New Delhi, Oct 30: India must keep a close watch on the developments in Pakistan which seemed to be heading for an 'implosion' that can pose serious economic and social threats to the country, an expert on Indo-Pak relations said today. Pakistan seemed to be heading for an 'implosion', especially with trouble brewing in Sindh and Baluchistan, Sundeep Waslekar of strategic foresight group, and also the co-author of the first joint paper between India and Pakistani think tank 'the beginning of the future', said at a CII-round table meet. The possible 'implosion' might lead to a serious refugee problem for India on the western side, he said adding "We have to think in advance for an alternative answer to this possibility which might create several social as well as economic challenges for India". Commenting on Indo-Pak ties, he said just as coal and steel played an important role in European diplomacy, new tie ups in the field of energy and water could transform and improve the relations to some extent.

"A new Indus water treaty, if we can have, can transform the relations to an extent," he said. He further said India should not ignore the proximity of China and Saudi Arabia to Pakistan apart from America.

Bureau Report