SOUR RELATIONS BETWEEN INDIA & PAK

                      

In the past 65 years, India and Pakistan have not been able to resolve their differences and develop a normal good neighbouring relationship.Their relations are grounded in the political, geographical, culture  and economic links between the two largest countries of South Asia. The two countries share much of their common geographic location,  but differ starkly in religious  demographics. India is a secular country with Hindu majority at about 80% of the total population  and Muslims being thr largest minority part with about 13% of the population while Pakistan in the other hand, is an Islamic country with 97%being Muslim population  and only about 1.8% Hindus.
Diplomatic relations between the two are defined by the history of violent partition  and numerous military conflicts and territorial disputes thereafter. To quote for an example India's counterpart Pakistan has always been in news for ceasefire violations and exchanges of fire along the Line of Control and the International boundaries and many other political issues. Pakistan claims to be the primary victim of terrorism. In truth, it is actually a victim of its own policies of breeding and sponsoring terrorism. Seeking to mask its activities as though  an outcome of domestic discontent in Indian States of Jammu and Kashmir carries no credibility with the world. Pakistan has now become a hub of terrorism which they themselves are not ready to accept.
The causes of the conflicts can be viewed through many issues. Firstly, the tension between India and  Pakistan are  deeply rooted in their history as mentioned above. Their failure to reconcile in their difficulties ultimately resulted in partition and led to two wars, one in 1948 and other one in 1965 and then the Kargi War of 1999.Second,the state of Jammu and Kashmir has always been viewed as a possession for both the countries. Third, the problem of the distribution of the Indus  river water flowing from  Kashmir into Pakistan. Pakistan has raised concerns on some of the Indian Hydroelectric projects under construction. They claim that it will affect waters for which Pakistan has the right.
Recently, the National Security Advisors of Pakistan cancelled the meeting between the two countries stating that the Modi’s government’s preconditions- not inviting Hurriyat party members as the reason for cancellation. This is one more indication of the inability of Pakistan to extend a peaceful hand. The recent talk by Nawab Sharif in the UN specifically related to Indian issues and the need to demilitarise Kashmir in addition with calling itself a terror free nation also puts a big question mark.
Peace and stability are the prerequisite for both the countries for their economic development, trade and political and socio-cultural relations. Also I think its  high time for  these two countries cooperate and move towards a mutual understanding.

Sneha Saini
Global Youth India