India spills the beans.

One has not heard of any official request made to India for guiding Pakistan on the latter's economic woes. Neither do the US, China or the IMF expect India to propose a viable economic plan for its South Asian arch rival. Nor is India by any means responsible for Pakistan's future. In fact, history of wars, open animosity and deep-rooted issues between the two neighbours suggest a totally opposite scenario. So, why then would JaishanA!kar suddenly be concerned about Pakistan's economic crisis and future? In a recent statement, the Indian Foreign Minister has proffered a recommendation albeit in not-so-many specific terms. In a manner that suits astrologists and soothsayers, Jaishankar feels that Pakistan's future would be largely determined by its own actions and choices and it is for Islamabad to find a way out of its economic troubles. Vaguely referring to the background of Pakistan's present acute economic predicament, he opined that 'nobody reaches a difficult situation suddenly and without cause.'

As the people of India have a soft corner for Sri Lanka and not-so-good opinion about Pakistan, Jaishankar would rather like New Delhi to 'assist' Colombo in their hour of distress but certainly not Islamabad as 'you know what the sentiment is there in the country for Pakistan.' Jaishankar's most important remark was on Pak-India relations. Putting any and all hopes of normalization of relations to rest, he observed that 'our relationship today is not one where we can be directly relevant to that process.'

It means that Pakistan's political uncertainty and economic crunch is working favourably for India by default. India is winning the battle even without entering into an actual fight. People like Jaishankar are making a mockery of present-day Pakistan's 'helplessness'.

It means that Pakistan has lost its erstwhile mojo for India and in the region, Islamabad is not perceived important enough to even consider it 'relevant'. Neither is there any threat perception from Pakistan in the Indian wargaming room.

It means that PM Modi's statement on Pakistan being properly 'fixed' by him is being considered true by New Delhi. They are taking credit for Pakistan's economic issues while their efforts to 'isolate' Pakistan continue unabated.

It means that India no longer considers Pakistan a worthwhile regional actor particularly in the context of the Afghan conflict. To them, Pakistan's geo-strategic importance could not play any role in changing the...

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