Structuralism and the Indo-Pak Rivalry: Responsible Politico- Economic Factors and Policy Analysis

Ever since the partition of Indian subcontinent in 1947, India and Pakistan have marched on the path of mutual animosity. Both the countries are struggling to clear out their relation clouded by the debris of partition. Not only are Indo-Pakistani relations tremendously explosive, intertwined as they are with communal relations and internal power struggles in both countries. With their inherently linked foreign policies, both countries have used the Indo-Pak segregation to muster support of their conjugal hard-liners against each other. The historic rivalry is further heightened by the efforts of the ruling government of both the nations. They play an eminent role to ignite antagonistic feelings against each other to suffice their agendas such as winning public support and to divert the attention of the masses from real issues especially economic turbulences. Hence, they have been both the victims and the perpetrators of violence and extremism. With the advent of new governments in Pakistan and India headed by Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Narinder Moudi, it seems that Indo-Pakistan relations might turn a corner. Measures have been taken to move towards a less antagonistic and more cooperative equilibrium; aiming to extinguish the decades old conflagration of mistrust and animosity. Both nations are interested in strengthening trade ties, exchange of Most Favored Nation (MFN) status, share gas and oil pipelines from Iran and Central Asia, and follow the path of peace and conflict resolution. While this may not end the intractable rivalry between India and Pakistan, it’s imperative for the stability and prosperity of both the regions that opportunities for mutual cooperation be pursued further. Simultaneous conflict over territory, national identity and power position in region, makes Indo-Pak rivalry an enduring one. (Paul, 2005). Therefore, it might result in a yawning hiatus between rhetoric and