The relationship between India and Pakistan has been contentious since the two countries gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947 (Indian Indepence Act 1947). In diverse society of subcontinent, the partition of India by British colonials under Indian Independence Act, 1947 on the basis of Hindu-majority and the Muslim-majority created unsettling issues among both new born countries.
It is strange that communities living peacefully together for centuries become enemy of each other, most researchers blame British rulers for all major issues of subcontinent who planted and watered hatred among communities in their 200 years rule without providing economic prosperity and education to common people. The British used religion in order to divide the unity of subcontinent to get benefits for their imperialistic future goals. The violence erupted after the forced migration, territorial disputes and economic dispute in begning lead both countries to deep-seated mistrust and hostility.
One of the main sources of tension between India and Pakistan has been the disputed region of Kashmir. Both countries claim the region as their own and have fought multiple wars over it, including the first Indo-Pakistani War in 1947-1948, the second Indo-Pakistani War in 1965, and the Kargil War in 1999. The region remains a flashpoint for conflict, with both countries regularly accusing each other of violating the ceasefire line and engaging in cross-border firing.
Another major source of tension between the two countries has been the issue of terrorism. India has long accused Pakistan of providing safe haven and support to terrorist groups that carry out attacks on Indian soil. Pakistan, on the other hand, accuses India of sponsoring terrorist groups that operate in Pakistan, such as Balochistan Liberation Army and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan.
In recent few years, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated once again, with a number of high-profile terrorist attacks and cross-border incidents. In 2019, both countries had engaged in airstrikes and dogfights with blaming each other for raise of escalation. The removal of special status of Jammu & Kashmir has also strainted the relationship of India and Pakistan.
Despite the ongoing tensions and challenges, there have been efforts to improve relations between the two countries. In the early 2000s, India and Pakistan engaged in a series of peace talks, known as the composite dialogue, which addressed issues such as Kashmir, terrorism, and economic cooperation. More so, the talks between both the countries in 2007 were also very productive and they agreed to resolve their conflicts amicably. However, these talks were often marred by terrorist attacks and other incidents, and ultimately failed to bring about a lasting resolution to the conflicts between the two countries.
Overall, the relationship between India and Pakistan is complex and multifaceted, with deep-seated mistrust and hostility stemming from historical and ongoing conflicts. While there have been efforts to improve relations, tensions continue to flare up, and it remains to be seen whether the two countries will be able to find a lasting resolution to their conflicts.
Improving the relationship between India and Pakistan will require a multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying issues that have led to tensions between the two countries;
- Rebuild confidence building measure: India and Pakistan have had a history of CBMs but recent events have dented it, both sides should rebuild trust by sticking to agreements and following them through.
- Multilateral approach: India and Pakistan should engage in multilateral dialogue and cooperation through regional and international organizations. This could include the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), United Nations, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and other regional forums.
- Improve economic ties: Increasing economic cooperation between India and Pakistan could help to reduce tensions and improve the overall relationship. This could include increasing trade, promoting investment, and improving infrastructure.
- Encourage people-to-people exchanges: Building stronger ties between the people of India and Pakistan can help to improve the overall relationship between the two countries. This could include measures such as promoting cultural exchanges, increasing tourism, and encouraging educational exchanges.
- Discuss Opportunities for both the Countries to Resolve the Kashmir Issue Peacfully: The longstanding dispute over the region of Kashmir has been a major source of tension between India and Pakistan. Both countries claim the region in its entirety, and have fought several wars over it. A resolution to the conflict will require dialogue and compromise from both sides. There is a need to start a serious dialogue after taking other confidence building measures. The Kashmir issue should not be a show stoper for constructive dialgoe between both countries.
- Address the issue of cross-border terrorism: India has long accused Pakistan of providing safe haven and support to terrorist groups that carry out attacks on Indian soil. Pakistan has denied these accusations and replicated the same accusion on india for supprting terrorists in Balochistan. Addressing this issue will require both countries to take steps to combat terrorism within their own borders and to cooperate in the fight against terrorism.
- India and Pakistan’s nuclear relations and arms race: Both countries being nuclear nations need to pull them out of the arms race in the region and need to invest money on well being of their people who are living in miserable economic conditions.
Economic Opportunities for Pakistan;
It’s important to note that improving the relationship between India and Pakistan will not be easy, and it will require a sustained effort over time. Both countries will need to be willing to compromise, and both will need to be committed to a peaceful resolution of the issues that have led to tensions between them. In this detailed plan, we will discuss the potential exports that Pakistan can offer to India and the steps that need to be taken to increase trade between the two countries.
Agricultural Products:
Pakistan is known for its fertile land and ideal climate for growing a wide range of agricultural products. These include fruits, vegetables, grains, and livestock. India is one of the world’s largest consumers of agricultural products, and Pakistan can take advantage of this by exporting fresh and processed fruits and vegetables to India. For example, Pakistan is a major exporter of mangoes, which are in high demand in India. Similarly, Pakistan can export vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and potatoes, which are commonly used in Indian cuisine.
In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, Pakistan can also export processed agricultural products, such as canned fruits, pickles, and jams. These products have a longer shelf life, which makes them suitable for export and can be in high demand in India.
Textile and Apparel:
Pakistan has a well-established textile industry that is known for producing high-quality fabrics, such as cotton, silk, and wool. These fabrics can be used to produce a wide range of garments, including shirts, pants, and dresses. India is one of the world’s largest textile and apparel markets, and Pakistan can take advantage of this by exporting textile and apparel products to India.
Pakistan can also export finished garments, such as shirts, pants, and dresses, to India. These garments can be in high demand in India, especially if they are made of high-quality fabrics and are reasonably priced.
Leather Products:
Pakistan is known for its leather industry, which produces a wide range of leather products, including shoes, bags, and wallets. These products can be in high demand in India, which is known for its leather industry. Pakistan can export leather products to India, which can be used to produce a wide range of garments and accessories.
Pharmaceuticals: Pakistan has a well-established pharmaceutical industry that produces a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including medicines, vitamins, and supplements. These products can be in high demand in India, which is one of the world’s largest consumers of pharmaceutical products. Pakistan can export pharmaceutical products to India, which can be used to treat a wide range of illnesses and conditions.
On immediate basis to improve the relationship both countries have to break the ice and can start from the followings;
- Improve the political and security situation between the two countries: The political and security situation between Pakistan and India has been a major hurdle in increasing trade between the two countries. The two countries need to improve their relations and take steps to resolve any outstanding issues to increase trade between the two countries.
- Increase the number of trade agreements between the two countries: Pakistan and India need to increase the number of trade agreements between the two countries to increase trade between the two countries. These agreements can include agreements on tariffs, trade rules, and regulations.
- Increase the number of trade fairs and exhibitions between the two countries: Pakistan and India need to increase the number of trade fairs and exhibitions between the two countries to increase trade between the two countries. These fairs and exhibitions can be used to showcase the products and services that are available in both countries.
- Increase the number of business-to-business interactions between the two countries: Pakistan and India need to increase business to business relationship, exchange of business delegations to exchange the experiences.
