Opinion | Stronger Pakistan-India trade ties, regional stability may be silver lining amid flood crisis

Pakistan’s tragic floods have been an abject lesson in climate justice – a disturbing reminder of the developed world’s obligation to support the Global South in its struggles against environmental disasters.

Yet while international aid and a US$1.1 billion IMF relief package will be vital for Pakistan’s recovery, the need for cooperation with its giant neighbour and the political stability this would bring to the region must not be overlooked.

While Pakistan’s Finance Minister has hinted at reopening cross-border food imports from India, officials in Delhi reportedly discussed aid packages with their Pakistani counterparts this month, and are awaiting the green light from Islamabad. The resumption of normal relations between South Asia’s nuclear powers may constitute a silver lining to the crisis, and one that should be vigorously pursued.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif came to power in April expressing hope for peaceful ties with India and a focus on socio-economic development. Sharif is due to meet Indian counterpart Narendra Modi this week at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Uzbekistan, providing a timely opportunity for a much-needed breakthrough.