Regional players like China, Russia, and the USA could encourage diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and India
This would benefit both countries, the South Asian region, and global stability
Zair Mahesar
Since the partition of the subcontinent, Pakistan and India have had strained relations, marked by four wars and several tense standoffs, with the Kashmir dispute being a longstanding point of contention. While resolving the Kashmir dispute could ease tensions, modern analyses indicate that Pakistan-India relations might remain strained due to issues like water security and cross-border terrorism. Additionally, Pakistan’s evolution into a security state since 1971 has further complicated its dynamics with India. On the other hand, Maleeha Lodhi suggests in her book “Pakistan: Beyond the Crisis State” that despite being rival states, there’s potential for peace between India and Pakistan through dialogue. Both countries have signed 19 agreements and engaged in over 200 significant events at the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and secretarial levels. As both countries possess nuclear capabilities, it is mandatory to take the following practical measures, and end the chapter of war forever.
Both states are operating in a zero-sum approach (gain of one and loss of other) when it comes to a Kamshir dispute. Hence, both countries must revisit their traditional stances, and should move towards a variable-sum approach (mutual gain). It would pay the way for more constructive engagement, and reduce tensions between Pakistan and India.
Both Pakistan and India need to reframe their national narratives. While anti-Pakistan sentiments are sometimes used in Indian elections, Pakistan’s education system perpetuates the narrative of partition and its relations with India. Removing the Indian factor from Pakistan’s curriculum, and Pakistan factor from Indian elections could be a step towards improving bilateral ties.
At international forums, both countries often attribute terrorist incidents to each other. For instance, India has linked the Palgham terrorist attacks to Pakistan, while Pakistan has associated the recent Jaffer Express train attack in Balochistan with India. These incidents highlight the issue of cross-border terrorism. To address this, India and Pakistan should collaborate on effective counter-terrorism measures and work together to eliminate extremism and terrorism in the South Asian region.
The Indus Water Treaty was a significant achievement for Pakistan and India, aiming to manage water resources. However, India’s actions have raised concerns about treaty compliance, contributing to water insecurity in Pakistan. Water security expert Brahma Chellaney‘s observation that water may become a major source of future conflicts underscores the importance of resolving this issue. Addressing water disputes could help normalize relations between the two countries.
Pakistan and India have reservations regarding trade, finance, business, and people-to-people movement, hindering constructive dialogue and diplomatic relations. Adopting the security community concept, as seen in ASEAN and the EU, could foster cooperation and trust. This approach might help end conflicts and promote lasting peace between the two nations.
Pakistan and India have a significant conventional military imbalance, and India’s nuclear capabilities, including hypersonic missile technology, further complicate the situation. Given the risks, regional players like China, Russia, and the USA could facilitate escalation control and encourage diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and India. This would benefit both countries, the South Asian region, and global stability.
Read- Pakistan: Water Diversion by India Equals War
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Zair Mahesar, hailing from Khairpur Mir’s, Sindh, is currently based in Lahore. He has done Masters in English, and BA, LLB, from University of Karachi. Email: zairhussain10@gmail.com
