Indian contradictions on diplomatic front are not less than a comedy of errors. India asserts that Kashmir is a bilateral matter, emphasizing that only India and Pakistan should resolve it between themselves. Pertinent to mention here is the fact that India initially sought international attention on this issue by bringing it to the United Nations. This very act exposes a fundamental inconsistency in its stance.
Despite declaring that Kashmir is a bilateral issue, India has engaged in an extensive diplomatic campaign across the globe, claiming to combat “cross-border terrorism.” If the issue is genuinely bilateral, why is India actively sending delegations to countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, and various Gulf states?
Why seek alliances such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which features both India and Pakistan as equal members?
This contradiction reveals the fragile foundation of India’s diplomatic approach. One particularly telling aspect is India’s attempt to involve the SCO in what it insists are bilateral matters.
By utilizing this platform to promote its narratives on Kashmir, India undermines the core principles of the organization and jeopardizes regional cooperation.
Furthermore, India’s endeavor to diplomatically isolate Pakistan has proven largely ineffective. The recent crisis starkly illustrated this reality: influential countries like China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and even Russia stood firmly with Pakistan, advocating for dialogue and opposing India’s unilateral actions.
This robust support challenges India’s narrative while simultaneously reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and legality.
Moreover, India has notably disregarded the overtures from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who, at various times, expressed a readiness to mediate on the Kashmir issue. This willingness highlighted the international dimensions of the conflict, yet India chose not to pursue this opportunity, reinforcing its commitment to viewing the issue as strictly bilateral.
India’s insistence on treating Kashmir as a matter solely between itself and Pakistan clashes sharply with its active engagement in global diplomacy. The country’s efforts to position itself as a regional leader, while seeking collaboration with various international partners, creates a troubling narrative of contradiction.
Its failure to isolate Pakistan diplomatically, along with the backing that Islamabad has received from significant global players, reveals the limitations of India’s current strategy. The role of the international community in the Kashmir conflict is undeniably important, despite India’s attempts to downplay it. India’s insistence on a bilateral approach to Kashmir stands in stark contrast to its broader diplomatic strategy.
