The perils of post-370 diplomacy (Kashmir situation dictating foreign policy in new directions)

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 The perils of post-370 diplomacy (Kashmir situation dictating foreign policy in new directions)

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• Post August 05, 2019: The government of India went into overdrive after the Kashmir-related decision, and reached out to diplomats and think-tanks the world over. That included Ministers and the PM himself.
• Adverse reactions: There were two major ones – 

1. The UN Security Council meeting (closed door) on China's request, that ended without any statement, and 
2. The European Parliament that debated, but without any final resolution.

• Mixed signals: In October 2019, a delegation of European MPs visited Kashmir and gave a 'stamp of approval' to govt. action. But German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed concern. ('situation is unsustainable')
• Islamic nations' reactions: The sharp statement by OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) on Kashmir was blunted by PM Modi's Riyadh visit in Oct. 2019. Other than this, Malaysia, Turkey and China spoke on this matter.
• Western media: Lot of adverse coverage happened, which the govt. is tackling tactically at various levels. But there is a much deeper, and worrisome issue.
• The larger foreign policy of India: Three big things have happened, in context of the longstanding Indian foreign policy structure.

1. Internationalisation of Kashmir issue: It has grown in scale now. Last time it was in 1994 when the govt. had to send a delegation to ensure that the adverse UNHRC resolution would be scrapped. No such resolution came up, until 2019.
2. Getting linked with Pakistan: As the govt. is now raising the issue of Pak-emanating terror on every conceivable forum (including NAM), the linking (hyphenation) of India with Pakistan is happening deeply.  {It hurts our broader foreign policy objectives}
3. Mediation by third parties: US President Trump claimed he mediated in getting captured IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthman released. Many other nations jumped into the fray, making offers for mediation in Kashmir issue (UAE, Norway, China, Russia, ...)

• Pulling ourselves down: India is way above Pakistan in global standing, and Pakistan's credibility is at an all-time low. In this scene, India is giving others a chance to link itself with Pakistan.
• Zero sum game: The biggest issue is that India is now pursuing a "zero sum game" in the Kashmir policy. Proof? India's attack on China, Turkey and Malaysia on this matter. But worse, India's friends too are now speaking up over human rights violations in Kashmir (prolonged detentions, communications shutdown...). Will it all be worthwhile finally?
• What of Brand India? Till date, the world has seen India as a democratic and pluralistic nation, and a rational power. The Kashmir decision aftermath also saw strong statements on nuclear posture ('no first use' etc.). In parallel, the NRC in Assam came up. All these have added up to concerns in the US Congress, and the UN.
• The landmine: Finally, some day, the govt. has to relax the constraints imposed in J&K. The foot pressing hard on that landmine needs to be removed, with uncertain possibilities awaiting.
• Summary : The hard decisions on J&K from August 2019 are definitely reshaping India's longstanding foreign policy pillars, for good or for worse.

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