BJP likely to persist with old policies despite its compromised presence in Lok Sabha

On the invitation of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)’s India Study Centre (ISC), Chairman IPS Khalid Rahman attended a roundtable titled ‘Modi 3.0: What to expect regarding Pakistan-India relations?’, held on July 12, 2024.

Addressing the event, Rahman said that despite the decline in number of seats, BJP has received more or less similar number of votes as before. Also, the mindset of Congress is not very dissimilar to BJP on foreign policy issues, particularly Pakistan, and their thinking is further fortified due to favorable circumstances on the external front.

The only change that can be observed is the slightly increased strength of allies in Lok Sabha as well as a bit more space for the civil society.

In the given circumstances however, Modi is largely expected to continue with same policies, especially with regards to Pakistan, and the reappointments of Jay Shankar and Ajit Dovel seem to support this notion.

Engineer Sheikh Abdul Rashid’s defiant victory in Baramulla, while in jail, against former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, however has proved again where the sentiments of the people of Northern Kashmir rests.

Rahman also pointed out that the situation of Gaza has created a space to reinforce the narrative of Kashmir internationally, and Pakistan need to make use of this opportunity by amplifying this narrative globally efficiently and proactively.