Some people in India are irritated with Pakistan’s role as mediator.
Iran war. They should think a little more.
This is a ceasefire where the combatants are not stopping firing – and
It could get worse. Hormuz is more closed than open. Whether the U.S.-
It is still not completely certain whether the Iran meeting will take place in Islamabad or not.
And if that happens, will there be an agreement that will last,
Still less is certain.
However, Pakistan’s role as a mediator will remain a fact.
Washington and Tehran talked through Islamabad and gave it
Credit.
Any rational nation-state, especially a huge oil importer, should
Welcome all efforts to arrange a ceasefire, as indeed was done by the Government of India
Wednesday. But there is some nervousness about this in India
About Pakistan’s meddling, and not just between social media
The screaming brigade. It’s worth thinking before reacting emotionally
Complete it peacefully.
In international politics, results matter more than optics – and
For now, any effort to reduce conflict is in India’s interest. so,
The reaction is astonishing. Why should India’s role be less than that of Pakistan?
Sense of self? As a large energy importer and rapidly developing country
Economy, any effort to stop war is good for India. They
Those who claim to speak for their basic self-interest should know this:
Nothing is more important than free flowing, cheap hydrocarbons.
The identity of the mediator should matter less than his or her success.
The arbitration itself. If Pakistan is helping in sending messages between America
And Iran, and if it reduces tensions even a little bit, it’s a trap
Positive.
So, why worry? Part of the answer lies in perception. For many,
It seems counterintuitive for Pakistan to play a constructive diplomatic role.
Even disturbing. But international relations are not about comfort –
They are about interests. A rational country evaluates actions based on
On the results. And from India’s perspective, stable oil supply and
Low prices are more important than who gets the credit
Brokering peace.
Look at the history also. Pakistan, despite its many problems, is not
It’s a strange thing to mediate between big actors. Kissinger with Pakistani
official support, had feigned illness on a trip to Pakistan, and a
Secret visit to China, paving the way for Nixon-Mao meeting
1972.
That pattern continues. Pakistan’s military and political leadership
Have tried to remain relevant for a long time by associating with powerful countries,
Even when those powers are arch rivals..these are innate skills
A matter of necessity – Pakistan must make itself useful to the big boys, or it
There is a risk of losing their enjoyment. That result, progressively, cannot be
Afford – because, for one thing, foreign exchange reserves will be depleted.
A country with economic and political weaknesses often seeks
Relevance by acting as a mediator. In this case, both
Washington and Tehran needed a flexible player as a medium
communication, and Pakistan was available – and willing. Pakistan has
I have been feeling grateful to Trump for a year. both Munir and Sharif
Have flattered him.
But this is not the game that India plays. From what position does India operate?
Greater economic and geopolitical power. there is no hesitation
Take independent positions – even if they differ from Western
Priorities.
Despite pressure, India continues to buy some Russian oil
Trump, and eased trade tensions including tariff disputes
resilience. According to the World Bank report and
International Monetary Fund, India remains one of the fastest-
Major economies are growing, giving it more room to maneuver
Diplomatically. India has reached the point where the US trade agreement has been renegotiated
Table.
This is because India ranks high globally these days
batting order, and it may try to build an innings. it is not necessary
“Prove” its usefulness in the same way. Instead, it may take the risk of taking
A longer view – what you might call a test match approach
Diplomacy rather than quick-fire T20 style. This creates a partnership
Maintains stability, balances relationships, and focuses on long-term benefits.
But this does not mean that India should reject the action or express displeasure over it
Secondly when they align with its interests. If Pakistan’s mediation
helps calm tensions, even if temporarily, which contributes to global
The stability – and by extension, India’s economic well-being. reduce oil
Prices, stable shipping routes and low geopolitical risk are all
Direct benefits.
Ultimately, it’s about being practical. There is no national interest
A matter of pride or rivalry; It’s about results. India’s basic interest,
Especially as a large and growing economy, ensuring access lies in
Affordable energy. As New Delhi has repeatedly highlighted, energy
Security is central to economic development.
So, instead of worrying about who is playing the role of mediator, it is more
The important question is: does it help bring peace, or at least help prevent
Growth? If the answer is yes, the logical response is
Welcome it.
After all, diplomacy is not a zero-sum game. a country plays a role
Don’t lower others’ status. What is India’s place in the world?
It is shaped by its strengths – its economy, its strategic choices, and
Its ability to think long term. be distracted by who gets it
Focusing on the spotlight at a moment of crisis misses the bigger picture.
At times like these, there may be a little less emotion, and a little more logic.
Go much further.
Disclaimer
The views expressed above are the author’s own.
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