Table of Content
Title
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Research Question
Research objectives
Theoretical Framework
Research Methodology
Literature Review
The Role of Climate Diplomacy in
Mitigating India-Pakistan Tensions:
Opportunities and Challenges.
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between India and Pakistan has long been characterized by geopolitical
tensions, rooted in historical conflicts and territorial disputes. However, the escalating impacts of
climate change present a unique opportunity for both nations to engage in climate diplomacy,
potentially transforming their adversarial interactions into cooperative efforts. As both countries
face severe environmental challenges, including air pollution and water scarcity, the necessity for
collaboration becomes increasingly urgent. Initiatives aimed at addressing shared climate issues
could not only mitigate environmental crises but also foster a sense of trust and stability in the
region. This paper explores the opportunities and challenges of climate diplomacy between India
and Pakistan, highlighting how mutual interests in environmental sustainability might pave the
way for improved bilateral relations amidst a backdrop of longstanding rivalry.
Statement of Problem
The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, stemming from historical conflicts and
political rivalries, have made it difficult for the two countries to build strong diplomatic relations.
A lack of trust persists, fueled by territorial disputes, especially over Kashmir, and differing
national narratives. As both nations face their own internal political challenges, they often
prioritize security concerns, which leaves little room for collaboration on critical issues like
environmental cooperation that could promote dialogue.
Both India and Pakistan are highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, including
extreme weather events, water shortages, and food insecurity. By engaging in climate diplomacy,
the two countries could foster mutual understanding and trust. Collaborative efforts in this area
could lead to more effective climate policies and initiatives that benefit both populations while
addressing shared vulnerabilities.
Research Questions
What are the historical and current dynamics of climate diplomacy between India and
Pakistan, and how have these efforts been impacted by their geopolitical tensions?
How can collaborative climate initiatives between India and Pakistan alleviate existing
tensions and foster greater political cooperation in other areas?
Research Objectives:
Analyze the historical development and current state of climate diplomacy initiatives
between India and Pakistan.
Evaluate the impact of geopolitical tensions on collaborative climate efforts between the
two countries.
Research Type:
This research would likely be primarily qualitative in nature. It would involve analyzing
historical records, policy documents, diplomatic communications, and conducting interviews
with experts and stakeholders. Some quantitative elements could be incorporated, such as
analyzing climate data or surveying public opinion, but the core of the research would be
qualitative analysis of complex geopolitical and diplomatic dynamics.
Theoretical Framework:
Environmental Peacebuilding Theory (EPT) posits that shared environmental challenges,
such as climate change and resource scarcity, can serve as catalysts for peace and conflict
resolution between conflicting parties. In the context of India and Pakistan, addressing
issues like air pollution and water management through collaborative governance can
transform adversarial relationships into cooperative ones. EPT emphasizes the integration
of environmental considerations into traditional conflict resolution processes, framing
these challenges as humanitarian crises to foster mutual concern. Additionally, engaging
international stakeholders can enhance joint initiatives, ultimately promoting dialogue
and reducing tensions between the two nations.
Literature Review
Climate change presents a pressing global challenge, particularly in South Asia, where India and
Pakistan face significant environmental threats. This literature review explores the dynamics of
climate diplomacy between these two nations, examining historical contexts, current initiatives,
and the potential for collaboration to alleviate geopolitical tensions.1
Historically, India and Pakistan have grappled with complex geopolitical tensions rooted in
territorial disputes and resource competition. However, climate change has emerged as a
common challenge that necessitates cooperation. Both countries are vulnerable to extreme
weather events, water scarcity, and environmental degradation, which exacerbate existing
tensions and complicate collaborative efforts 2
The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 exemplifies past cooperation on shared resources, though
recent geopolitical strains have hindered similar collaborative frameworks in addressing
climate issues 3 commitments by both nations reflect their acknowledgment of climate change
but also highlight their differing priorities: India focuses on renewable energy scaling while
Pakistan emphasizes adaptation strategies
Recent studies indicate that climate diplomacy can serve as a platform for dialogue amid political
tensions. For instance, initiatives such as joint disaster relief operations and collaborative
research on air quality have been proposed as means to foster cooperation. The urgency of
addressing pollution—particularly smog affecting cities like Lahore and Delhi—has prompted
calls for "climate diplomacy" to mitigate health risks and improve regional air quality 4
Several scholars argue that leveraging shared vulnerabilities can create opportunities for
diplomatic engagement. For example, the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programmed initiated by
Pakistan has received international acclaim and could serve as a model for bilateral climate
initiatives Moreover, collaborative forums for data-sharing on pollution sources could help build
trust between the two nations, moving beyond traditional rivalries to address mutual challenges 5
1
Ahmad, Sadeer. n.d. “CISS Insight: Journal of Strategic Studies Climate Diplomacy: Viability of
Pakistan-India Cooperation.” https://one.oecd.org/document/COM/ENV/EPOC/IEA/SLT.
3
Khan, Omair Farooq. 2023. “PAKISTAN-INDIA BILATERAL RELATIONS AND
APPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PEACEBUILDING.” Margalla Papers 27 (1): 155–
65. https://doi.org/10.54690/margallapapers.27.1.158.
4
Barrech, Dost, Munir Ahmed, Sohail Anwar, Aftab Aslam, Mir Sadaat Baloch, and Rida Ejaz.
n.d. “Climate Diplomacy in Indo-Pak Relations.” Journal of Positive School Psychology. Vol.
2023. http://journalppw.com.
The literature suggests several avenues through which climate diplomacy could alleviate
tensions:
1. Joint Research Initiatives: Collaborative studies between Indian and Pakistani institutions
could enhance understanding of shared environmental challenges and foster trust through
scientific engagement.
2. Regional Accords: Formal agreements focused on climate action could signal a commitment
to cooperation. Such accords would not only address immediate environmental concerns but also
serve as confidence-building measures that may lead to broader political dialogue 6
3. Disaster Management Cooperation: Past instances of mutual aid during natural disasters
highlight the potential for coordinated responses to climate-related crises. Strengthening disaster
preparedness systems through joint efforts could mitigate impacts and enhance resilience in both
countries7
4. Public Health Initiatives: Addressing air quality issues collaboratively can improve public
health outcomes while providing a platform for dialogue that transcends political disagreements
Despite the potential benefits of climate diplomacy, significant barriers remain. Ongoing
distrust between the governments often leads to prioritization of rivalry over collaboration. The
lack of reliable data on pollution further complicates efforts to address shared environmental
challenges effectively (6). Additionally, domestic political considerations may hinder leaders
from pursuing cooperative initiatives due to fears of backlash from nationalist sentiments.
5
Hassan, Mabroor, Manzoor Khan Afridi, and Muhammad Irfan Khan. 2017. “Environmental
Diplomacy in South Asia: Considering the Environmental Security, Conflict and Development
Nexus.” Geoforum. Elsevier Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2017.04.003.
6
Ohdedar, Birsha. n.d. “Litigating Climate Change in India and Pakistan: Analysing
Opportunities and Challenges.” http://blogs2.law.columbia.edu/climate-change-
litigation/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/non-us-case-.
7
Saba Batool, Syeda. n.d. “Identity Politics in Crisis Management: A Case Study of
India and Pakistan.”
REFRENCES
1. Ahmad, Sadeer. n.d. “CISS Insight: Journal of Strategic Studies Climate Diplomacy:
Viability of Pakistan-India Cooperation.”
https://one.oecd.org/document/COM/ENV/EPOC/IEA/SLT.
2. Barrech, Dost, Munir Ahmed, Sohail Anwar, Aftab Aslam, Mir Sadaat Baloch, and
Rida Ejaz. n.d. “Climate Diplomacy in Indo-Pak Relations.” Journal of Positive
School Psychology. Vol. 2023. http://journalppw.com.
3. Khan, Omair Farooq. 2023. “PAKISTAN-INDIA BILATERAL RELATIONS AND
APPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PEACEBUILDING.” Margalla Papers 27
(1): 155–65. https://doi.org/10.54690/margallapapers.27.1.158.
4. Barrech, Dost, Munir Ahmed, Sohail Anwar, Aftab Aslam, Mir Sadaat Baloch, and
Rida Ejaz. n.d. “Climate Diplomacy in Indo-Pak Relations.” Journal of Positive
School Psychology. Vol. 2023. http://journalppw.com.
5. Hassan, Mabroor, Manzoor Khan Afridi, and Muhammad Irfan Khan. 2017.
“Environmental Diplomacy in South Asia: Considering the Environmental Security,
Conflict and Development Nexus.” Geoforum. Elsevier Ltd.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2017.04.003.
6. Ohdedar, Birsha. n.d. “Litigating Climate Change in India and Pakistan: Analysing
Opportunities and Challenges.” http://blogs2.law.columbia.edu/climate-change-
litigation/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/non-us-case-.
7. Saba Batool, Syeda. n.d. “Identity Politics in Crisis Management: A Case Study of
India and Pakistan.”
