Since 1949, the United Nations has had a group of military observers stationed in Kashmir to maintain a cease-fire between India and Pakistan. The scene has been one of almost continuous tension as the two nations have increased their destructive capabilities, becoming nuclear powers in the 1990s.
Only recently have India and Pakistan begun to show progress toward reaching a solution in Kashmir.
The Kashmir dispute has been described by the CIA World Factbook as “the world’s most highly militarized territorial dispute.”
When India gained its independence from Great Britain in 1947, the ruling Hindu Maharaja opted to make Kashmir a part of India. Pakistan also claimed the territory.
India has since fought wars with Pakistan in 1947, 1965 and 1971. The 1971 war resulted in the creation of the nation of Bangladesh from what had been East Pakistan.
A January 2004 agreement holds promise of leading to a solution to the crisis, although similar accords have failed in the past.
And Kashmir is not the only place India is having difficulties. The nation is currently in long-running disputes with four of the six nations sharing its boundaries.
The rugged Indian-Chinese border has been in dispute for decades. After some improvements in the late 1980s, relationships worsened in 1998 when India used the threat from Communist China to justify its development of nuclear weapons.
India also has ongoing disputes over boundaries with Nepal and Bangladesh.
But with the looming threat of terrorism a worldwide problem, especially in Asia, India has made strides toward mending — or at least not worsening — relations with its neighbors and the rest of the world.
According to the U.S. State Department, “The United States has undertaken a transformation in its relationship with India based on the conviction that U.S. interests require a strong relationship with India.”
Citing such common interests as the free flow of trade, a stable Asia free of terrorism and a commitment to political freedom, the United States has lifted sanctions imposed after India’s nuclear tests in 1998. In January of this year the United States and India announced the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP).
A press release from the president’s office shortly after the announcement described the purposes of the agreement, saying, “The United States and India agree to expand cooperation in three specific areas: civilian nuclear activities, civilian space programs and high-technology trade. In addition, we agree to expand our dialogue on missile defense. Cooperation in these areas will deepen the ties of commerce and friendship between our two nations and will increase stability in Asia and beyond.”
In addition to the improved relations with the United States and its neighbors, India is also seeking an expanded role in the United Nations, requesting a seat on the Security Council. And even more significant is the relationship between India and the European Union, marked by a declaration that the EU will help India improve its “human capital” by assisting with environmental, health and education issues.
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