UP PCS Mains-2024

Approach Briefly describe the historical background of India-Pakistan relations. Mention the major developments of the past. Show what are the current complexities. Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

The origin of the relations between India and Pakistan can be traced back to the ‘Two Nation Theory’ given by the Britishers which resulted in the unnatural partition of the country. India and Pakistan are considered as ‘brother enemy’ nations having a long history of ups and downs.

Body

History of Troubled Past:

• Partition and its Aftermath (1947): Unresolved territorial disputes, communal violence, and mass displacement.
• Wars and Conflicts: 1947, 1965, 1971, and 1999 (Kargil War).
• Cross-border Terrorism: 2001 Parliament Attack, 2008 Mumbai Attacks, 2016 Uri Attack, and 2019 Pulwama Attack.
• Unresolved Kashmir Dispute: Pakistan opposes India’s constitutional changes (Article 370) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Complexities of Present:

• Cross-Border Terrorism: Pakistan supporting cross-border terrorism in India is the biggest hurdle in the normalization of relationship. It poses a significant security challenge to India.
• Border Issues: There is an issue of border disputes along the Line of Control, Sir Creek in Kutch region and Siachen glacier region. The border areas often see cross-border firing leading to loss of lives.
• Kashmir Issue: It is a long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan. The conflict has its roots in the partition of India in 1947 and has since resulted in several wars and skirmishes between the two countries.
• Troubled Diplomatic Relations: The two countries have had limited diplomatic relations, with periodic attempts to improve relations often ending in failure.
• Military Buildup: Both the countries have a significant military presence along their border, leading to tensions and the potential for conflict.
• China-Pak Axis: The growing convergences between China and Pakistan has created trouble for India. The CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor), the project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), violates India’s sovereignty as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
• Nuclear Weapon State: Pakistan’s civilian government is largely controlled by its Army. There are several terrorist groups that operates from the soil of Pakistan. There is always a threat that the Army or terrorist groups may get access of the nuclear arsenal.
• Indus water treaty Dispute: The treaty which was signed in 1960 sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two sides on the use of the water of the Indus River. There is a dispute over the Kishenganga and Rattle hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir. However, this treaty is one of the most successful international treaties in South Asia which has endured wars and tension between India and Pakistan.

India had shown goodwill gesture when Pakistan was invited in swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister of India in 2014 and PM visited Pakistan in 2015. But Uri Attack of 2016 and Pulwama attack of 2019 and the subsequent surgical strikes and Balakot air strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir proved a major setback in the progresses made.

The opening of ‘Kartarpur Corridor’ and the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, however, gives a ray of hope. India’s Neighbourhood First Policy emphasizes on fostering cordial and synergetic relations with its neighbours including Pakistan. But India has made it clear that talks and terrorism cannot go together.

Conclusion

There is a need to promote back-channel diplomacy by engaging with non-state actors to find a diplomatic solution to the problem and promote trade because trade, peace and prosperity are interlinked to each other.The mantra of India-Pakistan relations should be- “Let us sweat in peace and not bleed in war”.