Touchy On The 'K' Word...Who, Us?

Well, Obama believes committing more troops in Afghanistan is the best way to counter terrorism and ensure America’s security. This has inspired some Obama advisors to argue that concessions to Islamabad on Kashmir will ensure better cooperation from Pakistan in the war on terror.

What are the safeguards India must take if it is to protect its interests in Kashmir?

• It needn’t be oversensitive on Kashmir, like reacting to every statement from Washington.
  
• It has to win the public relations battle in the international arena. It can cite the impressive voter turnout in the recent polls to argue that this vindicates Indian democracy; enumerate the unilateral steps taken to encourage trade and movement of people across the LoC; stress that a solution to the Kashmir problem lies in stopping terror activities emanating from Pakistan.
  
• Insist that Kashmir is a bilateral issue. Zero tolerance for third party mediation.
  
• India cannot let Kashmir slide into misgovernance or violence; check rights abuse; explore the possibility of granting a degree of autonomy to the state.

Since he plans to tackle the Taliban/Al Qaeda terror groups, it’s to India’s advantage. Some say New Delhi should commit troops which will wean Obama away from Pakistan and, simultaneously, add to Islamabad’s woes. But this can entangle India in a prolonged conflict and portray it as a US stooge in the Islamic world.