Which are the issues to be highlighted internationally?
We should try and project the various attempts made by Pakistan to subvert the state government of Jammu and Kashmir. It has been systematically pursuing a long-term strategy to detach from India two very sensitive security areas-Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. Although Pakistan blandly talks only of political support, it is fomenting locally disaffected people by extending external support, in terms of men and material.

Another thing to be projected to the world is the genesis of the current problem. Successive political leaders in Pakistan have made Kashmir ``a core issue'' without the solution of which Indo-Pakistan relationships cannot be stabilised. What is left unsaid is that this solutionmust be on ``Pakistan's pre-determined terms''. Pakistan is unwilling to tolerate even a so-called third option of Kashmiri independence.

Another issue to be projected is the regional situation after the Islamic Revolution in Iran and the Afghan revolution. We should highlight the emergence of Islamic militants and fundamentalists-the so-called Taliban phenomenon.

Why has Pakistan undertaken this adventure now?
Apparently, the armed forces have been straining at their leash for a long time. They want to demonstrate they can get by force what their civilian government has failed to get by sitting across the diplomatic table. It is unlikely that they will succeed. Therefore, the greater threat is to the civilian government in Islamabad. But that is not India's problem. India will have to learn to live for a long haul in its relationship with Pakistan.We must talk on the assumption that if India is found wanting in its determination to maintain and consolidate its national identity and territorialintegrity, adversaries will become enemies and take advantage. But if India is firm in defining and protecting its national interests, it will be respected not only by its adversaries and neighbours, but also by the international community. This is the message coming out of the G-8 summit.

Can the G-8 communique be called a diplomatic victory for India?
They have recognised the fact that Pakistan has violated the LoC. The Pakistani press is also saying that. In an editorial comment, the Pakistani News has acknowledged that the G-8 communique places the onus of violating the LOC on ``armed intruders'' and also called any military action to change the status quo irresponsible.

In an analytical commentary, Mr Ghazi Salauddin in The News of June 22, says, ``We have not been able to win friends and influence people. If our present rulers are willing to analyse this failure with an open mind, they may realise that their unwillingness to promote and defend liberal and democratic values in Pakistan isthe decisive factor.'' He concludes by saying, ``You cannot send the Taliban to open your innings and hope to win the match.'' This is a direct admission that India's liberal and democratic polity, coupled with its resolve to defend vital interests, has been understood in the proper perspective.

What do you think should be the international plan of action now?
One, there should be a consistency in the message that we send abroad-people in important world capitals should have greater support staff to assist them in projecting their case. Ultimately, the head of mission matters-how he puts his case across is a major factor. Articulate people, people with proper briefs, speaking with the same voice in various capitals of the world. No solo performances, but a large, organised, well-trained chorus is important. The responses should be cold, delivered with a smiling face and yet without giving the impression that we are willing to yield on our vital concerns. India must project its vital concerns andits determination to protect these concerns in a firm manner, without being provocative. That may sound a very tall order, but that is what diplomacy is all about.