India-Pakistan Conflicts

Following partition, India and Pakistan became embroiled in a dispute over the fate of Kashmir, with the Pakistani government claiming sole ownership of the region.

Two wars between India and Pakistan, in 1947-48 and 1965, failed to resolve the conflict. The Line of Control, established during the 1947-48 war, divided the region into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the Indian province of Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite India’s decisive victory in subsequent conflicts, including the 1971 war, the Kashmir issue remained unresolved. The conflict also extends to strategic concerns such as control of the Siachen glacier and arms acquisitions.

In 1998, India conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran, prompting Pakistan to retaliate with tests in the Chagai Hills. This nuclear capability has altered the dynamics of the conflict, reducing the likelihood of full-fledged war.

The Indian government accuses Pakistan of supporting Kashmiri militants with arms, training, and funding for terrorist attacks. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is also alleged to be involved in anti-India activities in India’s northeast, facilitated through Bangladesh and Nepal.

Pakistan, in turn, accuses India of fomenting unrest in provinces like Sindh and Balochistan. Disputes over river water, notably the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, have been sources of tension, though the treaty has endured despite military conflicts.

The demarcation line in Sir Creek, Rann of Kutch, remains a point of contention. Both countries continue to engage in discussions to address these complex issues.

India and its Other Neighbours

India & Bangladesh

• India and Bangladesh have encountered disagreements over various issues, including the distribution of Ganga and Brahmaputra river waters.
• Bangladesh’s reluctance to permit illegal immigration into India and its backing of anti-Indian Islamic fundamentalist groups have irked the Indian government.
• Bangladesh’s refusal to allow Indian troops to transit through its territory to reach northeastern India, as well as its resistance to exporting natural gas to India or facilitating Myanmar’s gas exports, have further strained relations.
• Bangladeshi governments perceive India as a regional bully, particularly in matters concerning river water sharing, alleged support for rebellion in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, natural gas extraction, and trade fairness.
• Despite ongoing border disputes, economic ties between the two countries have improved significantly in recent years. Bangladesh is integral to India’s Look East policy, aiming to link India with Southeast Asia through Myanmar.
• India and Bangladesh frequently collaborate on disaster relief and environmental initiatives.

India & Nepal

• Nepal shares a unique bond with India, enabling citizens of both countries to travel and work without visas or passports.
• Trade disputes have arisen between the governments of India and Nepal in the past. India views the Maoist movement in Nepal as a growing security threat, especially given the rise of Naxalite groups across India.
• Nepal accuses India of interfering in its internal affairs, controlling river waters and hydropower, and impeding its access to the sea through Indian territory.
• Despite these differences, India and Nepal maintain relatively stable and peaceful relations, cooperating in trade, scientific endeavors, resource sharing, electricity generation, and water management.

India & Bhutan

• India enjoys a special relationship with Bhutan, marked by minimal disagreements.
• Bhutan’s efforts to eliminate guerrillas and militants from northeastern India operating within its borders have been beneficial to India.
• India is Bhutan’s primary source of development aid and is involved in significant hydroelectric projects in the Himalayan kingdom.

India & Maldives

• India and the Maldives maintain warm and friendly relations.
• In November 1988, when Tamil mercenaries from Sri Lanka attacked the Maldives, the Indian air force and navy promptly responded to the Maldives’ request for assistance.
• India has contributed to the economic development, tourism, and fisheries sectors of the Maldives.

Why did India have Problems with its Smaller Neighbours?

In contrast, the Indian government often feels exploited by its neighbors, fearing that political instability within these nations could pave the way for external powers to exert influence in the region.

Smaller countries in South Asia harbor concerns about India’s aspirations for regional dominance.

However, not all conflicts in South Asia revolve around India and its neighbors. Nepal and Bhutan, as well as Bangladesh and Myanmar, have previously clashed over issues such as the migration of ethnic Nepalese into Bhutan and Rohingyas into Myanmar.

There have been occasional disagreements between Bangladesh and Nepal regarding the management of Himalayan river waters.

Class 12 Political Science Notes Chapter 3: Class 12 Political Science notes for Chapter 3, Contemporary South Asia, are really important for CBSE board exams. They’re made by subject experts and cover all the main topics like SAARC, SAFTA, and how countries in South Asia get along.

By reading these notes, students can better understand the key concepts and dynamics of contemporary South Asia, which will help them prepare effectively for their CBSE Class 12 board exams. They are a great resource for class 12 students who want to learn more about the world around them.