Historical Background
Quaid-i-Azam's Vision:
- Quaid-i-Azam emphasized the desire for peaceful and cordial relations with neighboring
countries before the partition.
Agha Shahi on Indo-Pak Relations:
- Pakistan and India, inheritors of rich cultures and civilizations, are among the poorest globally.
- Their antagonism led to three wars (1947, 1965, 1971) and ongoing tensions, severely
impacting both nations.
Unjust Role of Radcliffe Award
Partition's Impact:
- Radcliffe Award, seen as British revenge, allocated key territories to India:
- Calcutta, the major port and industrial center, was handed over to India.
- Over 90% of industrial units of East Bengal, mostly in Calcutta, were now part of India,
causing a severe economic blow to East Pakistan.
Punjab Districts:
- Jullunder, Ferozpur, Gurdaspur, and Ambala, Muslim-majority areas, were given to India.
- These districts were crucial for irrigation and had significant Muslim populations.
Jammu-Katwa Road:
- The only link between Gurdaspur and Batala was given to India, isolating these areas from
Pakistan.
Amritsar:
- Sikh appeasement led to Muslim-majority Amritsar being handed to India, creating a
demographic and political imbalance.
Ferozpur District:
- Ferozpur district, east of Sutlej River with vital irrigation infrastructure, was awarded to India,
impacting West Punjab's agriculture.
Delayed Announcement:
- The award was intended to be announced on August 9 but was delayed until August 17, 1947,
causing confusion and unrest.
Territory Allocation:
- Approximately 6,000 square miles with a population of about 3.5 million were given to India,
seen as an unjust allocation.
Indian Reluctance for Resolution of Early Issues
Financial Issues Post-Independence:
- India's reluctance to release Pakistan's share of cash balance:
- Total: 4 billion rupees, Pakistan's share: 750 million rupees.
- Only a partial payment of 200 million rupees was released after Gandhi's intervention,
pressuring Pakistan to change its stance on Kashmir.
Princely States' Dilemma:
- Hyderabad and Junagarh were pressured to join India or Pakistan.
- Kashmir conflict created ongoing tension, leading to several wars and disputes.
Water Disputes:
- Radcliffe Award affected natural river flows, causing irrigation issues for Pakistan.
- Indus Water Treaty of 1960 partially resolved these disputes by allocating river water
distribution between India and Pakistan.
Employment and Shelter Crisis:
- Massive migration led to significant employment and shelter issues, exacerbating tensions
between the newly formed countries.
Pakistan's Search for Security
Initial Relations with China:
- 1950: Pakistan recognized the People's Republic of China, among the first nations to do so.
- 1949: India's trade cessation led Pakistan to seek new markets, fostering relations with China,
especially for raw jute and cotton.
Cold War Alliances:
- 1954: Pakistan joined SEATO for security against India, though officially directed against
China.
- Sino-Pak cooperation during Bandung Conference (1955) solidified their partnership.
Sino-India Conflict (1962):
- China's refusal to discuss Kashmir boundary with India highlighted Pakistan's stance, creating a
strategic alignment between China and Pakistan against India.
Period of General Ayub Khan
Sino-India Border War (1962):
- Improved Sino-Pak relations:
- Border agreement demarcated boundary, easing tensions.
- Infrastructure projects like the Karakoram Highway linked China's Xinjiang-Uygur
autonomous region with Pakistan's Northern Areas.
Indo-Pak War of 1965:
- Triggered by Operation Gibraltar and subsequent Indian retaliation.
- Chinese military supplies and political pressure supported Pakistan.
- Tashkent Agreement (1966) ended hostilities without resolving the Kashmir issue,
disappointing many in Pakistan.
Episode of 1971 War & Bhutto's Indian Policy
Indo-Pak War (1971):
- India supported secessionist forces in East Pakistan, leading to Bangladesh's creation.
- Heavy fighting occurred along the Kashmir cease-fire line.
- Soviet Union's strategic cooperation with India played a decisive role in the dismemberment of
Pakistan.
Simla Agreement (1972):
- Aimed at peace, with Kashmir issue deferred for bilateral discussion.
- Bhutto's tacit understanding with Indira Gandhi aimed to maintain regional stability.
Nuclear Program Initiation:
- Z.A. Bhutto initiated Pakistan's nuclear weapons program post-1971 war, declaring Pakistan
would "eat grass" if necessary to develop nuclear capability, responding to India's nuclear
ambitions.
Russian Invasion of Afghanistan & Indian Attitude
Soviet Invasion (1979):
- India's non-condemnation vs. Pakistan's support for Mujahideen.
- Increased threat perception from both eastern and north-western borders.
- Rise of militant Hinduism added tension, as violence against Muslims in India escalated.
Strategic Response:
- President Zia-ul-Haq saw the Soviet presence in Afghanistan as a mortal threat to Pakistan,
deciding to support Afghan Mujahideen despite Moscow's warnings.
Relations after 9/11 Incident
Post-9/11 Dynamics:
- Pakistan became central to the US-led war on terror, gaining renewed US support.
- India sought closer ties with the US, offering military cooperation against terrorism.
- Renewed US economic assistance to Pakistan caused friction, with India viewing Pakistan as a
terrorist-supporting state.
Strategic Alliances:
- India gained bilateral defense cooperation from the US, including the potential transfer of
nuclear weapons.
- Pakistan's role in the war on terror highlighted its strategic importance, though it faced
accusations from India regarding support for terrorism in Kashmir.
Impact of World Politics over Indo-Pak Relations
US-Indian Strategic Partnership:
- Aimed at containing China, with India as a key ally.
- US-India nuclear deal raised security concerns for Pakistan, leading to closer Pakistan-China
relations.
China & Russia as Allies:
- Pakistan sought closer ties with China and Russia to balance US-India partnership.
- Emphasis on strategic stability and multipolar world order to counter US dominance.
Economic Considerations:
- Pakistan's nuclear capability bolstered its defense but highlighted economic vulnerabilities,
drawing parallels with the Soviet Union's collapse despite its military might.
- Maintaining a credible deterrent at the lowest possible cost was essential, avoiding an arms race
with India.
Key Dates and Figures
- August 17, 1947: Radcliffe Award announced.
- 1950: Pakistan recognized People's Republic of China.
- 1954: Pakistan joined SEATO.
- 1960: Indus Water Treaty.
- 1962: Sino-India conflict.
- 1965: Indo-Pak War.
- 1966: Tashkent Agreement.
- 1971:Indo-Pak War leading to Bangladesh's creation.
- 1972: Simla Agreement and initiation of Pakistan's nuclear program.
- 1979: Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
- 2001:9/11 incident.
Conclusion
- Indo-Pak relations are deeply influenced by historical injustices, regional security concerns, and
global political dynamics.
- The ongoing quest for security, economic stability, and strategic alliances continues to shape
the geopolitical landscape of South Asia.
Irritants in Pak-India Relations
1. Introduction
- Conflict and Confrontation: The relationship between Pakistan and India has historically
been marked by conflict and confrontation, affecting peaceful coexistence and resolution of
disputes.
2. Kashmir Issue
- Core Dispute: Post-independence, the Kashmir issue has been central to Pak-India tensions.
- Territorial and Ideological Conflict: Both nations view it as a territorial dispute and an issue
of Kashmiri self-determination, intertwined with ideological differences and historical
prejudices.
- Indian Position: India claims the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to its union is final and
legal, dismissing the need for a plebiscite.
- Pakistani Position: Pakistan maintains Kashmir's disputed status as recognized by UN
resolutions of 1948 and 1949, which remain in force.
- Article 370: India's revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, has further complicated the
issue.
3. Nuclear Arms Race
- Nuclear Tests: India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974 (Operation Smiling Buddha), and a
series of nuclear tests in May 1998 (Operation Shakti). In response, Pakistan conducted its own
nuclear tests on May 28, 1998 (Chagai-I) and May 30, 1998 (Chagai-II).
- International Reactions: The nuclearization of both countries led to global concern,
particularly from the United States and China, influencing their foreign policies towards South
Asia.
- Nuclear-Free Zone Proposal: Pakistan proposed a nuclear-free South Asia in 1991, supported
by China, but this proposal has seen little progress.
4. Siachen Glacier
- Strategic Location: Siachen Glacier, located near the northeastern tip of Baltistan, forms part
of the Gilgit Agency.
- Control and Occupation: Historically controlled by Pakistan, India occupied the glacier on
April 13, 1984 (Operation Meghdoot), violating the Simla Agreement.
- 1989 Agreement: In December 1985, Pakistan proposed bilateral negotiations for troop
withdrawal, which led to the 1989 Defence Secretaries' agreement for redeployment. However,
India later renounced the agreement.
5. Line of Control (LoC)
- Separation Line: The LoC separates the armies of Pakistan and India in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Historical Agreements: Established by the Karachi Agreement on July 27, 1949, reestablished
after the 1965 war, and confirmed by the Simla Agreement on July 2, 1972.
- Violations:
- Chorbat La Area: In 1972, India occupied Chorbat La, establishing five posts on Pakistan's
side of the LoC.
- Siachen Glacier: Occupied by India in 1984, covering 2,500 square kilometers.
- Qamar Sector: In 1988, India established three posts, which expanded to twelve, covering 33
square kilometers.
- Neelum Valley: Since 1996, Indian troops have used long-range artillery to cut off Neelum
Valley from Azad Kashmir.
- Kargil Conflict: In May 1999, India attempted to occupy high peaks across the LoC in Shyok
Sector, which Pakistan repulsed.
6. Extremist Elements
- Hindrance to Peace: Extremist elements in both countries disrupt efforts for peace and
cooperation.
- Incidents: Incidents like the 2008 Mumbai attacks and bomb blasts in Pakistan are attributed to
these elements.
7. Disputed Indian Water Plans
- Indus Water Treaty 1960: Signed on September 19, 1960, this treaty between India and
Pakistan allowed unrestricted use of each other's river waters for domestic, agricultural, and
limited hydroelectric power use.
- Prohibitions: Both countries are prohibited from making obstructions that alter daily water
flow.
- Disputes:
- Kishanganga Dam: Located on the Kishanganga River (a tributary of the Jhelum River), this
project by India is seen by Pakistan as a threat to its water security.
- Baglihar Dam: Constructed on the Chenab River in India, Pakistan raised concerns over
reduced water flow affecting its agriculture.
8. Effects of Pulwama Incident Over Pak-India Relations
- Pulwama Attack (February 14, 2019): A suicide bombing in Indian-occupied Kashmir killed
40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility.
- Escalated Tensions: India accused Pakistan of involvement, which Pakistan denied, offering
cooperation in the investigation.
- Indian Response: India imposed trade restrictions and revoked Pakistan's Most Favoured
Nation (MFN) status.
- Nuclear Deterrence: Despite India's conventional superiority, Pakistan's tactical nuclear
weapons reduce the likelihood of limited war.
Kashmir Issue
1. Introduction
The Kashmir conflict, a long-standing territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, traces back
to the partition of British India in 1947. This dispute has evolved from a territorial clash into a
multifaceted issue involving religious, political, and geopolitical dimensions. Since the partition,
relations between Pakistan and India have been marked by rivalry and suspicion, profoundly
impacting the foreign policies and security concerns of both nations.
2. Historical Background of Kashmir Issue
i. Unjust Radcliff Award
- Radcliffe Line (1947): Sir Cyril Radcliffe, appointed to demarcate the boundaries between
India and Pakistan, controversially assigned certain Muslim-majority areas like Gurdaspur to
India. This decision influenced the future of Kashmir significantly.
- Territories Affected: Jullunder, Ferozpur, Gurdaspur, Ambala, Batala, Pathankot.
- Impact: Inclusion of Gurdaspur in India provided a land route to Kashmir, facilitating its
accession to India.
ii. Option for Princely States & Indian Accession of Kashmir
- Princely States’ Options (1947): At independence, princely states could join India or Pakistan
or remain independent.
- Hyderabad & Junagarh: Opted for Pakistan, leading to conflicts.
- Kashmir: Maharaja Hari Singh chose to accede to India despite a Muslim majority population
desiring to join Pakistan.
- Strategic Importance: Kashmir borders Tibet, China, Afghanistan, and Russia.
iii. War of 1948 and UN Resolution
- First Indo-Pak War (1947-48): Pakistan attempted to annex Kashmir by sending tribal
militias.
- Accession Agreement: Maharaja Hari Singh acceded to India in exchange for military
support.
- UN Involvement: UN brokered a ceasefire in 1948, establishing the Line of Control (LoC).
UN Resolution 47 called for a plebiscite to determine Kashmir's future, which remains
unimplemented.
iv. Division of Kashmir
- Line of Control (1949): The UN-established ceasefire line divided Kashmir into Indian-
administered Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir.
- Current Status: The LoC remains the de facto border, with both countries claiming the entire
region.
v. Indian Obstruction to Rivers Water to Pakistan
- Water Disputes (1948): Post-partition, India obstructed the flow of rivers to Pakistan,
impacting its agriculture.
- Rivers Affected: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab.
- Indus Waters Treaty (1960): Brokered by the World Bank, the treaty allocated the waters of
the Indus River system between India and Pakistan, resolving initial water disputes.
3. Kashmir, Indian Threat, and Pakistan's Search for Security
i. Acceptance of People's Republic of China
- Diplomatic Relations (1950): Pakistan recognized the People's Republic of China on January
4, 1950.
- Initial Interaction: Limited due to Pakistan's internal challenges, such as the Kashmir
conflict and refugee settlement.
ii. Joining of SEATO and CENTO
- Alliances (1954): Pakistan joined SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) in September
1954 and CENTO (Central Treaty Organization) in 1955, aligning with Western powers for
security against India and communist threats.
iii. Sino-Indian Tussle & Chinese Changing Stance on Kashmir
- Sino-Indian War (1962): The border conflict between China and India resulted in China
supporting Pakistan's stance on Kashmir.
- Border Agreement (1963): Pakistan and China signed a border agreement, solidifying their
strategic partnership.
- Significant Changes: China conceded over 750 sq. miles to Pakistan, enhancing the strategic
depth of their relationship.
iv. Failure of Operation Gibraltar & Wars of 1965 & 1971
- Operation Gibraltar (1965): Pakistan's failed attempt to incite insurgency in Kashmir led to
the Second Indo-Pak War.
- Second Indo-Pak War (1965): Resulted in military stalemates and further entrenched the
LoC.
- US Involvement: Imposed an arms embargo, leading to mediation at the Tashkent Conference
(1966).
- Third Indo-Pak War (1971): Resulted in the creation of Bangladesh and further strained
Indo-Pak relations.
v. Decades of 1980s and 1990s
- 1980s:
- Soviet-Afghan War: Pakistan's support for Afghan Mujahideen against the Soviet Union
impacted its policy on Kashmir.
- Western Support: Rewarded Pakistan for its strategic role, influencing its stance on
Kashmir.
- 1990s:
- Insurgency in Kashmir: Increased militancy in Indian-administered Kashmir, with
allegations of Pakistan's support for militants.
- Western Pressure: Shifted towards urging Pakistan to cease support for cross-border
terrorism.
Vi. Kargil Operation and Kashmir as Flashpoint of War
- Kargil Conflict (1999): Pakistani forces and Kashmiri militants occupied positions in Kargil,
leading to a limited war with India.
- Outcome: International diplomatic pressure forced Pakistan to withdraw. The conflict
highlighted Kashmir as a nuclear flashpoint.
4. Pakistan Kashmir Policy after 5th August 2019
Indian Revocation of Article 370
- Revocation (August 5, 2019): India revoked the special autonomous status of Jammu and
Kashmir under Article 370, fully integrating it into India.
- Impact: Changes to land ownership rights, preferential treatment in jobs and education, and
demographic shifts.
- Pakistan's Response:
- Diplomatic Actions: Downgraded diplomatic ties, halted trade, and raised the issue at
international forums, including the UN.
- International Support: Initial backing from China, Turkey, and Malaysia. Limited support
from broader international community.
- UN Security Council: Informal consultations on Jammu and Kashmir, marking a diplomatic
victory for Pakistan.
Passive Aggression and Diplomatic Efforts
- Domestic Measures Observed Youm-e-Istehsal (Day of Exploitation), released an updated
political map, and revoked the Nuclear First-strike policy.
- International Support: China reaffirmed support for Pakistan, but major powers like the US,
Russia, France, and the UK did not favor reopening the issue at the UN. Saudi Arabia and UAE
considered it an internal matter of India.
5. Conclusion
Recent developments in the subcontinent, especially the India-China standoff, indicate potential
shifts in regional dynamics favorable to Pakistan's Kashmir policy. The international
community's involvement in resolving the dispute will depend on Pakistan's persistent advocacy,
the strength of the Kashmiri freedom struggle, and the potential for humanitarian crises or
military conflicts. Pakistan must maintain a legally defensible position based on international law
and UN resolutions while distancing itself from proscribed terrorist organizations to gain broader
international support.
