3.7. India-Pakistan Conflicts

Let us now move from domestic politics and take a look at some of the areas of conflict in the international relations in this region. The post-Cold War era has not meant the end of conflicts and tensions in this region. We have already noted the conflicts around internal democracy or ethnic differences. But there are also some very crucial conflicts of an international nature. Given the position of India in this region, most of these conflicts involve India.

This section introduces the framework for discussing India-Pakistan conflicts by highlighting that these issues extend beyond domestic matters into international relations. Despite changes in the post-Cold War world, tensions and conflicts remain prevalent, particularly between India and its neighbors, of which Pakistan is a primary focus due to its geographical significance and historical conflicts with India.

Imagine two neighboring houses that not only have disputes over their shared fence but also face challenges regarding the noise levels their families create. Similarly, India and Pakistan share a border and historical disputes rooted in territorial claims and political disagreements, resembling how families may continue to argue about shared spaces even as their lives change over time.

The most salient and overwhelming of these conflicts is, of course, the one between India and Pakistan. Soon after the partition, the two countries got embroiled in a conflict over the fate of Kashmir. The Pakistani government claimed that Kashmir belonged to it. Wars in 1947-48 and 1965 failed to settle the matter. The 1947-48 war resulted in the division of Kashmir into two parts — one administered by India and the other by Pakistan.

The Kashmir conflict is a central issue in India-Pakistan relations. The conflict began immediately after the partition in 1947, as both nations claimed rights to Kashmir. The result of several military confrontations has been the bifurcation of the region, with each country controlling different portions. This has created an ongoing struggle and enmity that has persisted for decades, often spilling over into violent confrontations.

Think of two siblings fighting over a toy that used to belong to them both. Each sibling claims it, leading to frequent arguments. In the same way, India and Pakistan fight over Kashmir, each believing they have the rightful claim, resulting in ongoing disputes that affect their relationship and regional stability.

India’s conflict with Pakistan is also over strategic issues like the control of the Siachen glacier and over acquisition of arms. The arms race between the two countries assumed a new character with both states acquiring nuclear weapons and missiles to deliver such arms against each other in the 1990s. In 1998, India conducted nuclear explosion in Pokhran. Pakistan responded within a few days by carrying out nuclear tests in the Chagai Hills.

The arms race is pivotal in understanding the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. With both nations developing nuclear capabilities, the stakes of their confrontations are extraordinarily high. The tests showcase not only military prowess but also serve as a deterrent and an indication of national strength. This has led to a delicate balance of power characterized by constant vigilance on both sides.

Imagine two neighbors who both invest heavily in high-tech security systems because they want to feel safe from each other's potential trespasses or threats. Similarly, India and Pakistan have invested in military technology and nuclear arms to protect their interests, creating a tense atmosphere where any miscalculation could lead to dire consequences.

Since then India and Pakistan seem to have built a military relationship in which tensions in this region have increased. But both the governments continue to be suspicious of each other. The Indian government has blamed the Pakistan government for using a strategy of low-key violence by helping the Kashmiri militants with arms, training, money, and protection to carry out terrorist strikes against India.

This chunk focuses on the mutual suspicion that defines India-Pakistan relations. Each country views the other with distrust, often accusing the other of supporting terrorism and fostering instability. This dynamic influences their diplomatic negotiations and can lead to escalated tensions whenever incidents occur, further undermining efforts toward peace.

Consider two rivals in a classroom who constantly suspect each other of cheating or sabotaging each other's work. Their lack of trust prevents collaboration and creates a hostile environment. Similarly, the mistrust between India and Pakistan hinders peace talks and breeds conflict.

India and Pakistan also have had problems over the sharing of river waters. Until 1960, they were locked in a fierce argument over the use of the rivers of the Indus basin. Eventually, in 1960, with the help of the World Bank, India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty which has survived to this day in spite of various military conflicts in which the two countries have been involved.

Water resources represent another critical conflict area. The Indus Waters Treaty was a landmark agreement aimed at addressing the disputes regarding river sharing. Despite this agreement, tensions remain, indicating that even successful treaties can be tested by ongoing strife and territorial disputes. Resource management is, therefore, a key aspect of the relationship.

Just like neighbors need to agree on how to share a community garden to avoid arguments, India and Pakistan must negotiate over shared water resources to prevent conflicts. An agreement can help maintain peace, but it requires continuous cooperation and goodwill.

--