By ETHAN Markoff
PAKISTAN – In a major goodwill gesture, Pakistan have accepted the flood aid offered by India. Earlier it was $5 million but later on after a concrete assessment of damage, India had decided to increase it to $25. However, analysts from both countries say the disaster diplomacy will not really improve the relation between two countries.
Pakistan flood is one of the biggest natural disasters in years, which submerged a significant portion of the country and made about 6 million people homeless. But despite an acute shortage of fund, Pakistan delayed deciding whether to accept help from India because of long term tension between two nations.
"Pakistan has conveyed its deep appreciation of India's offer of assistance," Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna told parliament. "Pakistan requested on Aug 27 that India may channel its contribution to the flood victims through the U.N."
The flood submerged an area the size of Italy and it is too difficult for aid workers to respond to sufferers whose immediate needs are mere clean water, food, shelter and medical assistance.
Analysts wonder how the Pakistani people will take Indian aid and that concern most to the authorities. Initially Pakistan was reluctant to take any aid from India but analysts think that pressure from United States played a role to accept aid by Pakistan.
There is age-old dispute running between two countries. There is always a poor try to improve the relations but the deadlock between two countries seems too intricate. The improved relationship got a harsh blow after 2008 Mumbai attack that claimed 166 Indian citizens. India accused Pakistan based terrorist group was the mastermind behind the attack and the relation once again tampered.
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