Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Masood Khan, highlighted the importance of India fostering good relations with its neighbors to enhance its standing on the global stage. Stressing on the principle of “neighbourhood first” and advocating for a peaceful coexistence, Khan suggested that India should prioritize economic connectivity with its neighboring nations.
These remarks were made during a conversation with Tim Horgan of the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire on the ‘Global in the Granite State’ podcast. Khan’s comments coincided with India’s post-election scenario, wherein the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell short of a majority in the Lok Sabha, but Narendra Modi was nominated for a third consecutive term as Prime Minister by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
In addition to discussing India-Pakistan relations, Khan also underscored the importance of the US maintaining a balanced approach towards South Asian countries. He cautioned against the US being overly aligned with India, emphasizing the necessity of restoring equilibrium in its relationships within the region to ensure peace and security.
Furthermore, Khan highlighted Pakistan’s desire for an independent space in its dealings with the US, particularly in economic and defense matters. He expressed optimism about the US-China relationship, noting recent visits that laid the groundwork for collaboration rather than confrontation.
On a broader global scale, Khan emphasized the imperative of poverty eradication as a top priority for the international community. He called for the establishment of a responsible international financial system to alleviate countries from debt burdens and enhance economic resilience and self-sufficiency.
