Indo-Pak relations : Ups and Downs The ousting of the UPA government in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and overwhelming victory of Narendra Modi led BJP has given a clear cut signal that time has come for India to change. The UPA government was under attack for strained ties with the US and for acting soft on Pakistan.

But, Narendra Modi’s gesture to call the heads of SAARC countries to his swearing in ceremony came as a thrust to India’s position at the global level. It led to the new definition of Indian government in the International fraternity. Modi’s talks with Nawaz Sharif assured the watchdogs of breaking the impasse on cross-border terrorism and Kashmir’s issue. It seemed the beginning of a new, fruitful relationship between New Delhi and Islamabad. Foreign Secretary level talks were scheduled, but Pakistan spoilt the talks by arranging for a meeting between Pakistan’s envoy and Hurriyat leaders. Whatwas started to improve ties, finally came as a setback to Indo-Pak ties.

Domestic politics of India and Pakistan also intrude into efforts to normalize the relations. His New York speech was a move to blunt criticism by his opponents that he has been soft on India, and an effort by him to buy some peace with army. He has not completely won the battle against cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan, who is gathering support to topple Sharif’s government in Pakistan.

But, his tough stance on Kashmir issue and pitch for plebiscite on Kashmir was not a major agenda in Mr. Modi’s UN speech. Modi, on the other hand, called upon, to fight the disastrous floods that have rocked India and Pakistan. He refused to take on Nawaz Sharif head on over the Kashmir issue.He called on for global action against terrorism and chided Pakistan for raising Kashmir issue at the UN.

Analyzing rationally, we can conclude that PM Modi is prepared to engage in serious bilateral dialogue with Pakistan to rekindle the ties without the shadow of terrorism. It is rightly said” the voice of talks get lost in the sound of bomb blasts.”