INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Mod`s visit appeared to be shrouded in mystery, but was seen as a positive sign of a much-needed thaw. However, if one connects the dots, India is gesturing momentarily to open the trade route between India and Afghanistan. If amicably addressed, this action will lower anti-Pakistan sentiments in India and may open ways for resolving other outstanding issues too.
The ground reality is that India`s exports have been nose-diving since 2014. This period coincides with the Modi-led `cold war` against Pakistan. Modi came to power on the promise of turning the Indian economy around, but accomplished the reverse which probably also caused his party to lose elections in Bihar.
Ironically, the solution to India`s dwindling exports lies with Pakistan.
However, Pakistan has big trade with Afghanistan. That should not be affected by Indian goods.
The Indians have estimated that they can build their exports to Afghanistan up to $3bn in a short time. Pakistan will have to ensure that its own exports in the region will not be affected. Any treaty signed must be economically beneficial to both countries.
India has been aiming at this trade route since 2011 when former Afghan president Hamid Karzai signed a trade agreement.
This route is also mentioned in the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference. Since India remembers how Imran Khan halted Nato supply caravans passing through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, they invited him to India to get his blessings too.
There will be thorny questions to be resolved, such as tariff on containers or the ownership of trucks. Will Pakistani trucks carry India containers? Through which border? Probably Wagah would be the Indian choice. Pakistan should recover enough revenue to pay for the damage done to the roads.
Ifthereis enoughincentiveforbothsides, this can become a regular feature, and possibly also open up avenues for other ventures.
