Pakistani Military officials plans on strengthening ties with India as economic conditions worsen with US President Donald Trump withdrawing $2 billion security aid. Pakistan also fears an increased dependency on China.
The Pakistani military is ready to go out of its way to establish better relations with India after the withdrawal of United States’ security aid of $2 billion. The country is now more likely to depend on China for most of its economic needs.
One of Pakistan’s most influential army chiefs, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, has become a prominent advocate for mending ways with India. Referring to the Kartarpur corridor opening, the General said it was “a step towards peace which our region needs.” Moreover, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan spoke of forming better relations and resolving long pending conflicts with India in his victory speech. The Pakistani PM has since then reinforced that the Pakistani military and government are on the same page about mending ties with India.
According to sources, the country has become wary of the financial dependence on China. Earlier this year, Pakistan had to request for an International Monetary Fund bailout to get out of a debt trap created by the Chinese Belt and Road initiative in the country. China has also been putting pressure on Pakistan for improving relations with the West. All this has pushed Pakistan in India’s direction.
The Indian Foreign Ministry, on the other hand, has announced that the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be attending this year’s SAARC summit in Pakistan, asking the country to first curb terrorist activities on its soil.
