“Talks? What talks? When it comes to Pakistan, one marvels at Indian elites’ limitless folly and affinity for self-laceration”, First Post, July 05, 2026
““Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.” This quote is generally attributed to Albert Einstein. Whether or not the great man actually said it, I can relate to the message more and more as I age. Pity he didn’t leave a pithy quote on sadomasochism for me to use. For, when you combine limitless folly with a penchant for self-laceration, you get the cyclical delusion that permeates the drawing rooms of India’s liberal elite on Pakistan.
I am, of course, talking about the ‘open letter’ by so-called “eminent citizens” of India, a motley cabal of politicians, self-styled public intellectuals, and utopian activists who seize upon every opportunity to advocate for the resumption of dialogue with Pakistan. I was trying to ignore the predictable cacophony that resurfaces every few months, as if an invisible operatic conductor has waved his wand, but the steady drumbeat is becoming too loud to overlook.
One may still understand that Pakistanis will call for ‘dialogue’ – the diplomatic coup de grace that Asim Munir desperately wants. What explains the delusion of India’s liberal elites, public figures and the posse of activists? Or better still, the Track 2 or Track 3 enthusiasts – some retired diplomats and military officials who crisscross the globe for overseas ‘Aman ki Asha’ events that are almost always backstopped by Western institutions? They should know better, right? Right…….”
Read full article at firstpost.com
