New Delhi: The Modi government's decision to stop combat operations against militants in Jammu & Kash­mir during the month of Ramzan will necessarily have an effect on India's foreign policy.

The decision echoes former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's ac­tion in 2000. In 2003, Vajpayee again used Kashmir as a forum to offer the now famous "olive branch" to Pakis­tan. Is something similar on the cards this time as well?

First, the Centre's decision would have to be met halfway by J&K mili­tants themselves. It's clear that if they initiate attacks against Indian security forces, they would retaliate. But if this offer gets traction, perhaps through the summer months, it could mean that Pakistan army, which re­mains the prime sponsor of violent militancy in the Valley, could instruct their fighters to lie low.

Second, it could signal to Pakistan army that despite successful oper­ations, India is willing to give peace a chance — and watch out for Pakis­tan's response. The Pakistan army chief Gen Bajwa has gone on record to suggest that a peace move with In­dia was necessary. Whether that was mere rhetoric or not could be tested as India makes the first move.

Third, while India has not come un­der international pressure on the con­tinuing unrest in J&K, India's new­found friends in the Islamic world would see this as a positive gesture. Bangladesh recently initiated a reform proposal in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to invite countries like India as observers in the grouping.

If Pakistan responds in any mea­ningful fashion, India could have the opportunity to repair its broken rela­tionship with its most difficult neigh­bour. After the Uri attack in 2016, India and Pakistan have had no substantive official interactions. The recent allega­tions by Pakistan's NAB against Na- waz Sharif funnelling funds to India is seen as a one-off, but there have been some green shoots of engagement be­tween New Delhi and Islamabad.

The Modi government has taken a two-pronged approach — official si­lence alongside quiet contacts be­tween the national security advisers. Somehow this has helped to keep the bilateral relationship from falling in­to the abyss. A tough stand against Pa­kistan has great resonance among the BJP base, therefore, the Modi govern­ment would have to play this outreach with patience.

Courtesy: Times Of India, 17, May, 2018.