That is what was written recently in one of our national newspapers by a commentator, and it is a sign of the degree to which we we have historically been psychologically preoccupied with Pakistan, and continue to be preoccupied with Pakistan.
But Pakistan is merely a thorn in our side and, it seems to me, will
continue to be merely a thorn in our side - no matter how adroitly or
maladroitly we manage it - barring a miracle of some sort, of course, which is always possible - but one does not count on miracles as an orientation for foreign policy.
On the other hand, our real bad luck at present is to have China as our neighbour.
The issue is not what we do about Pakistan, but what we do about China -
and our nation does not seem to want to face that question.
It is not Pakistan that is capable of taking over Kashmir but it is
China that is capable of taking over Arunachal Pradesh (and, actually,
Nagaland and indeed Mizoram). It is not Pakistan that has us surrounded. And it is not Pakistan that has the capability to deny us access to sea
lanes...and it is China that is opposing us in all international fora where we are seeking to have our rightful place.
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