Shashi Tharoor Shares 4 Reasons Why Trump’s Ceasefire Post on India & Pak was ‘Disappointing’
In a recent tweet, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his disappointment with US President Donald Trump’s post on a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Tharoor, a seasoned diplomat and politician, listed four reasons why he found Trump’s statement “disappointing” and worthy of critique. In this blog post, we’ll dive into each of those reasons and explore why Tharoor’s concerns are valid.
Reason 1: False Equivalence between Victim and Perpetrator
Tharoor’s first reason for disappointment is the “false equivalence” between India, the victim of cross-border terrorism, and Pakistan, the perpetrator of that terrorism. In his tweet, Tharoor argues that Trump’s statement implies that both countries are equally responsible for the current state of affairs, which is simply not the case. India has been a victim of Pakistan-backed terrorism for decades, and the country has been working tirelessly to combat this threat. By drawing a false equivalence between India and Pakistan, Trump’s statement undermines India’s legitimate concerns and creates a perception that both countries are equally culpable.
This false equivalence is particularly problematic given the recent escalation of violence along the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan-backed terrorists have been launching cross-border attacks on Indian military personnel and civilians, leading to significant loss of life and property. India has responded with surgical strikes and other measures to counter this threat, and it is only reasonable that the international community recognizes Pakistan’s role in perpetuating this violence.
Reason 2: Pakistan’s Unearned Negotiating Framework
Tharoor’s second reason for disappointment is the negotiating framework that Trump’s statement offers Pakistan. According to Tharoor, Pakistan has not earned the right to be part of any negotiating process, given its continued support for terrorism and its refusal to crack down on terrorist organizations operating on its soil. By offering Pakistan a negotiating framework, Trump’s statement implies that Pakistan is a legitimate partner in any dialogue, which is not the case.
Moreover, Pakistan’s refusal to acknowledge its role in perpetuating terrorism and its failure to take concrete steps to combat terrorism undermine any attempt at dialogue. As long as Pakistan continues to provide safe haven to terrorist organizations and refuses to take meaningful action against them, it is not a credible negotiating partner.
Reason 3: Internationalization of the Kashmir Dispute
Tharoor’s third reason for disappointment is the “internationalisation” of the Kashmir dispute that Trump’s statement implies. The Kashmir dispute is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, and it is for the two countries to resolve through peaceful means. By internationalizing the dispute, Trump’s statement creates the perception that the international community has a role to play in resolving the issue, which is not the case.
Moreover, internationalizing the dispute risks undermining the credibility of any future diplomatic efforts between India and Pakistan. As long as the two countries are not willing to engage in meaningful dialogue, any international intervention will only serve to complicate the situation further.
Reason 4: Re-Hyphenation of India and Pakistan
Tharoor’s final reason for disappointment is the “re-hyphenation” of India and Pakistan that Trump’s statement implies. For years, India has been building strong ties with other countries, including the United States, and has been working to isolate Pakistan diplomatically. Trump’s statement risks undoing this progress by re-linking India and Pakistan in the eyes of the international community.
Moreover, re-hyphenation of India and Pakistan implies that the two countries are still linked in some way, which is not the case. India and Pakistan have distinct identities, cultures, and foreign policies, and it is time for the international community to recognize this reality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shashi Tharoor’s criticism of Trump’s ceasefire post on India and Pakistan is well-founded. Trump’s statement implies a false equivalence between victim and perpetrator, offers Pakistan a negotiating framework it hasn’t earned, internationalizes the Kashmir dispute, and re-hyphenates India and Pakistan. As India continues to navigate the complex landscape of South Asian geopolitics, it is crucial that the international community recognizes India’s legitimate concerns and supports the country’s efforts to combat terrorism and promote peace and stability in the region.
Source: https://x.com/shashitharoor/status/1921962732972302677
