Former National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon on India-Pakistan Relations: Managed Hostility
Former National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon discussed India-Pakistan relations in a panel discussion by the South Asia Centre at New York University. Despite being India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Menon characterized the relationship as "managed hostility." He emphasized that Pakistan’s polity lacks the capacity to sustain a normal relationship with India and expressed a negative outlook for resolving the Kashmir issue, citing the long-standing nature of such issues. Menon acknowledges India’s low expectations of improved relations with Pakistan since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. While India has prioritized different positions on global issues from the U.S., Menon believes it’s more important to create an enabling environment for India’s transformation and work with the US for a better future. He described a UN Security Council seat as "a beauty contest," emphasizing the significance of constructive progress over any political front.
