🇮🇳 India vs Pakistan: Historical, Political & Strategic Dimensions

Introduction

The India–Pakistan relationship is one of the most complex bilateral relations in South Asia. Born out of Partition in 1947, the two countries have witnessed wars, cross-border conflicts, and attempts at peace. For UPSC aspirants, understanding this relationship is vital as it combines history, politics, international relations, and security studies.

1. Historical Background

Partition of 1947 → Creation of Pakistan; Kashmir issue emerges immediately.
Indo–Pak Wars
- 1947–48 → First war over Kashmir.
- 1965 → Second war, inconclusive but shaped military doctrines.
- 1971 → Led to Bangladesh Liberation, Pakistan split.
- 1999 → Kargil War, limited conflict after nuclear tests.
Simla Agreement (1972) → Committed to peaceful bilateral negotiations.

2. Core Issues Between India & Pakistan

Kashmir Dispute → Central issue, both claim the region.
Cross-Border Terrorism → Major obstacle; Mumbai 2008, Pulwama 2019.
Water Sharing → Indus Waters Treaty (1960) still functional despite tensions.
Siachen & Sir Creek → Unresolved boundary disputes.

3. Areas of Cooperation

Trade & Economic Potential → Currently minimal, but could benefit both nations.
Cultural & People-to-People Ties → Shared heritage, language, cinema, and sports.
Regional Platforms → SAARC, SCO, UN engagements.

4. Strategic & Security Dimensions

Nuclear Deterrence → Both nuclear powers since 1998.
China Factor → Pakistan’s closeness with China (CPEC, Gwadar) impacts India’s strategy.
Afghanistan Factor → Both compete for influence, especially post-Taliban resurgence.
Cross-border ceasefire (2021) → Recent positive step but fragile.

5. Recent Developments

Abrogation of Article 370 (2019) → Pakistan strongly opposed, downgraded ties.
Trade Ban (2019) → Pakistan suspended bilateral trade after Pulwama–Balakot.
International Role → FATF pressure on Pakistan to act against terror financing.

6. Way Forward

Strengthen backchannel diplomacy.
Focus on trade, climate change, and people-to-people contact.
Revive SAARC cooperation.
Promote confidence-building measures (CBMs) like ceasefire, visa relaxations, cultural exchanges.

Conclusion

The India–Pakistan equation is a mix of conflict and opportunity. While history has been dominated by mistrust, geography and shared heritage make dialogue inevitable. For UPSC aspirants, the case of India–Pakistan relations highlights the challenges of diplomacy, the role of international pressure, and the importance of regional stability for national security.