Indo-Pakistan Relations - 2 | UPSC Mains: International Relations PDF Download

Summary

• India – Pakistan relations since independence are marked by distinct phases of ups and downs.
• Phase of active aggression (1947 – 2001): This phase is marked by post-partition acrimony. The issues between India and Pakistan led to three Wars during this period fought in 1965, 1971 and 1999.
  (i) This phase is marked by rise in insurgency in Kashmir which was supported by Pakistan.
  (ii) Both countries displayed their nuclear weapon capabilities also during this phase. 
• Phase of reconciliation (2001-2008): This phase is marked by cordial overtures made by both countries. Permanent ceasefire was agreed by both across the border, confidence building measures were initiated; energy pacts agreed upon, trade and travel routes were inaugurated for the first time by both.  
• Phase of passive bilateralism (2008 - 2015): Low key interactions take place, India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ Policy unveiled, high levels visits initiated at the end of this period.
• Phase of renewed aggression (2015-2019): Cross-border terrorism peaked, several attacks on Indian soil took place, trade plummeted, internationalization of disputes and diplomatic isolation started, complete isolation and disruption of all levels of talks characterize this period. 
• India and Pakistan’s historic belligerence is founded on some basic irritants which include the history of partition, Kashmir dispute, water distribution, boundary disputes in some specific sectors and the continuing acrimony of Pakistan’s military establishment for its failure in wars with India.
• Above irritants have been manifested into several face-offs in different domains which include low bilateral trade, separatism in Punjab, creation of external leverages to the detriment of each other, cross-border skirmishes, nuclear arms race etc.
• The international events and shifting of global power balance also effects India-Pakistan relations. It is in the light of these events that India should plan its policy vis-s-vis Pakistan in future.
• Now that the political level engagement is near zero, a start could be made through development of people to-people level relations, international mediation, using multilateral forums to initiate sideline talks and focusing on development of and bringing normalcy in Kashmir.