RAJIV GANDHI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF LAW,

PUNJAB

POLITICAL SCIENCE PROJECT

INDIA, PAKISTAN FOREIGN RELATIONS AND
HOW THEY SHAPE THE NEW GEOPOLITICAL
ORDER

Submitted By:
Chirkankshit Submitted To:
Bihari Bulani Ms. Aditi Dubey
Asst. Professor of Pol. Science
Roll No: RGNUL, Punjab
22138

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 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
This certificate is to declare that this project titled “India, Pakistan Foreign
Relations And How They Shape The New Geopolitical Order” is the
bonafide work of Chirkankshit Bihari Bulani, a student of the Rajiv Gandhi
National University of Law, Punjab.

Signature

Chirkankshit Bihari Bulani

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to Ms Aditi Dubey, our political
science teacher for her able guidance and support in completing my project. Her help was
instrumental in the project and she constantly resolved doubts encountered during making
this project.

I would also like to appreciate the library staff which who me through the use of online
databases and journals.

Lastly, I also offer my thanks to my parents and friends without their support and
encouragement of whom I would not have been able to complete this project.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A COVER PAGE 00
B BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE 01
C ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 02
D TABLE OF CONTENTS 03
1 INTRODUCTION 04-06
1.1 Geo-Political Scenario After World War 2
1.2 Shift towards South Asia- India and Pakistan
2. INDIA AND ITS FOREIGN POLITICS 07-08
2.1 The Unites states
2.2 Russia
2.3 China
2.4 Israel
3 Pakistan And its foreign politics 09
3.1 The Unites states
3.2 China

4 HOW INDIA AND PAKISTAN ARE 10

CHANGING THE CURRENT
GEOPOLITICAL ORDER
E BIBLIOGRAPHY 11

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 1. INTRODUCTION
Geo- Politics has been an integral part of Human lives since time immemorial. Geo-Politics is
primarily the study of politics through lenses of Geographical factors, as well as the study of
interaction and influence between Nation- states. It’s often used to interpret the behaviour of states
and their actions is often defined as a big chessboard, with small conflicts going across all the
corners. Often like Chess, its also regarded that the major conflicts often boil down to two sides,
and the difference of powers also plays its role in the order. This paper decides to explore the
unpredictable world of International Geo- politics, and along the way seeks to answer the
questions-

 What was the Geo- political scenario of the world after World War 2?

 How did South Asia became the focal point of Modern Geopolitics?

 How are major powers of South Asia changing the current Geopolitical order?

 What are some scenarios that can define the future of Modern geo- politics?

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 1.1 GEO-POLITICAL SCENARIO AFTER WORLD WAR 2

The 2nd World War was fought in 1939 and ended in 1945 with the bombing of 2 Japanese cities,
where 2 nuclear bombs were dropped, and resulted in the win of allied powers, namely US,
Great Britain, France, Poland, Russia and their colonies. A war on a level never seen by
humanity before, involved developments in the field of industrial production, dthe evelopment of
scientific capabilities in reference to the production of armaments and ammunition. No wonder
being categorized as one of the most destructive conflicts in human history, it is estimated to
claim around 70–85 million people perished, or about 3% of the 2.3 billion (est.) people on Earth
in 1940.1 Many deaths also occurred because of the Holocaust, which was responsible for the
targeted killings of over 6 million Jews. The war ended with the catastrophic bombing of the
Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where the bombings claimed an estimated quarter
of a million lives, and the horrors induced by the radiation continues to this day.

The political alignment and social structure of the world were altered by World War II. With the
victorious major powers—China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United
States—becoming permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations was founded
to promote international cooperation and avert future hostilities. The Cold War, which lasted for
over fifty years, began when the Soviet Union and the United States established themselves as
competing superpowers. After the destruction of Europe, the major powers' sway diminished,
leading to the decolonization of Africa and Asia.

As many of these colonies gained independence, they found themselves engaged in another
global conflict, namely, The Cold War. After the end of the 2nd World War. Both Soviet Union
and US were powerful entities, and were on opposite sides of the ideological spectrum. US,
which claimed itself to be harbinger of democracy, free speech and a capitalistic form of
economy, Soviet Union followed the ideology of Communism and didn’t allow ideals of free
speech. Both of these powers found themselves fighting for power, resources and Influence.
While West took control of western Europe, the Soviet Union took huge political control over
Eastern Europe, and got communist governments in power by force. Both of these blocs soon
formed Military alliances, namely, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the Warsaw pact, for
West and Soviet Union respectively.

Many newly independent nations were being forced to choose sides. Many states, such as
Pakistan, openly acknowledged this, while many nations such as Ghana, Egypt, India etc. chose
to not join a side but rather started the idea of non-alignment. In 1961, drawing on the principles
agreed at the Bandung Conference of 1955, the Non-Aligned Movement was formally
established in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, through an initiative of Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito,
Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Ghanaian
President Kwame Nkrumah, and Indonesian President Sukarno,2

1
"International Programs – Historical Estimates of World Population – U.S. Census Bureau"
2
Nehru, Jawaharlal (2004). Jawaharlal Nehru.: an autobiography. Penguin Books. 5|Page
 1.2 SHIFT TOWARDS SOUTH ASIA- INDIA AND
PAKISTAN
Before Independence from the British Crown, It was decided that British india be partitioned,
and two new nations, by the name of India and Pakistan be created. Princely states were allowed
to join either India or Pakistan, or remain independent. Major disputes and conflicts took place,
when one princely state, Jammu and Kashmir, was claimed by both the countries. Till the late
1960s, two major conflicts, one in 1948 and one in 1965 took place, where multiple casualties
happened. However, another major conflict, considered one of the most defining ones in the
history of both nations, which ironically wasn’t about the main bone of contention, Kashmir,
took place in 1971 and saw heavy involvement of world powers in south Asian regional Politics.
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was a military conflict between India and Pakistan that took
place in East Pakistan from 3 December 1971 to the Pakistani surrender in Dhaka on 16
December 1971. It was fought during the Bangladesh Liberation War. The conflict was sparked
by Pakistan's Operation Chengiz Khan, which involved preemptive aerial attacks on 11 Indian
air stations. This sparked hostilities with Pakistan and India's involvement in the struggle for
independence in East Pakistan on the side of Bengali nationalist forces, escalating the already-
existing conflict with Indian and Pakistani forces fighting on both the eastern and western fronts.
On December 16, 1971, in Dhaka, 13 days into the conflict, India had clearly gained the upper
hand and the Pakistani military's Eastern Command had signed the instrument of capitulation,
establishing East Pakistan as the new country of Bangladesh. War was such a big defeat for
Pakistan as expressed by one Pakistani author, "Pakistan lost half its navy, a quarter of its air force
and a third of its army".3

To understand the current geopolitics we must see the foreign relations of India and Pakistan before the
war, during the war duration and after the war was over.

3
Ali, Tariq (1997). Can Pakistan Survive? The Death of a State. Verso Books. 6|Page
 2. FOREIGN RELATIONS OF INDIA
2.1 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Because most American strategists believed that India was more useful internationally than
Pakistan's neighbour, the United States under the Truman administration tended to favour India
in the late 1940s. However, many American observers found Nehru's neutrality stance
throughout the Cold War to be burdensome. The non-alignment strategy of India was not well
received by American leaders. The United States did not view neutrality as an acceptable stance.
However, relations started to improve as India backed US in its UN votes, and received Aid in
form of wheat and other essentials. Relations started to go down by the time of Nixon
administration, and Played a significant role in the 1971 Indo- Pak war. The US was very Pro-
Pakistan for this period, and expressed open support for Pakistan by providing military
assistance. This made India shift towards the Soviet Union, where it signed The Indo–Soviet
Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation. As war progressed and got over, it became
apparent to US that India is a dominant regional power and it stepped up its efforts to increase
bilateral relations. An Open Skies Agreement, signed in 2005, bilateral Agreement on Science
and Technology Cooperation in 2005, groupings such as QUAD are a few examples

2.2 RUSSIA
Russia, or previously the Soviet Union has warm relations with India. They have supported
India’s claims on Kashmir since the Cold war days, and have provided India with Financial,
technical, technological and economic aids since its Independence. During the 1971 war, Soviets
came to aid by sending one of their nuclear warships to the Indian ocean to counter British and
American ones. They played a partial role in India’s victory in 1971 war. Even after dissolution
of USSR, Russia has inherited that partnership and become a key ally of India. Both of the
countries collaborate heavily on defence production4 .

2.3 CHINA
Since the beginning of recorded history, India and China have had peaceful ties. However,
since the Chinese Communist Party's victory in the Chinese Civil War in 1949, and
particularly following the People's Republic of China's annexation of Tibet, the tranquilly of
their relations has deteriorated. While regular border conflicts and economic nationalism in
both countries are a key topic of tension, the two countries have endeavoured to cooperate
economically. China’s warm relation with Pakistan, and funding of Insurgent groups in
North-east has always caused mistrust between the two nations, not to mention China’s
territorial claims inside Indian subcontinent. China is a rising economic powerhouse, and is
now one of the key opponents of the United States challenging their hegemony as a
superpower. With huge investments and loans across the globe, Bejing surely wields
significant political power.

4
Donaldson, Robert H (1972). "India: The Soviet Stake in Stability". Asian Survey
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 2.4 ISRAEL

The political, military, and economic ties between the two nations are strong and vast. Both of
them belong to the I2U2 Group. The governments of India and Israel have acknowledged
their close relations and shared interests in resolving these issues, particularly with regard to
Indian uses of Israeli technology. Israel and India both share the circumstance of having their
neighbour as their arch-nemesis and work together to eliminate problems of cross border
terrorism. Israel has been supplying India with defence exports and is predicted to take over
Russia as India’s largest defence exporter.

3.Pakistan and its foreign relations

3.1 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Relations of The United States and Pakistan have remained highly volatile, often being called a
roller coaster ride5. Various Presidents of United States have been trying to establish good
relations with Pakistan, which has been easy as due to heavy economic mis-management of
Pakistani Economy, it always stays in need for handouts and supplies. Pakistan was a favoured
choice by US to challenge India, who it considered a “Soviet puppet” and India’s dominance
meant increase of Soviet sphere of influence in South Asia. United States also chose Pakistan as
a satellite state between them and the Afghan Mujhaideen. Afghan Mujhaideen were trained by
Pakistan, heavily funded by US to tackle Soviet Influence in Afghanistan. Relations took at all
time low after the 9/11 attacks, where US blamed Pakistan for fostering the Taliban, and accuses
them giving their land for purposes of terrorism6. Yet, Pakistan remains their choice to Balance
India’s growing economic and Military power.

3.2 CHINA
China and Pakistan share a very special relationship, categorized by them as "higher than the mountains,
deeper than the oceans, stronger than steel, dearer than eyesight, sweeter than honey, and so on."7
Pakistan receives economical and technical assistance from People’s Republic of China in all formats.
Maintaining close relations with PRC is a major political pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Pakistan is
also dependent on China to counter India’s Aggression in Kashmir, and has received technical military
support from China. China is also heavily invested in Belt and Road projects in Pakistan. China is one of
the main investors in Gwadar port. In recent times, a two front war by China and Pakistan is being
considered a possibility by many military strategy experts,

5
Schaffer, Howard B.; Schaffer, Teresita C. (2011). How Pakistan Negotiates with the United States: Riding the Roller
Coaster. US Institute of Peace Press.
6
Ashraf, Sajjad. "Pakistan and the United States are turning into strangers". NUS.
7
"Sweet as can be?". The Economist. 14 May 2011.
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HOW INDIA AND PAKISTAN ARE CHANGING THE
CURRENT GEOPOLITICAL ORDER
With the starting of current century, geo- political equations have been changing
across the globe. In the 1990s, The United States emerged as a sole super- power
and a global hegemon, and it used its status quite well. Invasion of Afghanistan,
the Invasion of Iraq, Abuse of powers in UN council are all fresh examples of
this. However, with exponential growth of Chinese economy, it has proved itself
as a challenger for superpower status. China is often termed by west as having
“imperialist intentions”, with its claims on Tibet, Aksai Chin in Kashmir,
Arunachal Pradesh in India and its long extending claims in South China Sea.
China’s one China theory, rejecting the possibility of Taiwan as a separate state
is also another contention. China’s conversion to Manafacturing powerhouse of
the World, has accumulated it enough wealth which it has wisely invested in
modernization of Its Army and extending it’s soft power through its loans.
China’s debt trap policy has been a major part of its superpower ambitions, and
countries such as Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been engulfed in it. Today
China stands independent, so much that it has become the Pinnacle of US
foreign policy to tackle China’s rise. So much that, US has started fostering
relations with India to counter China. India also under the new Modi-
government has been pursuing a fairly independent foreign policy, which
seemed kind of lost after the 2000s. West has stopped showing aggression
against India recently, and is often changing its way of dealing with India. West
has repeatedly put pressure on India to limit its dependence on Russia, and has
encouraged it to buy defence exports from US and not Russia. When west
sanctioned Russia in wake of Russia- Ukraine War 2022, it increased pressure
on India to not buy Oil from Russia, which was politely disobeyed by India.
India also bought the S-400 missile defence system, although still under the fear
of US’s CAATSA. With India pursuing such an independent foreign policy, The
US shifted its focus to Pakistan, which is a crumbling state today. Pakistan
economy is absolutely wrecked, and is still running through doors of financial
institutions for a bailout. United States once considered Pakistan a worthy
candidate against India, but is still skeptical due to Pakistan’s political turmoil.
Pakistan has now metaphorically accepted China as its head state, and
increasingly gets loans from China to boost its economy. China’s Belt and Road
Initiative, under which billions have been invested in Pakistan is a Prime
example of this. Kashmir also now becomes a Global conflict, with a tussle
between an evergrowing India, and a China backed Pakistan. With ever
increasing Skirmishes between India and China on border issues, and with
Pakistan on Kashmir, and with larger geo- political structures in play, its
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 becomes inevitable that South Asia now becomes a new power playground. It
would be interesting to see how political rivalries in the continent give course to
future of human events.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Ahmed, Mutahir (1998), "Confidence‐building measures between Pakistan and India: An
argument for change", Contemporary South Asia, 7 (2): 137–145,

2. Pye, Lucian W. (2000), "Reviewed work: Kashmir in Conflict: India, Pakistan, and the
Unfinished War, Victoria Schofield", Foreign Affairs, 79 (6): 190–191,

3. Ali, Syed Amjad (1992). Glimpses. Lahore, Punjab Province, mjad Ali, the Pakistan
ambassador to the US at the time, narrated in his book "Glimpses" (Lahore: Jang Publisher's,
1992) that the personal assistant of Suhrawardy advised embassy staff of the Prime Minister's
agreement to the US facility on Pakistan soil.: Jang Publishers,

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