The PM’s first policy statement in the new fiscal year may be a repeat of the past. Singh stated there is no issue more important for peace and stability in the region than resolving the long-simmering feud. India has a “high stake” in the peace and stability of the region that is a “vital part” of its extended neighbourhood, he told the members of the highest lawmaking body of the country.

Given New Delhi’s record in abruptly ending peace talks with Pakistan citing connivance of its government in the in the Nov 2008 terror attack on Mumbai, the statement he made about peace amounted to a drastic about-turn. “Neither the countries of the region nor the world can afford fresh turmoil,” the PM said adding, “We sincerely hope that wisdom will prevail and that in the resolution of conflicts and differences, dialogue will triumph over confrontation.”

It has ever been disputing the premise that fair and just settlement of the dispute remains the ‘core issue’ that leads to terror attacks across India and threatens peace in the subcontinent. Therefore, it came as a surprise that Singh preferred to talk about the basic human rights of a population.

“For far too long, the brave people of the region have been denied their legitimate and inalienable rights, including most of all the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable state,” Singh said and reaffirmed the “principled, strong and consistent” support of the government and people of India for “the struggle of the oppressed people.”

Manmohan Singh asserted, “India has been making a contribution to the development of the region’s economy and its human resources and we will continue to do so.” It was not an entirely ceremonial rhetoric and it is, of course, supported by facts.

However, it cannot be denied that far more budgets and human lives have gone into undoing the prosperity that all the development work achieved in six decades.

The Prime Minister and the Chief Host of the event expressed hope for the early resumption of the peace process “in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.” He received a hearty response from the Chief Host: “We are confident that India along with the countries of this continent is keen that harmony and peace prevail in this important area of the world.”

Interestingly, the Chief Host of the event was the ruler of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and noises Manmohan Singh raised had nothing to do with Kashmir. He focused his attention on Palestine and was shedding profuse tears for the struggle spearheaded from Ramallah in Gaza; not the struggle spearheaded from Srinagar!