A way towards Indo-Pak cooperation
Historical relations cannot always be a yardstick for deep ties in future. Foreign policy is often guided by pragmatism and national interests. China and Japan, despite a tumultuous history, have learnt to live together and cooperate for their own good. They are now the major trade giants of South East Asia, having a great level of economic interdependence despite their rivalry over territorial disputes, “major power” struggle, and a tragic history. Similarly, European history tells drastic war stories between all powers. Germany and France, for example, are historical rivals who fought numerous wars resulting in thousands of deaths.
But what is happening there now? Do they still exchange blows? Do they still indulge in those serious wars? No they don’t. They have learnt to live with each other as a community, they have realised that what they did in the past was not in their benefit. Territorial gains and nationalistic spirits are not as significant as the protection of basic human rights and the formation of a welfare society as is European Union. These nations have agreed on basic rights and norms; that they would live together and not indulge in wars as they did in the past. They are now focusing on strengthening economic ties and peaceful relations.
This needs to change. That is where economic ties become important. Increasing trade can not only benefit them by a boost to their economies, but will also help de-escalate the growing rivalry
There is much for India and Pakistan to learn from these examples. Tensions between the two date back to their inception as independent countries, with a long history of wars and conflicts over the disputed territory of Kashmir. The nuclear weapons are the by-product of this strained relationship. Moreover, border skirmishes are a routine. Thus both nations have in them such a historical hatred for each other that can lead to further rivalry if not dealt with properly.
This needs to change. That is where economic ties become important. Increasing trade can not only benefit them by a boost to their economies, but will also help de-escalate the growing rivalry. It can also facilitate political negotiations at a later stage. Imports and exports with India can be of much benefit to Pakistan, similarly India will also find Pakistan a profitable market as well as a consumer. Following the 1965 war, Indo-Pak trade fell drastically; and came to a near standstill for almost nine years. In more recent history, India stopped trade via land and air routes following the attack on Indian parliament in 2001 for some time. In 2013, trade was blocked following cross-border firing. India had not allowed Pakistan access to Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan through its territory and in return Pakistan did not give transit rights to India for Afghanistan. This significantly affected trade potential, even with other neighbours.
Chinese and Japanese trade links prove that in spite of having tense relations between states, economic interdependence always tends to avert further aggravation of rivalry, giving the states a respite. A time came when these two states were on the verge of war over territorial issues, posing serious political and security threats to the region, but despite the standoff economic ties were not affected. Similarly in case of Pakistan and India, the tensions between them can only be addressed by economic cooperation, by more bilateral trade ties. Signing of CBMs, cultural exchanges and social interaction are also some measures that can be adopted, but the first preference should be more trade.
SAARC’s aspiration for greater economic cooperation has been suffering serious setbacks due to the rivalry between two of its largest nations – India and Pakistan. The platform of SAARC should be used by both states for mutual cooperation and healthy negotiations
In this era of globalisation, the world is going towards development and advancement. Deep rooted historical grievances are considered least important by progressive nations, and welfare of people gets top priority. There are ample business opportunities between the two nations ranging from joint ventures, outsourcing, technology transfers, Indian Special Economic Zones in Pakistan near the border, opening up of the Munabao-Khokhrapar route for trade and people-to-people movement, a facilitative visa regime, mutual recognition of standards, harmonisation of customs regulations and procedures, to an alternate dispute resolution mechanism, and cross-border banking facilities. Moreover, granting of MFN status to India by Pakistan would also benefit in low tariffs and high import quotas to Pakistan by India. “If MFN status is granted by Pakistan to India, it will open up unhindered direct trade between the two countries. Trade would then take place bilaterally at significantly lower cost. It will also restore Pakistan’s international commitment under WTO of reciprocity to MFN status,” said Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
SAARC’s aspiration for greater economic cooperation has been suffering serious setbacks due to the rivalry between two of its largest nations – India and Pakistan. The platform of SAARC should be used by both states for mutual cooperation and healthy negotiations.
We need to have a positive and non traditional approach while we are talking about Indo-Pak relationship. We cannot afford sticking to historical grievances and ignore how costly it can be for our national interests. There is still time to correct the mistakes of the past. For Pakistan and India to emerge as responsible nations, they will have to let go of grievances from a bygone era, and concentrate on trade and commerce to improve the lives of their people.
