Indian and Pakistani officials are meeting in New Delhi on Feb 25 for a fresh round of talks. It appears that concerted efforts on the part of international diplomats have persuaded the estranged neighbours, particularly India, to get back to the conference table.
However, Indias growing economic muscle allows it the luxury of ignoring Western pressure, as and when it pleases, a cushion that Pakistan does not seem to have or exercise. Disallowing Monsantos -Americas leading farming technology firm - hybrid seeds in India in the face of U.S lobbying is a recent example of Indias ability to protect its own interests.
FICCI - the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry - is exerting pressure on the Indian government. They claim that an unstable region results in the thinning of the FDI, choking the dream of the Indian economic miracle.
In addition, Indias aims to become a regional economic superpower are closely linked with opening up trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia, for which Pakistan holds vital importance, being the transit route. So, an unstable Pakistan will never be in the interest of India.
Indias one-point agenda for the meeting is seen by some analysts as a pressure tactic to urge Pakistan to do more. Others believe it is for domestic consumption in the face of intense opposition from the BJP.
Salman Bashir, Pakistans foreign secretary, is expected to table all of Pakistans issues in the meeting. He will be required to determine the real motivations driving India to entertain the dialogue. If indeed, it can be determined that economics is driving foreign policy, the interest of Pakistans economy must be protected in drafting any bilateral policy.
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