Kartarpur corridor a bridge thatwill connect India, Pak

It has kindled a momentary hope of accommodation that must be seized

Under ordinary circumstances, a bridge signifies an enduring bond. Perhaps that explains why the vice-president, M Venkaiah Naidu, chose to describe the proposed Kartarpur corridor that seeks to provide Indian pilgrims access to a shrine across the border in Pakistan as a “bridge that will connect the people of the two countries”. But bridges, real and metaphorical, have not always served as durable points of access given the chequered history of the ties between India and Pakistan. The vice-president’s message of hope has been followed by the minister of external affairs scotching the possibility of the resumption of bilateral talks between New Delhi and Pakistan.

India’s hesitation is not without merit. Adventurism from across the border, be it by Pakistan’s military or militants patronised by Rawalpindi, has led to this paucity of trust. But it must also be conceded that bilateral ties have suffered because the leaderships of both countries have chosen to placate their respective jingoistic constituencies. The net result is that diplomatic initiatives have been sporadic. Unlike Pakistan, India is a vibrant, if somewhat flawed, democracy. It should thus be committed to the principles of dialogue and peace. The latter would be especially beneficial to business and trade for both countries. The Kartarpur corridor has kindled a momentary hope of accommodation. India and Pakistan must seize it and build on the momentum to usher in meaningful changes to the stalled bilateral ties. The Telegraph, November 30