Risky gambit
Modi did have breakfast in Kabul, lunch in Lahore and dinner in New Delhia risky gambit, especially when fires are being stoked in Kashmir
Manmohan Singh had wistfully said in a January 2007 speech that he would like to see the day when one could have breakfast in Amritsar, lunch in Lahore and dinner in Kabul. “That is how our forefathers lived. That is how our grandchildren should live."
This was during a purple patch in relations with Pakistan, when there was even talk of moving towards a common South Asian currency. It was before Pakistan-based terrorists unleashed the horrific attack on Mumbai in November 2008. Peace with Pakistan requires hard realism rather than wistfulness, but it should be said that Singh did define the possibility in an interesting way.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprise visit to Lahore on Christmas day to meet Nawaz Sharif on his birthday. Modi was on his way back from Kabul. Open borders are a premature dream. But Modi did have breakfast in Kabul, lunch in Lahore and dinner in New Delhi. It was a risky gambit, especially when fires are being stoked in Kashmir.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!