Notes that India is “shocked” by the idea of international group of people to talk with the Taliban, a prominent Pakistani scholar has said that New Delhi has been largely pushed into negotiations with Islamabad.
“I think the Indians have been pushed into the conversation. They have been quite shocked by this idea that the international community is now ready for a form of dialogue with the Taliban, and of course they want to find out of Pakistan, what they will do,” says Ahmed Rashid, author of Descent into Chaos at the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations.
With regard to the Feb. 25 talks between India and Pakistan at the level of foreign ministers, said Mr. Rashid, he has little prospect of a resumption of peace talks between the two South Asian neighbors.
“I do not expect anything very dramatic, but I think a couple of things is important to note. I think one reason why Indians have come back to the table – and there were those who refused to talk with Pakistan on Pakistan had dismantled the terrorist communications for extremist groups who had fought in Kashmir, Pakistan now has done something like that, and yet the Indians have come back, “he says.
I think one reason is, of course, there has been considerable pressure from the Americans and the international community and even from India. But I think that the Indians were very shocked at the London meeting on Afghanistan a few weeks ago, the entire international community has decided that it would be good to start the reintegration of the Taliban, “Mr. Rashid said.
“The idea to talk with the Taliban is abhorrence to India because it would only mean for India, you know, Pakistan would have a major impact on a future Afghanistan. And do not forget, India spent 10 years in the 90s, which has a presence in Afghanistan because Pakistan ran the Taliban and the Taliban regime does not allow the Indians at all, “he said in answer to a question.
“As far as really about the core issues of Kashmir, which is incredible you know to be resolved before the two countries really be rid of doubts, I think we are still very far away, and this will take very long to resolve,” he stated.
