Elections in Pakistan: the view from New Delhi as Army appears set to install Nawaz in power again

Syllabus: GS-II

Subject: International Relations

Topic: India and its neighborhood

Issue: India – Pakistan relations

Context:  Elections in Pakistan

Pakistan’s Politics:

• The Pakistan army has a huge say in the politics of Pakistan.
• Nawaz Shariff: he is the Army’s preferred candidate.
• His policies with respect to India have been accommodative not overly hostile.

India’s Interests:

• Pakistan’s continuing support for terrorism is the key question.
• So far, Pakistan has adopted a ‘doctrine of indifference’ (no active cooperation) towards India’s concerns with terrorism.
• This elections could open new opportunity to improve the relation with Pakistan.