New Delhi:
The 'Marriage of Convenience' is a political term. It has some relevance even in diplomacy.
But what happens to the marriage of convenience when it comes between the American establishment and Pakistan's notorious spy agency, Inter Service Intelligence (ISI)?
It is time to recall America's famous 'Operation Cyclone'.
Wikipedia says - that's the code name for the United States Central Intelligence Agency program to arm and finance the Afghan Mujahideen in Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989.
In March 1985, the US administration under Ronald Regan decided to provide the Mujahideens the anti-air craft missiles. The ISI was Controller and Distributor of the weapons.
The weapons would arrive at Karachi port and then taken to Quetta and subsequently smuggled into Afghanistan - all aimed at fighting the Soviet Union.
The term Jihad - the Holy War- was virtually given legitimacy.
In 1980, the Jimmy Carter administration provided $ 30 million to Mujahideen throughauthorities and agencies in Pakistan. By 1987-88, the annual allocation for Mujahideen reached around 625-630 million dollars.
Now, what has come to haunt the world and the US in 2021 is not without reason and a background.
It's not that these are not known.
But as the Modi-Biden meet comes on the backdrop of the US losing a perception battle, somecandid and plain speaking are expected.
"US ka withdrawal to hua hai par hum US ko jaroor bataenge ki Afghanistan pe aur unke jo usss ilaake mein najar jaroor rakhana chaahie (The withdrawal of US has happened, but we will definitely tell the US that Afghanistan and in the adjoining areas, there must be some vigil)," Foreign SecretaryHarsh V Shringla journalists in Delhi prior to PM Modi's US travel.
He also said the UNSC resolution is an "important benchmark" from the side of the international community and countries or "non-state actors" which will go against this idea will definitely be "kept an eye on".
The issue therefore is would the US reciprocate India's frankness. That Pakistan has been using terrorismas a tool in foreign policy was singularly New Delhi's argument since 1990s under the Congress regime.
In 2021, the rest of the world is getting a feel of it. But is the western world ready to admit its old lapsesand take corrective steps.
It's time America looks back and realise what it has done to justify the so called 'Holy war' - wherein Mujahideensand later Taliban thought it was their right to pickup arms to 'defend' their faith.
The Taliban were initially students but now they have grown up fed with Deobandi school of radicalismas the potent insurgents.
For his part, Prime Minister Modi has made a very measured statement prior to his visit.
"I will conclude my visit with an Address at the United Nations General Assembly focusing on the pressing global challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, the need to combat terrorism, climate change and other important issues.
My visit to the US would be an occasion to strengthen the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with USA, consolidate relations with our strategic partners – Japan and Australia - and to take forward our collaboration on important global issues".
However, it goes without saying that some important goals of India's engagement with the US and alsoat Quad level would be to re-emphasize that Taliban or Afghan soil should not be 'used'to foment troubles in the neighbourhood.
The 'global diplomatic recognition' of Taliban regime in Kabul is an important issue in debate, but the worldneeds to take a firm stand before giving the new dispensation in Kabul 'access to funds' and a chairin the comity of nations.
Pakistan tried one at the proposed SAARC Foreign Ministers informal meet initially slated for September 25.
But, now that meeting has been cancelled.
The US and the rest of the world must know to deal with Afghanistan and terror menace, first there is need to develop an appetite and will power to take on Pakistan.
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Does Nehruvian Foreign Policy make sense any longer
Accolades for Modi in US when Biden chips are down
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'love-hate' relationship in real sense with America had started in 2007.
The Gujarati American Associations in a number of places attracted media attention for keeping an empty chair/seat on the podium during the functions.
The idea being - register protest against the then Bush administration over the visa row.
Long before blogs came into the lexicon of Indian neta class, the blog universe overseas especiallyin the United States would hold no-holds barred debate on Modi.
In circa 2021 the Prime Minister of world's largest democracy is landing for twin power centres - Washington and New York at a time when the Democrat President Joe Biden has taken a beating in Afghanistan.
He is certainly under immense pressure. Biden believes the end of the war in Afghanistan is the beginning of a new chapter. ".....We are opening a new era of relentless diplomacy," he toldthe UNGA.
Now, let us take the debate into much deeper and detailed issues. The economy looks uncertain and America's global relationships with various countries look precarious.
Hence, some of Biden's assertions sound hollow as the botched up withdrawal from Afghanistan has only forced the US, the NATO and the region make a big U-turn.
The Talibans have been ousted and the Talibans have returned with vengeance.
Nearly, three tonnes of heroin have reached Indian shores. Sleuths from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are working on the case and the origin of these items link to terror intent of Talibanand Pakistan's notorious spy, the ISI.
"In UN Security Council resolution 2593 which was adopted during Indian Presidency, it is stated that Afghanistan's territory should not be used against any other state. So this is a very important indicator which is an important benchmark from the side of the international community and countries which you can say non-state actors or countries which will go against this idea of this will definitely kept an eye on," Indian
Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla said in a briefing in Delhi.
The reference is to Pakistan, whose role in the war against terror must be understood in its truesense by the US.The security threats from Kabul and its new masters are growing on every front in the region.
The groups are already relocating to Afghanistan and some making statements on Kashmir as well.
The Taliban leaders have openly thrown a challenge to Pakistan for PM Imran Khan's remarks that discussions are on for ensuring an inclusive government. The Taliban has expanded their ministry and yet there is no space for women.
Biden's US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has been questioned by Congressmen to 'reassess'the US ties with Pakistan.
PM Modi and other global leaders would certainly debate how an unstable Afghanistanwould continue to threaten South Asia.
What answer Biden can offer at the UNGA table - on whether US exit has only created a terror 'safe haven'in Afghanistan?
Confronting France:
The new AUKUS partnership between the US, Australia and the UK has unnerved France.
The move has cost Biden - again to point out a Democrat - possibly one of America's oldest allies.
Even European Council officials are not pulling their punches.
Biden in this case - within weeks of Afghanistan hara kiri - is caught amid allegation of breachof trust.
The US 'secretly' negotiated with Australia and French President Emmanuel Macroncancelled a meeting between foreign ministers of India, France and Australia.
France is already reaching out to like minded countries. President Macron already held a tele talk with PM Modi. For long, Biden and the Democrats always attacked Donald Trump.
Biden, unlike Trump, talks about multi-lateralism, but generally acts on his own.
He has mishandled France with AUKUS and in Afghanistan, the NATO leaderswere never kept in the loop.
Well, Trump was open about his bravado. Even Modi had thought Trump wouldreturn to power.So he said: 'Trump Sarkar'. Hence India will have to keep a close vigil because 'Democrat' regime in Washington has already committed two major betrayalsin foreign policy paradigm.
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Jaishankar holds series of meetings, G-4 presses for UN reforms
New Delhi:
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishakar is keeping himself engaged in a series of meetings with his counterparts from across the globe.
In between he attended two important foreign ministers' meetings of G-4 and G-20 nations.
At the G-4 deliberations attended by Dr Jaishankar and his counterparts from Brazil,
Germany and Japan, there was "a clear message on the need for reformed multilateralism".
"....Called for concrete outcomes in a fixed timeframe," Dr Jaishankar tweeted.
Besides Dr Jaishankar, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas of Germany, Carlos Alberto Franco Franca of Brazil and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu attended the meeting on the sidelines of the 76 sessions of the UNGA.
Dr Jaishankar also addressed the G-20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Afghanistan.
"International community must come together in response to humanitarian needs. Assistance providers must be accorded unimpeded, unrestricted and direct access," he tweeted.
The External Affairs Minister said at the meeting that, "Taliban’s commitment not to allow use of Afghan soil for terrorism in any manner should be implemented".
He said: "The world expects a broad based inclusive process that involves representation from all sections of Afghan society. UNSC resolution 2593, which reflects global sentiment, should continue to guide our approach".
He also said that India’s engagement will be driven by its "historical friendship" with the Afghan people.
During his stay, he has held meetings with his various counterparts.
"Always nice to meet FM of Japan. Appreciated his insights on Indo-Pacific events. A good exchange of views on Afghanistan," he tweeted.
The External Affairs Minister also met German Minister Heiko Maas and
held "useful exchange of assessments" of Germany on the Afghanistan situation.
Among others, the External Affairs Minister met counterparts from Tanzania, Chile and Sri Lanka.
"Pleased to meet Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris .... A comprehensive discussion on our close relationship.Look forward to working with him to advance our shared agenda," Dr Jaishankar wrote on the micro blogging site.
Imran's 'Taliban friendly' overtures lead to cancellation of SAARC Ministers meet
New Delhi:
Pakistan's Taliban friendly overtures have led to cancellation of an informal meeting of SAARC Foreign Ministers in New York on September 25.
Sources said, "Due to the lack of concurrence from all member states the informal meeting of the SAARC Council of Ministers’ proposed to be held in person on September 25 on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York will not take place".
SAARC comprises eight Member States: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, which joined the regional body only in 2007.
The observer status to SAARC includes Australia, China, the European Union, Iran, Japan, Mauritius, Myanmar, South Korea, and the United States.
The Pakistan government had demanded that the member states should 'allow' the existing Taliban regime in Afghanistan to send a representative at the foreign ministers' meeting.
This was opposed and in the absence of consensus the meeting was cancelled.
The new Taliban regime has not yet been recognised by governments across the globe.
Pakistan reportedly was also against the participation of representatives from the previous Ashraf Ghani regime.
Established in 1985, SAARC has not been able to hold its 19th summit since it was called off in November 2016 following India’s refusal to participate.
India had declined to participate to register its protest over Pakistan's involvement in attack on a military camp in Uri.
As per the SAARC charter, if any of the member states refuses to participate, the summit cannot be held.
Nepal became SAARC chair after it hosted the 18th summit in Kathmandu.
Last year, the SAARC meeting of foreign ministers in New York was held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year, Nepal, as SAARC chair, wanted to conduct an in-person meeting.
In 2019, Pak foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had given a miss to Indian Minister Dr S Jaishankar' s speech at the SAARC Foreign Ministers meet convened every year on the sidelines of UNGA in New York.
It is worth mentioning that it is Islamabad which has been keen to open dialogue with India but New Delhi has made it clear that while it is 'not shying away' from the same, Islamabad will have to take concrete actions against terrorists taking shelter in its territory.
In 2018, the then External Affairs Minister Late Sushma Swaraj had snubbed Pakistan at the same SAARC Ministers meet as she had immediately left the venue after her speech and did not have any exchange of words with the Pakistani minister.
The Late Minister had also told the meeting that the terrorism was the single largest threat to peace and stability in South Asia.
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