Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Ties with neighbours

Sir, — Your Editorial, `Entrenched negativism' (Feb. 18) hits the nail on its head as far as our relations with our two major neighbours are concerned. A cultivated hostility towards Pakistan has been the main plank of the BJP, which has won them the Gujarat elections.

There is a penchant for jingoism from the hawks in the BJP which is influencing our foreign policy. After the Kargil war and the failed Agra summit, a peaceful solution to the disputes with Pakistan has been put on hold. Now it is the tit-for-tat tactics on the diplomatic front which is making the neighbourly relations go from bad to worse.

There is no sign that we, the bigger nation, would take the initiative in breaking the ice without putting any pre-conditions for talks. Only a dialogue can solve the outstanding issues with Bangladesh and Pakistan.

D.B.N. Murthy,

Bangalore

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Sir, — Your observation on the Presidential address that an entrenched attitude of negativism marked the policy of the NDA Government is far removed from reality. In fact, the President should be appreciated for calling a spade a spade. The undercurrent in Bangladesh and Pakistan is anti-India sentiment. Turning a blind eye to this reality will land us in great trouble. It is futile to expect cordial relations with Pakistan unless there is strong pressure from the world community.

Bindu S,

New Delhi

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