Imran Khan in his address to the nation had almost blurted out that US was behind his sacking. Although it was undiplomatic and immature on his part to name USA but the fact remains that the kind of stance he had taken post Taliban victory in Afghanistan and addressed them as liberators and freedom fighters , it was expected from USA,
Once the US was out of Afghanistan , the Pak army realized the importance of US on its sides and so wanted to retain the old relationship as the two have operated together for many many years, but it was surely not possible till Imran was on chair.
So, the moment Imran Khan was out, the US is back in business.
Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American who belongs to President Joe Biden's Democratic Party, recently after her visit to PoK said "Kashmir should get more attention from the United States"
After Landing in POK, Ms Omar said at a press conference that the US administration and the Congress is not talking as much as needed about human rights violations in Jammu & Kashmir and the effects of the Modi administration’s anti-Muslim rhetoric. Omar assured after meeting PoK President Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry.
Ms Omar further assured after meeting PoK President that “The condemnations and concerns of those who fight for human rights and the question of Kashmir will be included in future hearings within the USA.’’
This was the first US delegation to PoK in three years. “ US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar “, says the Tribune ; “ Emphasised on Wednesday that the US valued its ties with Pakistan as both countries were partners in progress since last seven decades, and assured the Pakistani top leadership that Washington would continue to support Islamabad in various fields.
Obviously Indian Govt was quick to condemn her remarks.
Although Biden has out rightly rejected the idea that there is any change in US policies vis a vis India and stated that she was on her personal visit and hers opinion is not an official stance. The moot fact is ; She was leading a delegation of US legislatures, how can her views be taken lightly.
Notwithstanding the above, few things that clearly stand out , whether it was a planned visit or a coincidence particularly after the stand India has taken on the issue of Russia-Ukraine war ;
One. Kashmir is not likely to fade away from the discussions at international forums . Besides Pakistan , China and from time to time US and other Islamic countries will also keep raking up this issue to brow beat India.
Two. Pakistan still retains some of its strategic importance because of its location, although the leverage that it enjoyed earlier has weaned away to a large extent. It is going to take Pakistan a lot more time now to regain stability and stand on a firm footing to challenge India. However, notwithstanding the above, every nation goes through ups and downs and so India must guard itself against any complacency against Pakistan, because once Pak’s economy stabilizes , it will once again be back to same old business of bleeding India.
Three. So, From India’s point of view, the issue of article 370, currently sub judice , pending in the SC, need to be resolved forever and second the Union territory of J &K should get its State status and elections are held. Once these issues are settled, none can brow beat India.
Four. India has moved many notches ahead in last three decades. Its economy is world’s fourth largest, it is stable, despite the covid, when many countries are still grappling with their economic challenges, India is the fastest growing economy so even if Ilahn Omar’s, was a planned visit, USA cannot brow beat India anymore like it could do in 90s when India’s economy was fragile and Pakistan was its front line guard. India now has its own Strategic importance, which is surely not based on just its location rather it is based on its Capabilities.
Five. The geopolitical situation has now changed. The relationships in international arena are not tied down by camps / associations and the US is no more a dominant super power. The relations are rather more an outcome of Nations’ own strategic interests , which can be Economic, Security and so on. It is this reason primarily that US has not succeeded in getting the world together against Russia on the issue of oil and sanctions. This is surely a ripe situation for a world war. No one a year ago could think of war continuing for almost two months. However, at the same time, US is still the Most powerful and influential nation and antagonizing them will in no way serve the purpose of any developing nation , Imran Khan must have learnt the hard way.
Six. The way during this period India has done a tight rope walking on the issue of Russia-Ukraine war , various world leaders have visited India and some of them have even signed trade agreements, is an indication that India is not isolated and if it needs foreign assistance to deal with many of its challenges , the others also particularly, US also feel the importance of India being on their side.
India is now well aware of its capabilities, its potentials and its limitations, therefore, even if Biden, an old friend of Pakistan is planning to play this old trick of using Kashmir to brow beat India, it will not help US interests. The Indian foreign minister had very aptly summed up the current scenario when he said ; we do not need to give Gyan to others but rather focus on our interests.