Modi and Sharif: Finding Similarities Rather Than Differences

Toaha Qureshi MBE

The world has witnessed an unprecedented shift in South Asia that could transform both the political and economic landscape of the region.

This shift is primarily attributed to the first democratic transition in Pakistan in May last year, coupled with Modi and BJP’s latest unchallenged rise in India.

On what was the first occasion in Indo Pak history, Nawaz was invited by his newly elected Indian counterpart for his swearing-in ceremony.

Sharif, against all local pressures, reciprocated and gleefully attended the ceremony in India, raising hopes for positives ties between the neighbours.

With the right wing in both countries voicing their anger against the invitation, Modi’s invitation and then Sharif’s attendance showed that both the leaders acted maturity on their respective parts. Although Sharif was joined by other SAARC heads in the ceremony, it was his meeting with Modi which was anticipated the most by the world media.

With global media and political circles fixated on Indo Pak bilateral ties, linked directly to regional security, will Sharif-Modi meeting bring dividends for South Asia?

I believe, yes.

Sharif’s visit was backed by a pre-departure release of more than 100 Indian prisoners as a gesture of Goodwill.  Modi also responded by releasing a number of Pakistani prisoners.

United States, an ally of both India and Pakistan, welcomed this development and appreciated the desire of dialogue and cooperation shown by both the leaders.

With the current geopolitical climate in mind, both the leaders must deal with the intricacies of the delicate relationship with maturity and understanding in order to preserve, strengthen and further develop peace and economic stability within their respective countries – which could eventually benefit the whole region.

The invitation to SAARC members is a progressive step and an outright call for closer regional ties from Modi.

But what, other than talks, could be the power moves that need to be made for the public to notice some kind of a change?

A successful way forward would only be accomplished if both India and Pakistan emphasize on two important fronts, that are, social and economic.

Sharif recently suggested that military overhaul and defence spending is less important that other pressing issues such as education, employment, peace and overcoming the power crisis. .

For this very reason, I have been advocating a 50 year no war pact between India and Pakistan, which could eventually solve domestic problems and ensure peace for decades to come.

The underlying theme of the proposal is for both to reduce their military budgets, both on the record and off the record, by 1% on a yearly basis for the first five years, followed by a 5 year detailed evaluation and review. This 1% reduction would be split between the health and education sectors to increase the literacy and health rates in both the countries.

If Sharif puts strategic development over India-focused and Modi over Pakistan-focused policies (especially in defence), a wave of respite will follow for the general public.

It is imperative that progressive  policies, directing plans for education, foreign policy, health, among others, with a bird’s eye view are formulated, dispersed and implemented at all levels.

This will allow relief to ordinary public through social development.

Economic development needs to be immediate as well as long term.

There are small steps through which the government can support its economic progress.

For example, automated street lights in Pakistan, unlike those in place currently left on throughout the night, can save loads of electricity.

Larger projects have already been undertaken which include tackling the power crisis, supporting SMEs, increasing exports by capitalising on GSP+ status, and thus should be continued in the long run.

Although many feel sceptical about the BJP and its right wing inclinations, it has traditionally been the BJP that has supported economic and peaceful endeavours in the past with Pakistan.

The Indian political elite has also realised that the previous strained relationship has borne no fruits for the country and thus to become a global economic powerhouse, it has to adapt.

Former Indian PM Desai also followed a plan of engagement with Pakistan and advances were made with Ziaul Haq to normalise relations.

In 1999, the edgy relationship came to a crescendo as Pakistanis and Indians witnessed the signing of the Lahore declaration between Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Modi’s predecessor, and PMLN Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

If Sharif and Vajpayee struck a treaty in 1999, they can certainly do so again. As we have seen in the past, things can go terribly wrong awfully quickly.

The coup d’état by then chairman joint chiefs General Pervez Musharraf, after other adverse events, did not help in the cessation of dialogue between the countries.

In previous dialogues, the armed forces of Pakistan may not have been as welcoming they were required to be. This time around, all parties must be on board, including Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif – a distant cousin of the Prime Minister, as well the naval and air chiefs.

Despite civilian-military tensions, indications are that the military is acting in a responsible manner.

The military establishment has come to a realisation that there must be a democratic government to rule the country and has thus resisted numerous calls to take power since the last government.

Sharif and Modi have connected at a personal level too, with presents being sent for Modi’s mother and the openness of his happiness at such a gesture.

Open letters and social media updates suggest that this relationship will counter myths of opposition.

Former PM Manmohan Singh had developed a rapport that was confounded with suspicion, insinuations and accusations. Not much was done to build, rather much was done to rip down.

This new found Modi Sharif relationship seems to be working by finding similarities rather than differences at a one on one level.

After all, friends will always work better than frienemies.

About the Author:

Toaha Qureshi is a British Pakistani educationist, strategist, policy analyst and philanthropist. He is Chairman of a UK based think – tank Forum for International Relations Development (FIRD). Toaha Qureshi was appointed Member of the Order of The British Empire after being awarded an MBE by Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth II, in 2009 for services rendered for community relations.