Experts highlighted the necessity for Pakistan to remain vigilant, considering the possibility of any ill-considered misadventure.
The India Study Centre (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) recently organized an in-house session dedicated to analyzing the ongoing 18th Lok Sabha elections in India. Attended by diplomats, academics, practitioners, and researchers from various Islamabad-based think tanks, the event delved into a comprehensive discussion on various aspects of the electoral process.
Participants exchanged views on the intricacies of the 7-phase electoral process, key developments such as the release of major parties’ election manifestos, the tone and tactics employed in the election campaigns by different parties, the role of the Indian Election Commission, and the political dynamics across different regions of India.
Of particular concern was the observation of a divisive and polarizing rhetoric pervading the electoral environment, with some government Ministers invoking Pakistan in their campaign rhetoric for electoral gains. Analysts expressed apprehension regarding the impact of such rhetoric on India’s internal social harmony and its external engagement in the region.
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Experts highlighted the necessity for Pakistan to remain vigilant, considering the possibility of any ill-considered misadventure, especially in light of the electoral desperation exhibited by the ruling dispensation in India. The session emphasized the importance of awaiting the final outcome of the elections and its aftermath before assessing India’s willingness to engage in a result-oriented dialogue process to address outstanding disputes.
With the voting in the Indian elections set to conclude by June 1 and results expected on June 4, 2024, the insights gathered from the session will serve as valuable input for policymakers and stakeholders in both Pakistan and India to navigate the evolving dynamics of bilateral relations.
