The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a 3-member Media Delegation from Maldives for an In-House meeting on December 16, 2019. Members of the delegation included: Mr. Farooq Mohamed Hassan, writer and journalist; Mr. Abdul Shakoor Adul Raheem, blogger; and Mr. Abdullah Mohamed, News producer, Channel-13.
Mr. Najam Rafique, Director Research at ISSI, welcomed the delegation and requested Ms. Shahroo Malik, Research Associate, to give a brief introduction of ISSI, its working and contribution to the strategic discourse, research and issues relevant to Pakistan.
Apprising the delegation on the dynamics of geostrategic environment in South Asia, Mr. Najam said that historic friendly relations between Pakistan and China have now been substantiated under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is now entering its second phase encompassing cooperation in the fields of agriculture, industry and education. He explained the recent unconstitutional steps taken by India on August 5 in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) dividing it into two separate Indian Union territories. He added that there is no chance of a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. However, considering the hostile actions taken by India, chances of limited conventional war cannot be ruled out. He was of the view that India has strongly integrated herself within the US Indo-Pacific Strategy and in line with her hegemonic ambitions, will impose itself over the nations of Indian Ocean. Pakistan for its part, he continued, will continue to resist Indian hegemony in the region.
