Efficacy Of CBMs In India-Pakistan Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brief stopover in Lahore melted some ice and the think tanks in both countries were optimistic about improved bilateral relation by this act. But as the Lahore bus started by then PM Mr. Vajpayee was punchered in Kargil, Pakistan once again showcased its nefarious designs and attacked our strategic assets in Pathankot in return. Now the Indian response to this attack which could have been of a higher magnitude than even Mumbai 26/11, not only puts a question mark to its consequent management but also calls for an immediate concern towards our intelligence sharing prior to such attacks. Now the bigger question is should these CBM’s continue with same latter and spirit or should Indian Government take a tough stand and stop all CBM’s till the JEM’s Masood Azar behind these attacks is nabbed and tried by Pakistan.
Nawaz Sharif was PM when Kargil took place and since then it was felt that the Kargil was a brainchild of Musharaf. But the recent attack on Pathankot leaves some questions unanswered that whether Pak PM is really serious and in full control to improve bilateral relations and strengthen the CBM’s. It seems as if the confidence building measures have turned in to Competition Building Measures
According to Johan Jorgen Holst: CBMs may be defined as arrangements designed to enhance assurance of mind and belief in the trust-worthiness of states– confidence is the product of much broader patterns of relations than those which relate to military security. In fact, the latter have to be woven into a complex texture of economic, cultural, technical and social relationships. These CBM’s can be further divided in to three categories: Military CBM’s, Political CBM’s and Economic CBM’s and so far as Indo –Pak CBM’s are concerned there have been half hearted efforts put in to effective implementation of the same. The lack of sincere implementation has further resulted in trust deficit between both countries and a arms race has started in the region. This deficit has further given an edge to the fundamentalists and extremist elements that under the garb of Jehad disturb the peace of the region.
India should engage Pakistan and put international pressure so that the conflict resolution is done through peaceful means and the talks should continue may be at slower pace. Most of the CBM proposals have been designed to capture the political high ground, not to solve problems and the role of external powers has also been very important in bringing India and Pakistan to the dialogue. People to people contact, cultural exchanges and effective CBM’s implementation will lead to the building up of the necessary environment of trust for taking up the resolution of all outstanding disputes including the core issue of Kashmir. Long lasting peace in South Asia hinges on cordial relation between these two nations.
 

By: Ajay Kumar