Title: 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 parliamentarian, shared four reasons why Trump’s post was “disappointing” and reflected a lack of understanding of the complex dynamics between the two nations.
Tharoor’s first reason for disappointment was that Trump’s tweet implied a “false equivalence” between the victim and perpetrator. In the tweet, Trump mentioned that he spoke to both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and that they are both “ready to feel” and “ready to talk”. This, Tharoor argued, is a flawed approach that equates the actions of the two countries. India, he pointed out, has been a victim of cross-border terrorism and violence orchestrated by Pakistan, while Pakistan has been responsible for perpetrating these acts.
Tharoor emphasized that it is essential to recognize the asymmetry in the relationship between India and Pakistan. India has been a victim of terrorism, while Pakistan has been the perpetrator. By implying a false equivalence, Trump’s tweet reinforces the notion that both countries are equal in their culpability, which is far from the truth.
Tharoor’s second reason for disappointment was that Trump’s tweet offered Pakistan a negotiating framework that it hasn’t earned. Pakistan, he argued, has consistently refused to take concrete action against terrorist organizations operating on its soil. Instead, Trump’s tweet seemed to suggest that Pakistan is willing to engage in talks and make concessions, which is a far cry from the reality.
Tharoor pointed out that Pakistan has a history of using terrorism as a tool to achieve its strategic objectives. Until Pakistan takes concrete steps to dismantle these terror networks and bring those responsible to justice, it is premature to offer it a negotiating framework. By doing so, Trump’s tweet is essentially rewarding Pakistan for its lack of action, which is unacceptable.
Tharoor’s third reason for disappointment was that Trump’s tweet “internationalizes” the Kashmir dispute. The tweet, he argued, implies that the Kashmir issue is a matter of international concern, which is incorrect. The Kashmir dispute is an internal matter between India and Pakistan, and it is essential to recognize this.
Tharoor emphasized that the Kashmir dispute is a bilateral issue that needs to be resolved through direct talks between India and Pakistan. By internationalizing the issue, Trump’s tweet is essentially undermining India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is unacceptable and undermines India’s ability to resolve the issue on its own terms.
Tharoor’s final reason for disappointment was that Trump’s tweet “re-hyphenates” India and Pakistan. The tweet, he argued, implies that India and Pakistan are still connected at the hip, which is no longer the case. India has taken significant steps to isolate Pakistan and sever its economic and diplomatic ties, which is a recognition of Pakistan’s role in promoting terrorism.
Tharoor pointed out that India has made significant progress in isolating Pakistan and promoting its own interests. By re-hyphenating India and Pakistan, Trump’s tweet is essentially undermining India’s efforts to promote its own interests and isolate Pakistan. This is a retrograde step that ignores the changing dynamics of the region.
In conclusion, Tharoor’s tweet highlights four reasons why Trump’s ceasefire post on India and Pakistan was disappointing. Trump’s tweet implied a false equivalence between the victim and perpetrator, offered Pakistan a negotiating framework that it hasn’t earned, internationalized the Kashmir dispute, and re-hyphenated India and Pakistan. Tharoor’s comments reflect a deep understanding of the complex dynamics between India and Pakistan and highlight the need for a more nuanced and informed approach to resolving the issues between the two nations.
News Source:
https://x.com/shashitharoor/status/1921962732972302677
