The Antecedents of Pakistan-India Conflict: Challenges and Prospects for Solution

Abstract

Pakistan-India conflict, complex in nature, has its long history. From difference of ideologies and religions, enormous violence and killings during massive migration of masses at the time of partition of the sub-continent in 1947 and division of assets are some important irritants. The Jammu and Kashmir dispute, Siachin glacier dispute, Sir Creek and the Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project are additional irritants that have intensified the Pakistan-India conflict. Pakistan-India bilateral relations have hostage by these conflicting issues. The current research looks at conflictual nature of Pakistan-India relationship while explaining the Pakistan-India conflict through the lenses of IR theory. The study has traced origin of the territorial issues like Siachin Glacier Dispute, Sir Creek and the Wullar Barrage. The study has attempted to investigate prospects for solution of these disputes. This research has also probed initiatives such as the Tashkent Agreement (1966), The Simla Accord (1972) and the Lahore Declaration (1999) to enhance confidence and de-escalate the conflict between Pakistan and India. The primary objective of this research is to analyse the prospects for sustained peace through constructive dialogue and suggesting win-win solution for the arch rival neighbours fortified with nuclear weapons in poverty-stricken South Asia.