Imran’s ‘Reverse Swing’ Has Left Indian Establishment Stranded

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to release IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman as a “gesture of peace” has put the Indian government in a bind because it stymies any further military operation against Pakistan, which would seem like an unnecessary military adventure, said former diplomat K C Singh.

In an editorial piece in The Print, he said that after having flexed its military muscles as a show of Modi’s assertive leadership, India will now have to step back and await diplomatic success in getting Pakistan to abandon its jihad dependence.

Singh described Imran’s move as a “reverse swing” which has left the Hawks in Indian establishment and the BJP stranded. “Imran Khan saw an inflexion point and seized it”.

“With jingoism rampant, the script of invincibility of both militaries was punctured. And Imran Khan capitalised on that – portraying a picture of dignified moderation and readiness to settle differences through talks. He took everyone by surprise when on the floor of Pakistan’s national assembly, he promised the unilateral repatriation of Abhinandan Varthaman Friday,” the diplomat said.

But it is unlikely that any dialogue between India and Pakistan can begin before the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Even if the BJP rightly claims that new redlines vis-à-vis Pakistani sponsorship of terror have been laid, the new government in India post-May will have to deal with a shrewd Imran Khan, who has shown the same versatility in office that he showed on the cricket field, Singh said.