SIM diplomacy: Another channel Modi can use to lift India-Pakistan relations

Narendra Modi has just the right kind of chutzpah and, right now, the brand equity to upgrade India-Pakistan relations through a few powerful gestures.

These need not be big 'hand of friendship' kind of gestures; the time isn't right for that. But smaller gestures can have impressively big results. And ET reported today one such gesture the PM can make — agree to the commerce ministry's proposal that Pakistani visitors be allowed to use Pakistan issued SIM cards while visiting India.

Our home ministry objects to this, citing 'security concerns'. But those in Pakistan keen to create mischief in India don't need to use Pakistani SIM cards for their ungodly missions — they are far too well equipped to need such common conveniences.

But Pakistanis with commonplace interests in India, tourism and commerce, for example, will see this common convenience not just as a facilitator but also, given the usual and mutual bureaucratic acrimony, as a uncommon gesture of large-heartedness on India's part.

The PM is adept at smart gesture politics and he is one of the few Indian netas who truly understands the transformative power of commerce and tourism.

Allowing Pakistani visitors the convenience of using their home bought SIMs will play to Modi's political and policy strengths — and it will be good for India.

Make the call Mr Prime Minister.