Wishesh Magazine September-2019 Wishesh Magazine September-2019 | Page 47

Pakistan. “India and Pakistan were together before 1947 and I’m confident that we can discuss our problems and solve them together,” PM Modi said, adding the two nations should come together to combat poverty and for the well being of the people. engagement into mediation. There is a fundamental distinction between engagement and mediation and the latter is what Pakistan has always failed to achieve,” Vivek Katju, former secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs, said. “When I called Prime Minister Khan after the elections, I told him that Pakistan has to fight against poverty, India has to also fight against it. Pakistan has to fight against illiteracy and disease, and India has to also fight against them...I told him we should work together for the welfare of our people,” Modi said. In reference to Pakistan bringing to focus the issue of Kashmir on the international forums, experts say that the country would never be successful in doing so. According to experts, while the Trump Administration is transactional, and it needs Pakistan, it also needs India on the economic and strategic sphere. “There is never going to be mediation in Kashmir whether Trump says it or not. That is the reality...” Christine Fair, Strategic Affairs Expert, said. Donald Trump said he has a very good relationship with “both the gentlemen (Modi and Khan)”. “I think they can do it (resolve the issue) themselves,” said Trump. Saying India’s decision on Kashmir a “historic blunder”, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan said “if there is a war, then the world should remember that both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers. And in case of war, no one will win, but the world will be responsible as the effects of war will be felt by everyone”. Apart from serious talks, the two leaders also shared a laugh while addressing media during the meeting. While Trump obviously addressed media in English, Prime Minister Modi addressed in Hindi which was translated into English for the gathering. During the address, PM Modi in between said in Hindi, “Mujhe lagta hai hum dono ko baat karne dijiye, hum dono baat karte rahenge. Jab zarurat padegi hum apko zaroor jaankari pohchaenge [I think you should let the two of us talk, we will keep talking. When the need arises, we will apprise of you what transpired].” Donald Trump responded saying: “He actually speaks very good English, he just doesn’t want to talk right now!” Trump’s comment sent both Trump and PM Modi into laughter as well as people there bursting out in a laugh. While India has said nuclear war cry is Pakistan’s “standard” plan of action. “It is standard Paksitani tactic. What the Pakistanis have failed to do is translate this SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.WISHESH.NET