The Indian Express
Winning without war
Synergy between diplomacy and defence has worked — but lots more to do
It is often forgotten that the ultimate success of military power is when it succeeds in achieving the desired political goals without having to fight a war. This demands a synergy between diplomacy and defence with the latter backing the diplomatic
steps being taken. The great powers, of course, understand the role and methods of pursuing coercive diplomacy since most of them have exploited it for more than a century.
New Delhi thus has good reasons to be more than satisfied with its well-managed comprehensive strategy which finally has started to produce results on the ground, and hence many reservations abroad and at home. Somehow it is assumed that a developing country
would not be able to do so. We, in India, are particularly diffident and weighed down by uncertainties about our own ability to manage the tools of successful statecraft.
But Vajpayee has to be particularly satisfied since the present success comes on the heels of the Kargil war, where the valour of our defence forces was well meshed with the work of diplomats by the quality of leadership in all aspects. We also need to understand
our own history to ensure the right level of confidence. We had employed a synergised policy as early as 1950, when Nehru ordered military deployment on the borders, and Pakistan — which was threatening war — had to back down.
On the other hand, before we start celebrating, we must remember that there is a long haul ahead before we will be rid of the menace of terrorism and the cancer of religious extremism and intolerance. The US itself is conscious of the war against terrorism
being extremely complex and likely to last a long time. Like in any war, this will require sustained pressures and a policy that is willing to be flexible on the detail as long as the central aim and direction to peace is maintained.
It is, therefore, too early to start relaxing. We must obviously continue to take robust counter-measures till the last terrorist is eliminated, surrenders or is converted to non-violence. At the same time, the political and humanitarian processes to ensure
the deep wounds of a decade and a half of terrorism begin to heal must carry on. All indications are that the people of J&K want to stay with India and would like better opportunities for development, empowerment and prosperity. Our ability to provide these
would finally decide the question of victory, defeat or a continuing war.
The broader international environment and the great powers are on our side as long as they see a winning strategy in place. Free and fair elections in J&K become crucial in this respect. Any failure on this regard could alter the dynamics of international support;
and Pakistan can be expected to try its best to push toward such an outcome. Chief Election Commissioner J.M. Lyngdoh has therefore done well to broadly define the parameters of this exercise and work towards ensuring the objective conditions for free and
fair elections.
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