Our stated goal is to create a stable relationship framework, preferably within SAARC, to insulate the subcontinent from subjection to great power priorities. This probably can be seen as the common agenda. Pakistan, rightly may perceive this as a hidden agenda for exclusive domination by India! If we do not have a common goal how can there be real meeting of the hearts and minds?
However, the present realities are different. India is a real independent state. Pakistan because of her size, history, and propensity of her rulers to deploy what they call as 'strategic location' for the interest of great powers; plus the absence of 100% democracy is not in the same league. The rulers there are likely to undergo severe coping stresses, both internal and external which they can not always ward off. It is debatable whether responding to their coping needs is to be seen as permitting Pakistan to set agendas. May be there is a way to determine the commitment to the common agenda. May there is ways to proceed which keep the options open.
