peace.