Loose talk

Despite Islamabad's perceived U-turn, last week's talks between Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna and Shah Mahmood Qureshi can hardly be termed a success. Admittedly, no one was expecting a dramatic improvement in ties. The main item on the agendau00a0-- reducing the trust deficitu00a0-- was a tricky one, given that the creation of Pakistan itself was based on mutual distrust between the two sides. But Qureshi's verbal diarrhoea was indeed reminiscent of Zulfiquar Ali Bhutto, then foreign Minister of Pakistan under Yahya Khan, and his remarks about Indira Gandhi prior to the 1971 war.

Predictably, some of the news channels here resorted to rhetoric and braggadocio. I mean, weren't those who equated the Pak FM's remarks to a slap on the face for India, doing the nation a greater disservice than Krishna, who chose to remain mum? And if we aren't supposed to talk, what are our options? Press the nuclear button and hope Islamabad would miss? Sever business ties and expect Gilani and his aides to meekly submit, despite our more prosperous northern neighbour's liaison with Pakistan? Even Sunny Deol is way past his prime for another Gadar. So if no dialogue then what?

Qureshi's verbal diarrhoea was reminiscent of Zulfiquar Ali Bhutto and his remarks about Indira Gandhi prior to the 1971 war

I don't question Krishna's integrity, honesty or dedication; only his portfolio. Qureshi turned out to be the other extreme. His concern on Indian army's 'excesses' in Kashmir was amusing, given the state of affairs in Pakistan. Similarly, Qureshi casting aspersions on Krishna for having a limited mandate is also drew a few guffaws, as the influence of any civilian government in Pakistan so far, has been limited to say the least. Krishna did well by not indulging in a war of words. Of course I am not suggesting that he should invite Qureshi to dinner, or even on Facebook.

It would be na ve to expect dialogue to resolve matters that have rankled for more than 60 years. Things could improve, only if circumstances change dramatically, as they can over a period of time. India can't expect to browbeat Pakistan; this is not an Israel-Palestine situation. We have to bide our time, continue talks, improve our intelligence, defence and economic situation, and, indulge in covert operations against, if not Pakistan, then the terror groups that have a safe haven on its soil. I am not suggesting that India is bound to lose any war against Pakistan. But to quote Denzel Washington from Crimson Tide: "In the nuclear world, the real enemy cannot be defeated, because the real enemy is war itself."u00a0u00a0u00a0