Question

Describe any two areas of co-operation and any two reasons for conflicts between India and Pakistan.

Hint:

India-Pakistan Summary: - Cooperation: Indus Waters Treaty (1960), Kartarpur Corridor & CBMs. - Conflict: Kashmir territorial dispute, Cross-border terrorism.

Answer 1

Concept: India-Pakistan relations are characterized by persistent geopolitical rivalries as well as institutional diplomatic cooperation mechanisms.

Step 1: Describing two areas of cooperation.

• Indus Waters Treaty (1960): Brokerage by the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty has successfully survived major wars and ongoing military tensions, governing the equitable distribution and sharing of river waters (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) between both nations.
• Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) & People-to-People Contact: Cooperation through initiatives like the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for pilgrims, trade agreements under SAARC, and cross-border bus/rail services (when functional) to promote cultural and religious diplomatic ties.

Step 2: Describing two areas of conflict.

• Kashmir Territorial Conflict: The fundamental territorial dispute over Jammu and Kashmir, leading to major wars (1947–48, 1965, 1999 Kargil War) and continuous militarization along the Line of Control (LoC).
• Cross-Border Terrorism: India's core concern regarding state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, insurgent training camps, and militant attacks executed by Pakistan-based terror groups (e.g., 2001 Parliament attack, 2008 Mumbai attacks, 2019 Pulwama attack).