South Asian Security Compulsions: A Historical Analysis of India-Pakistan Relations

The region of South Asia has always been highly important in the global politics because of its sensitive geographical location. India and Pakistan are two major countries of this region, which came into being as a result of the division of Sub-Continent in the year of 1947. Both India and Pakistan have remained unable to have cordial relationship with each other due to various issues. The relationship between India and Pakistan has been marked by suspicion, hatred and distrust. Tense and hostile situation has been existing between India and Pakistan since 1947, which has resulted in three wars and various crises between them. In May 1998, both India and Pakistan had tested their nuclear devices and the region of South Asia became a nuclear flashpoint. Although India and Pakistan are two traditional rival states but both have also experienced such occasions when they became successful to hold peace talks and conclude various agreements to resolve different issues. But this situation has not been long lasting and suspensions in the peace process further enhanced suspicion and mistrust on both sides. The objective of this paper is to analyze various issues between India and Pakistan in historical perspective and highlight those efforts which have been made by the policy makers of both states to lessen the tension.