Jaishankar in Pak

THE go-ahead to the first visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Pakistan in almost nine years was indication enough that behind-the-scenes diplomacy had been productive. Before going to Islamabad to attend a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, S Jaishankar had declared that India's Pakistan policy was not passive. New Delhi, the message went, was willing to respond to any positive gestures. In the Pakistan capital, he said activities characterised by the three evils of terrorism, extremism and separatism would not encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges. Strong words, but minus the hostility that matter-of-factly manifests itself in any forum that includes India and Pakistan. The resumption of dialogue may not be on the cards, but Jaishankar's informal interaction with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar raises hopes of ending the deep freeze in bilateral relations.

Sustaining even a limited engagement with Pakistan has remained a challenge for successive Indian governments. Islamabad’s, or rather Rawalpindi's, proclivity to betray trust adds to the scepticism. Having laid on the table its non-negotiable stance against terrorism, New Delhi must continue to explore options to engage with its rogue neighbour. Keeping the channels of communication open is critical. Cricket diplomacy may or may not come to Delhi's aid, as it has in the past, but in the larger scheme of things, it can serve as an ice-breaker.

The smooth completion of Jaishankar's visit is being viewed as a constructive takeaway — a baby step, but forward movement, nevertheless. The ball is now in Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's court. The track record of his brother, former PM Nawaz Sharif, in fomenting ties does not inspire any confidence. Before India, there's the Pakistan military the Sharifs have to deal with. New Delhi will be keenly watching the outcome.