Context
A new survey by the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) observed that the relations between India and Pakistan are unlikely to emerge as higher in future.
About
- The downturn in ties between India and Pakistan since 2016, after which no high-level bilateral talks had been held, is without a doubt mirrored in the survey.
- Previous surveys in 2011 and 2013 had indicated a far better optimism for reconciliation within the subcontinent.
Brief on India- Pakistan Relations
India-Pakistan relations are complicated and were marked by periods of anxiety, struggle, and occasional cooperation since the two international locations gained independence from Britain in 1947.
Timeline
- Partition and Early Conflicts: The partition of British India into India and Pakistan in 1947 brought about big-scale migrations and violence.
- The first main struggle came with the First Kashmir War (1947-48) over the disputed location of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Wars and Conflicts: The two nations fought 3 more major wars:
- 1965 War: Another conflict over Kashmir, resulting in a UN-mandated ceasefire.
- 1971 War: Resulted in the independence of Bangladesh (previously East Pakistan) after a brutal conflict.
- 1999 Kargil Conflict: A short however intense conflict in the Kargil district of Kashmir in which India emerged victorious.
- Nuclearization: Both countries performed nuclear tests in 1998, this has brought a new dimension to the strategic calculus.
- Peace Efforts and Dialogues: There were several attempts at talk and peace-building, along with the Agra Summit (2001) and the Lahore Summit (1999).
- However, development has frequently been stymied by numerous troubles, inclusive of terrorism and move-border violence by Pakistan.
- Terrorism and Security Issues: Attacks like the 2001 Indian Parliament assault and the 2008 Mumbai assaults have significantly strained relations.
- The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan has been accused of playing a role in numerous terrorist attacks in India.
- Pulwama Attack: In February 2019, an assault on a convoy of Indian paramilitary forces in Pulwama, Kashmir, killed at least 40 soldiers.
- The assault, claimed by the Pakistani militant group JeM, was the deadliest in Kashmir in three years.
- India retaliated by accomplishing an air strike that focused terrorist education camps inside Pakistani territory.
- Current Dynamics: The relations continue to be strained, with sporadic talk and efforts at normalization, but ongoing issues like the Kashmir dispute, cross-border terrorism, and political tensions continue to dominate the relationship.
Areas of Cooperation
- Indus Water Treaty: This treaty, established in 1960, governs the use of the Indus River and its tributaries.
- Despite ongoing disputes, it has largely been a success in managing water assets between the 2 countries.
- Kartarpur Corridor Agreement (2019): An Agreement between India and Pakistan for the facilitation of pilgrims to go to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Pakistan, was signed in 2019 so as to fulfill the the long-standing demand of the pilgrims to have easy and smooth access to the holy Gurudwara.
- Cricket: Cricket matches between India and Pakistan frequently attract widespread interest and feature once in a while being used as a platform to ease tensions and foster goodwill.
- Bilateral Talks: Periodic diplomatic dialogues and summits, despite their ups and downs, provide platforms for addressing various issues and finding common ground.
- Peace Agreements: Simla Agreement (1972), Lahore Summit Declaration (1999), Agra Summit (2001) are the principal peace organising agreements signed among both the countries.
Way Ahead
- Both international locations have widespread internal and external challenges that affect their bilateral relations.
- In preserving its “Neighbourhood First Policy”, India aims regular neighbourly relations with Pakistan.
- India has made clear that it will now not compromise on troubles regarding national safety and will take company and decisive steps to deal with all attempts to undermine India’s security and territorial integrity.
Source: The Hindu