The Impact of the Kashmir Conflict on Indo-Pakistan Relations and Security Implications of South Asia

Abstract

This dissertation offers an evidence of latest bilateral relations of India and Pakistan in the context of the Kashmir conflict. Looking at the historical background of the conflict, it explains how the Kashmir conflict has become a thorn in the bilateral relations of India and Pakistan. Through an examination of the Indian-Pakistan peace process, this recommend why the Kashmir conflict still defies a solution and analyse the self-help measures undertaken by both countries and assess the prospect for a future war in the region. By examining the regime sorts, institutional mistrust, and also the economic co-operation and competition of each countries, explore the character of the bilateral relationship and its impact on the South Asian region and specifically assess the doable negotiated resolution to the Kashmir conflict. Finally argue that as long as both India and Pakistan hold close their historically entrenched positions, there is hardly any probability for permanent peace in Kashmir, thereby complicating their strategic stance in the region. Then draw upon the theories of Neo-Realism and Neo-Liberalism to clarify outcomes towards peace initiatives between India and Pakistan, and also the implications for South Asia. Then select three specific ideas advanced by neo-realists and neoliberal theorists to explore and justify the three principles of this study: the Balance of Power, Security and Economic Co-operation. Institutional mistrust, totally different regime types, competition in non-traditional areas, continuing insurgency, has delayed a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir conflict. After the Mumbai attack, India has diverted additional more national resources into fighting terrorism. Continuing border clashes, the nuclear arms race, and terrorism have heightened the tension on the subcontinent, despite the talk of resuming the dialogue in 2011. It additional affects the efforts of rising economic and trade relations between both countries that would have led to more co-operative postures between both countries and for South Asia. An equal importance is the continuous rivalry with a much smaller power, Pakistan, and over Afghanistan is a bane to peace initiative