Narayanan greets Musharraf

By C. Raja Mohan

NEW DELHI, JUNE 21. In an ironic twist to India-Pakistan relations, India appears to be the only nation smiling at Gen. Pervez Musharraf after he chose to appoint himself President of Pakistan.

At a moment when Pakistan's traditional friends such as the U.S. and Great Britain are frowning upon Gen. Musharraf for making light of the nation's Constitution, India is greeting him at the highest level.

The President, Mr. K.R. Narayanan, tonight extended ``best wishes'' to Gen. Musharraf on his assumption of Pakistan's presidency.

In the changed protocol after Gen. Musharraf put on the President's cap, Mr. Narayanan is now the official host for the Pakistani leader in India.

The President chose his words carefully to ensure that India was not seen as endorsing in any way the overthrow of the last vestiges of civilian rule in Pakistan. Mr. Narayanan reaffirmed India's ``desire to establish a relationship of peace, friendship and cooperation with Pakistan''.

``It is our hope,'' the President added, that Gen. Musharraf's visit to India next month ``will move India-Pakistan relations in positive and constructive directions''.

Earlier today, responding to criticism that India has gone soft on Gen. Musharraf, the Foreign Office spokeswoman said ``we have to deal with the government of the day''.

Having decided to engage Gen. Musharraf a few weeks ago, the Government is now determined to be at its ``gracious best'' in receiving him and ``lay out the traditional Indian hospitality in full measure''.

Highly-placed sources here dismiss the suggestion that in declaring himself President, Gen. Musharraf has ``taken advantage'' of India. They argue that the Pakistani leader comes here from ``a position of extreme weakness''.

Although Gen. Musharraf has become a very strong leader within Pakistan, they suggest, he is representing Pakistan at one of its weakest moments since 1971 when the country was divided into two.

An economy in doldrums, the political system a shambles, the international perception of a failed state allied with the jehadi forces, and the decline of the past special relationship with the U.S. have put Pakistan in ``an unusually vulnerable position'', the sources say.

The paradox, according to observers, is that ``the strong General in a weak Pakistan'' has to turn to India for political legitimacy. They add that ``only India can help Gen. Musharraf get Pakistan out of the corner it finds itself in''. No wonder, India is smiling at Gen. Musharraf.

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