Aiyar advocates resuming dialogue with Pakistan

Mani Shankar Aiyar, a prominent Congress leader and former diplomat, emphasised that India cannot achieve its global stature until its relationship with Pakistan improves. Calling Pakistan the “albatross around our necks”, Aiyar stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving the longstanding differences between the two nations.
In his recent autobiography, “Memoirs of a Maverick — The First Fifty Years (1941-1991)”, published by Juggernaut Books, Aiyar dedicated a chapter to his tenure as India’s consul general in Karachi from December 1978-January 1982. Reflecting on that period during an interview with PTI, he fondly recalled the goodwill of the Pakistani people towards Indians.
Highlighting a significant incident, Aiyar shared a conversation with his wife Suneet from his early days in Karachi. When she remarked, “This is an enemy country, right?”, it set him on a path of introspection. Four decades later, Aiyar believes the general Pakistani populace neither sees India as an enemy nor considers themselves as adversaries.
He criticised the ongoing diplomatic stance, questioning the suspension of various exchanges between the nations. “Every time we disapprove of the Pakistani government, we halt visas, films, TV exchanges, and books. We’re failing to leverage the goodwill of the Pakistani people in our diplomatic approach,” Aiyar commented.
Noting the freeze in dialogue for the past nine years, Aiyar reminisced about previous Indian prime ministers who actively pursued discussions with Pakistan. He expressed concern for the Pakistani civilians affected by these halted interactions, many of whom have familial ties in India.
During his diplomatic service in Karachi, Aiyar mentioned issuing three lakh visas without a single complaint. He urged India to differentiate between the Pakistani establishment and its people. “Target the establishment if necessary, but engage with them. The Pakistani people are our biggest asset,” he stressed.
Aiyar expressed admiration for a recent event featuring five former Indian high commissioners to Pakistan, all emphasising the importance of dialogue. He cited Dr. Manmohan Singh’s efforts, suggesting that discreet, consistent discussions can even tackle sensitive issues like Kashmir.
Highlighting the potential of bilateral ties, Aiyar emphasised the shared culture, language, and affinity for Bollywood between the two countries. “Almost everyone who has served in Pakistan acknowledges their personal goodwill towards Indians,” Aiyar noted in his book, advocating for improved Indo-Pak relations.