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India–Pakistan Relations: Pakistan Army, Terrorism & Chronic Hostility Explained
India Pakistan Relations : Pakistan Army, Terrorism & Chronic Hostility Explained
Context: Amid renewed scrutiny of Pakistan’s internal power dynamics following the rise of its new Army Chief and escalating rhetoric from Islamabad, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent remarks have sharpened India’s diplomatic stance on the enduring role of the Pakistan Army in fuelling hostility and cross-border terrorism.
What are the major bones of contention between India and Pakistan?
- Pakistan’s Security Doctrine & Support for Cross-Border Terrorism: A central source of discord is Pakistan’s military-driven security doctrine, which uses terrorism as a tool of state policy.
- India has repeatedly presented evidence of Pakistan-based groups such as LeT and JeM executing attacks (e.g., 2001 Parliament attack, 2008 Mumbai, 2016 Uri, 2019 Pulwama, 2025 Pahalgam).
- Jaishankar’s recent remarks reiterate this long-standing position: the Pakistani Army remains ideologically and operationally hostile to India.
- Kashmir Dispute & Territorial Claims: Despite the Instrument of Accession (1947) and repeated reaffirmation through Parliament’s 1994 Resolution, Pakistan continues to claim Kashmir as “unfinished business of Partition.” The dispute is aggravated by Pakistan’s efforts to alter territorial control in PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Ideological Divide Rooted in Two-Nation Theory: Pakistan’s state ideology remains anchored in the Two-Nation Theory, viewing Hindus and Muslims as irreconcilable nations. India, in contrast, is founded on civic, constitutional nationalism. This fundamental clash shapes strategic distrust.
- Siachen–Sir Creek–Water Sharing Issues
- Siachen: India occupies the Saltoro Ridge for strategic control; Pakistan demands demilitarisation without prior authentication of troop positions.
- Sir Creek: A 96-km maritime boundary dispute affecting EEZ claims.
- Water: While the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) has withstood conflicts, disagreements persist over India’s hydropower projects (e.g., Kishanganga, Ratle).
Why has it become a chronic issue?
- Pakistan Army’s Dominant Role in Politics: Since 1958, the Army has controlled Pakistan’s foreign and security policy. Civilian governments lack autonomy to negotiate sustainably. As Jaishankar notes, the Army’s “ideological hostility” ensures continuity of conflict.
- Absence of Territorial Nationalism in Pakistan: Pakistan has not shifted from religion-based nationhood to territorial nationalism, making reconciliation difficult.
- Strategic Utility of Anti-India Narrative: Economic stagnation and political instability encourage Pakistan’s establishment to use anti-India sentiment for domestic legitimacy.
- Nuclear Deterrence Allowing Risky Behaviour: Nuclear weapons embolden Pakistan’s belief in “sub-conventional” options. India’s declaration that terror = act of war aims to end this space.
Are there any areas of cooperation between India and Pakistan?
- Humanitarian and Religious Corridors: The Kartarpur Corridor (2019) stands out as a functional people-to-people initiative enabling Sikh pilgrims visa-free access.
- Indus Waters Treaty Mechanism: Despite wars, the IWT’s Permanent Indus Commission continues annual meetings, illustrating effective cooperation under rules-based frameworks.
- Limited Trade and Informal Exchanges: Formal trade has been suspended since 2019, but informal trade through third countries continues, indicating economic complementarity. The Economic Survey (2020–21) earlier highlighted that regional trade could rise significantly with improved relations.
Why is there a need to thaw this contention?
- Strategic Stability in a Nuclearised Region: Terror attacks by a nuclear-armed Pakistan heighten escalation risks. India seeks global acceptance of the principle that state-sponsored terror between nuclear powers = escalation trigger, pushing major powers to restrain Pakistan.
- Economic and Connectivity Potential:South Asia is one of the world’s least integrated regions (World Bank). Peace enables cheaper land routes to Central Asia and West Asia, supporting India’s export ambitions.
- Internal Security and Border Management: Reducing infiltration and cross-border violence lowers security costs and improves development focus in border states.
Global Positioning & Diplomacy: As India rises economically and diplomatically, sustained calm helps it avoid needless distractions and project stable regional leadership.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
