Pakistan- India Relations: An assesment of the Developments during 1999-2008

Abstract

Pakistan and India are two important neighbors in the South Asia and geographically both hold strategic position in the region. Unfortunately, their history of relationship is replete with hostile postures and blame game with rare periods of cordial interactions. Though the desire for peace and cooperation has always been there, some factors have obstructed any positive development to take place for the development of Pakistan−India relationship. Both the countries have suffered economically and diplomatically due to their security centered policies for each other. The nuclear power status of both Pakistan and India along with the international pressures has increased the need for peace and collaboration more intensely than before. The peace process started between Pakistan and India and the steps taken since 1999 clearly marked a significant change in the status quo which prevailed during the previous eras. The Composite Dialogue initiated formally in 2004 and the willingness on both sides to take initiatives regarding all the major disputes by holding negotiations has been, no doubt, a positive change in the tension ridden environment of South Asia. Provided the healthy and changed environment of trust building and increasing people to people contacts during 1999-2008, one can clearly see and hope for a very close cooperation in economic, diplomatic, political and social fields. War is no more an option for these nuclear powers and in the world of today where regional economic integration is a way forward for development and stability, Pakistan and India need to increase their cooperation in all the potential fields and move for the resolution of all the outstanding disputes. This will surely lead towards the improvement of conditions of the poor people on both sides coupled with the economic integration and development of the whole South Asian region.