Lack of Indo-Pak dialogue 'risky', strengthens those interested in dividing two nations

Counterview Desk 

In an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the top advocacy group, South Asia Peace Action Network (Sapan), has said that the absence of an invite to Pakistan for his oath-taking ceremony is not in the spirit of the concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" – the world is one family – which he claims to advocate.

Asking Modi to "revise" his stand and "extend a hand of friendship to all SAARC countries, including Pakistan", Sapan, whose founders include well known Pakistani human rights activist late IA Rahman and India's late Admiral (retd) L Ramdas (photos), said, "The lack of dialogue between India and Pakistan risks strengthening those whose interests lie in seeing our nations remain divided."

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We write to you as members of the South Asia Peace Action Network (Sapan), a collective committed to fostering cooperation, peace, and dialogue across our region. Our shared histories, cultures, and aspirations drive us to advocate for better relations among our nations under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) umbrella.
First and foremost, we congratulate you and the NDA 3.0 on your recent electoral victory. We also commend the INDI Alliance for restoring a healthy and united opposition in the country after a long gap. This development is a testament to the people of India's reaffirmation of their faith in democracy, ensuring a robust and effective opposition in Parliament – a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
The recent election results affirm that the people of India remain firmly committed to the Indian Constitution. We also commend your initiative in inviting the leaders of neighbouring SAARC countries to join the people of India in felicitating the new government and Parliament during the oath of office ceremony.
However, we feel the absence of an invite to Pakistan. In the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" – the world is one family – we hope you will revise your stand and extend a hand of friendship to all SAARC countries, including Pakistan.
Sapan is a group of South Asians in the region and diaspora who have come together to realise our dream of a cooperative South Asia, working across borders as envisaged by SAARC. We share a common history of colonial exploitation and the divisive policies of partition, which have left deep scars.
We believe that the people of South Asia share many common bonds, from history and cuisine to language, religion, culture, art, dance, and music. Our interactions around the world have shown us the potential for unity and cooperation.
We acknowledge that recent interactions between our nations have been marked by suspicion and a lack of trust. However, we firmly believe it is within our power to mend fences, demonstrating that our ancient cultures and traditions are stronger than any armoury.

We believe it is within our power to mend fences, demonstrating that our ancient cultures and traditions are stronger than any armoury

The lack of dialogue between India and Pakistan risks strengthening those whose interests lie in seeing our nations remain divided. It also hinders South Asia's ability to focus on mutual development and prosperity.

History shows that dialogue is crucial. If former Indian Prime Minister, the late Shri Rajiv Gandhi had not gone to Islamabad for the 1988 SAARC summit, many critical issues between India and Pakistan would have remained unresolved during the Cold War. Similarly, the aftermath of the Kargil War and the events of 9/11 necessitated dialogue. The then Prime Minister late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee's initiatives, starting from the 2002 SAARC summit in Kathmandu, helped prevent further deterioration.
Therefore, we appeal to you, for the sake of the peoples of our region, to strive to enter a new era of genuine fraternity across our borders. This is essential to improve the quality of life for all our peoples, increasing performance in every sector, and freeing our peoples from the clutches of hunger, disease, unemployment and ethnic and religious strife.
India’s 2024 electoral mandate, in which the people of India ushered in a government of consensus, presents an opportunity for South Asia and SAARC to also be governed by consensus. Let us seize this moment to foster an inclusive and collaborative future for our region.
We at Sapan pledge to work with you and all governments in the region to continue dialogue and facilitate an easier visa regime for our people.
We respectfully urge you to call a formal SAARC summit, bringing together the heads of all nations, including Pakistan, to work out a roadmap for peace and good relations in this auspicious period of Amrit Kaal.
Sapan and many groups in the region offer our full support and are ready to work with all South Asian governments to take steps in this direction. As our esteemed visionaries,the late I.A. Rehman and Admiral L. Ramdas, both committed to promoting peace and understanding between India and Pakistan, said: "If not now, then when? If not us, then who?"
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Click here for Sapan Founding Charter