Shashi Tharoor Shares 4 Reasons Why Trump’s Ceasefire Post on India & Pak was ‘Disappointing’
US President Donald Trump’s recent tweet calling for a ceasefire between India and Pakistan has sparked a heated debate, with many experts and politicians weighing in on its implications. Among those who have expressed disappointment is Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who has shared four reasons why he believes Trump’s post was “disappointing”.
Tharoor, a seasoned diplomat and experienced parliamentarian, has been vocal about his concerns regarding the tweet. In a series of tweets, he outlined his reasons for being disappointed with Trump’s call for ceasefire. According to Tharoor, there are several reasons why Trump’s post was “disappointing”, and we will explore each of these reasons in detail.
Reason 1: False Equivalence
Tharoor’s first reason for being disappointed is that Trump’s tweet implies a “false equivalence” between India and Pakistan. In his tweet, Trump called for a ceasefire between the two countries, without acknowledging the fact that Pakistan has been repeatedly accused of supporting terrorism in the region. Tharoor argues that by calling for a ceasefire without addressing the root cause of the conflict, Trump is essentially equating the victim (India) with the perpetrator (Pakistan). This, according to Tharoor, is unacceptable and undermines the credibility of the international community.
Tharoor’s point is well-taken. In recent years, Pakistan has been accused of providing safe havens to terrorist organizations, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammed, which have carried out attacks in India. India has also been a victim of cross-border terrorism, with multiple attacks being carried out by Pakistan-based terrorist organizations. By ignoring this reality, Trump’s tweet sends the wrong message, implying that both countries are equally responsible for the conflict.
Reason 2: Offers Pakistan a Negotiating Framework it Hasn’t Earned
Tharoor’s second reason for being disappointed is that Trump’s tweet offers Pakistan a negotiating framework that it hasn’t earned. According to Tharoor, Pakistan has been unwilling to take concrete steps to address India’s concerns about terrorism and has instead continued to support terrorist organizations. By calling for a ceasefire, Trump is essentially offering Pakistan a negotiating framework without any conditions or demands.
This, according to Tharoor, is a mistake. Pakistan needs to take concrete steps to address India’s concerns about terrorism before any negotiations can take place. By offering a negotiating framework without conditions, Trump is essentially rewarding Pakistan for its bad behavior, which will only embolden it to continue its support for terrorism.
Reason 3: Internationalises the Kashmir Dispute
Tharoor’s third reason for being disappointed is that Trump’s tweet internationalises the Kashmir dispute. According to Tharoor, the Kashmir dispute is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, and it is not for the international community to intervene. By calling for a ceasefire, Trump is essentially internationalising the dispute, which will only complicate the situation further.
Tharoor’s point is well-taken. The Kashmir dispute is a sensitive issue that has been the subject of a bilateral dispute between India and Pakistan for decades. While the international community has expressed concerns about the situation in Kashmir, it is ultimately for India and Pakistan to resolve the dispute bilaterally.
Reason 4: Re-Hyphenates India and Pakistan
Tharoor’s final reason for being disappointed is that Trump’s tweet re-hyphenates India and Pakistan. According to Tharoor, the US government had previously acknowledged India’s concerns about terrorism and had taken steps to address them. By calling for a ceasefire and re-hyphenating India and Pakistan, Trump is essentially undoing the progress that had been made.
This, according to Tharoor, is a setback for India and will only embolden Pakistan to continue its support for terrorism. By re-hyphenating India and Pakistan, Trump is essentially putting India on the same footing as Pakistan, which is unacceptable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tharoor’s four reasons for being disappointed with Trump’s tweet are well-taken. Trump’s tweet implies a “false equivalence” between India and Pakistan, offers Pakistan a negotiating framework it hasn’t earned, internationalises the Kashmir dispute, and re-hyphenates India and Pakistan. These are all serious concerns that need to be addressed.
It is essential for the international community to take a balanced approach to the India-Pakistan conflict, acknowledging India’s concerns about terrorism while also working towards a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute. By doing so, the international community can help to reduce tensions between India and Pakistan and promote peace and stability in the region.
News Source:
https://x.com/shashitharoor/status/1921962732972302677
