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 over US President Donald Trump’s post on a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Tharoor, a well-known diplomat and politician, has shared four reasons why he finds Trump’s statement “disappointing” and implies that it is a misguided attempt at resolving the long-standing conflict between the two countries.
Firstly, Tharoor argues that Trump’s statement implies a “false equivalence” between the victim and the perpetrator. In this case, India has been a victim of cross-border terrorism and aggression from Pakistan, and has taken several steps to address the issue, including the revocation of Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. On the other hand, Pakistan has been responsible for supporting and sponsoring terrorism in India. However, Trump’s statement does not acknowledge this difference and instead appears to equate the two countries’ actions.
Secondly, Tharoor points out that Trump’s statement offers Pakistan a negotiating framework which it has not earned. Pakistan has a history of not cooperating with international efforts to combat terrorism and has been accused of providing safe haven to terrorist organizations. Therefore, it is unfair to offer Pakistan a negotiating framework without it first taking concrete steps to address these concerns. In contrast, India has been a responsible player in the region and has taken significant steps to address the issue of terrorism.
Thirdly, Tharoor argues that Trump’s statement “internationalises” the Kashmir dispute. The Kashmir dispute is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, and any international intervention can only serve to complicate the situation. India has been clear that it will not accept any external interference in the issue, and Trump’s statement could be seen as a move to undermine India’s sovereignty.
Fourthly, Tharoor points out that Trump’s statement “re-hyphenates” India and Pakistan. In recent years, India has been able to develop strong relations with other countries in the region, including the United States, while maintaining a cautious distance from Pakistan. However, Trump’s statement could be seen as an attempt to re-establish a link between India and Pakistan, which could undermine India’s ability to pursue its own foreign policy goals.
In conclusion, Tharoor’s analysis highlights the flaws in Trump’s statement and the potential consequences of his words. While Trump’s intention may have been to promote peace and stability in the region, his statement could be seen as a misguided attempt to address the issue of terrorism and the Kashmir dispute. As a result, it is essential for India to maintain a strong and independent foreign policy, and to continue to work with other countries to address the issue of terrorism and promote regional stability.
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