Central University of Jammu in collaboration with External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs (Govt of India) organised a ‘Distinguished Lecture’ on ‘India’s Relationship with Pakistan’.

The event was organised at the ‘Temporary Academic Block (TAB) of CUJ on 16th February’2016.Amb. G. Parthasarthy, former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, presided over the event as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by Air Vice-Marshal Kapil Kak (retd.), well known strategic analyst and Dr Mallika Joseph, Executive Director, Australia India Institute.

The event started with a ‘Welcome address’ by Prof. Deepsheekha Kotwal, Head, Department of Mass Communication and New Media. She recalled the glorious achievements and laurels of the chief guests.

After the welcome address, the ambassador was called upon for his thoughtful lecture. He started his speech linking up the great history of Indian Diplomacy and how MEA has been working throughout the post-independence era. Moving on further, he stated how MEA and the Indian Foreign Policy transformed and revolutionised under the regime of various Prime Ministers. He referred to that of P V Narsimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Coming onto the subject of India & Pakistan, he highlighted the post-Kargil era, where the demarcation of LOC took place and how Musharraf and Vajpayee worked together for the betterment of the bilateral relations between the two countries. By giving reference to various factors like China, US and Afghanistan & terrorist attacks like that of Mumbai 2008 and Pathankot 2016, he tried to explain the exact situation that is prevailing at the moment. He ended his lecture by highlighting the fact that the only way the issues between both the neighbour countries can be solved is by following the same steps which were taken by the Indian Govt in between 2004-2008.Air Vice-Marshal Kapil Kak was then invited for his valuable thoughts where he tried to give an analytical view of the situation. He recalled how India, for the very first time, has realised the importance of Afghanistan and its interests vested there. He further added that India has made an excellent move by providing Afghanistan, military helicopters. He also added how US has been manipulating India to proxy China, where on the other hand the recent US-Pak deal to supply 8 F-16 fighter jets has shown the other negative face of the US.

A fruitful interactive session of questions and answers followed the speech of the two dignitaries. Members from the audience were very keen to know more and add up to their knowledge from the guests. The guests too seemed happy answering and discussing the questions which were put before them.

Thereafter, the Presidential remarks were given by Prof Ashok Aima, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Jammu. He thanked the guests for gracing the occasion by their presence. He further added how effective and efficient dialogue between India and Pakistan is a must for long-lasting peace.

The formal vote of thanks was given by Dr J Jeganaathan, HOD (incharge), Deptt of National Security Studies. He thanked all the participants from the audience and the organising team for a successful event.

The event was attended by members of the civil society, representatives from the Police and armed forces, academicians, research scholars, students and media members.