India's Diplomacy during the Kargil War.
This article presents India's diplomatic efforts which played a crucial role alongside military operations leading to the Indian victory in the Kargil war.
Conflict Overview:
- The Kargil War began in May,1999 when Pakistani intruders crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and occupied strategic high positions in Ladakh's Kargil district.
- Initially thought to be jihadis, it became clear that the Pakistani state and its trained regular troops were directly involved.
- Indian forces gradually recaptured critical positions despite heavy casualties.
Failed Diplomatic Exchange:
- While intense fighting occurred at 5,000 meters above sea level, diplomatic activity was underway.
- India wanted to resolve things diplomatically. Pakistani Foreign Minister Sartaj Aziz on India's diplomatic efforts, visited New Delhi, but talks with Indian counterpart Jaswant Singh failed to produce results.
- Pakistan's primary diplomatic response was one of plausible deniability linking the incursion to what it officially termed as "Kashmiri freedom fighters” trying to liberate Kashmir. Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif tried to internationalise its propaganda and went to the US, China etc. However, not only India bursted Pak's propaganda but brought the international community on India's side.
International diplomacy of India
India adopted a multifaceted approach to diplomacy, involving strategic negotiations, international pressure, and leveraging existing alliances.
The Goal:
Indian Diplomatic Mission fixed its goal mainly on:
•To convince the world that India was a victim of Pakistan’s aggression—the latter had violated the Simla Agreement.
•Demonstrate that the infiltrators were not militants but Pakistani Army regulars.
•Demonstrate ‘responsibility and restraint’ as a nuclear power that had recently caused a setback to the nuclear non-proliferation regime.
International diplomacy of India is summarized briefly here:
1. Putting International Pressure on Pakistan:
- India sought to garner international support for its stance that Pakistan was the aggressor.
- Diplomatic channels were used to emphasize the need for a peaceful resolution.
- Messaging was that India was exercising restraint by not crossing LOC but was determined to get its territory vacated and could not be held responsible for any escalation in the process, especially conveyed to the US National Security Advisor by Indian NSA Brajesh Mishra.
- As a reault The United States, European Union, G8 and other nations urged Pakistan to withdraw its forces from Indian territory.
2. Strategic Diplomacy:
- India didn't cut, rather engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations with Pakistan.
- India's consistent engagement built international consensus that India is a reasonable country and behaves maturely against Pakistan's actions.
- India also provided evidence on the infiltrators mainly by the documents left by infiltrators that these were regular Pakistani troops not local Kashmiris.
3. Russia and Central Asian Countries:
- India leveraged its historical ties with Russia and engaged with Central Asian countries.- These nations supported India's call for Pakistan's withdrawal from Kargil.
4. Forcing China to maintain a neutral stance :
- India’s extensive outreach to the global community and winning favors forced China to maintain a neutral stance unlike the previous 1971 war. India had also exposed that infiltrators were regular Pakistani troops. This pushed China towards neutrality.
5. United Nations and Other Forums:
- India raised the issue at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other international forums.
- The UNSC passed a resolution urging Pakistan to withdraw its forces.
- However, other points of resolution were opposed by India like plebiscite.
- Eventually, on July 11, 1999, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced the militants' withdrawal, but fighting continued even after the deadline.
Victory and Commemoration:
- At the end Indian soldiers secured victory on July 26, 1999, after a three-month conflict.
- Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrates India’s win, honoring the sacrifices of soldiers who protected India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In summary, India's diplomatic efforts during the Kargil War were intertwined with military actions, showcasing the importance of both strategies in conflict resolution.
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