The reunion of India and Pakistan has become a politically divisive topic. The governments of both countries have a decisive hatred of the other, yet the people seem generally inclined for them to make peace. In fact, many Indians and Pakistanis believe that the violence at the border between their respective countries may end. Additionally, the lure of better living conditions and a stronger economy make a combined India/Pakistan almost idyllic for citizens. However, it’s predicted that the government and the political situation of both countries may stand in the way.
Something to consider is how this conundrum originally came to be. While the Indian Peninsula was never exactly peaceful, the two populations (Hindus and Muslims) did live in mixed societies. However, British colonialism changed that. In 1947, Britain split India and Pakistan into the Dominions of India and Pakistan. India was the designated Hindu state, while Pakistan was for Muslims. Unfortunately, the partition was followed by intense violence, during which sectional violence broke out. Both sides felt cheated and abused, but took it out on their fellow citizens. This violence continues today, especially at the Kashmir border. The British didn’t stop there though. The rulers they instated nurtured a collective hatred of the other religion, discriminating and punishing anyone who opposed their views. This is why Indian/Pakistani reunion has not been a serious condition until recent years.
While neither India nor Pakistan have very prosperous economies, they have the means to develop them. Additionally, the Indian Peninsula has an abundance of gold, copper, and uranium - all extremely valuable materials. Unfortunately, their bitter contempt for each other has prevented them from trading directly. However, there may be hope yet. Both countries' economies have recently been terribly failing, losing the ruling families millions of dollars. If this continues, Pakistan and India may have no other choice than to combine.
One big problem is nuclear weapons. With 160 nuclear warheads, Pakistan has the 6th largest nuclear weapon arsenal. India is right behind them with 150, making a nuclear war between the two catastrophic. Yes, there’s been no imminent nuclear threat, but the conflicts that might arise during reunion could lead to talks of nuclear bombings. Also, the commencing of reunion talks would mean that both sides were set on recombination. This includes a strategy of invasion and takeover, which could lead to a harsh war.
Another point to look at is how the citizens feel about reunion. Surveys have shown that 70% of Indians/Pakistanis believe that a complete Indian Peninsula (excluding Bangladesh), would lead to peace at the Kashmir border. Moreover, a combined India/Pakistan could have stronger trade connections with economic superpowers, boosting the living conditions and economy of the peninsula.
Finally, we want to know what the rest of the world thinks. For the tech industry, the Indian Peninsula’s large amounts of copper and uranium make open trade desirable. Additionally, India’s developers en masse for cheap pay can be tempting for tech moguls like Apple and Google. However, governments like the US’s may get in the way. First of all, the continued terrorist threat of Pakistan makes the concept of an entire subcontinent under their control possibly terrifying. And as we saw this year with Chinese companies, what the US is scared of, it bans.
But the country that has the most interest in a combined India isn’t the US, or Britain, or even India itself. Instead, it’s China. India already steals much of the outsourced labor coming from the West, so a combined India might be even more of an economic threat. Also, Pakistan and India’s combined nuclear assets would make it the most dangerous nuclear threat on the planet (they would have 310, while China has less than 200). Meanwhile, there could also be benefits. If China were to have a strong economic/military connection to the Indian peninsula, they might pose a bigger threat to the US or European countries. Their economy would also be further boosted, increasing their power and influence.
While the prospect of peaceful borders, better economies, and increased trade might be exciting, it is unrealistic. Government’s of world powers will refuse to accept the peninsula as a sovereign nation, essentially banning trade and commerce. Then, the new United India will be dead. Moreover, the threat of a nuclear civil war will lessen the benefits of a united India. Additionally, the anti-Muslim government of India could strongly oppose the idea, leading to dashed hopes.
500 words, Fiction