Navigating the Kashmir Conundrum for India and Pakistan

There is a significant truth to the assertion that the Kashmir problem has always been a stumbling block to peace and brotherly relations with Pakistan and India. In the past, Kashmir was a predominantly Muslim state under the Hindu Maharaja's administration. However, it did not give up its independence to Pakistan and India and was a region of contention that resulted in constant tension and conflict among the states. This dispute has diverted the attention of both nations from questions of fundamental importance, forcing them not to invest in the poor and those who are poor and deprived. It is naive to say that within the 21 century, Kashmir remains a dispute between two countries, giving them a reason to keep fighting and continue to display their bellicose. It is an undisputed possibility that negotiations have been scheduled in numerous instances to reach a logical solution to the Kashmir problem; however, more concrete has yet to be reached. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Swaran Singh Swaran Singh, the Indian foreign minister, had numerous discussions in 1962. The talks are described as "expectations but without any outcomes". Ayub Khan, President of Pakistan, showed his eagerness to bridge the gap between the two nations and come to some settlement between the two nations. In this context, delegations met, and discussions were held between the two sides, as mentioned earlier. However, the talks were viewed by some as futile due to unending hostilities and ideological disagreements between both sides.

The year 1962 was the time when India was forced to take an embarrassing defeat in the China-Indian territorial war. The humiliating situation facing India caused the conditions for negotiations with India and Pakistan. In the Sino-Indian conflict, the west's powerhouses prevented Pakistan from pressing India to hold talks that could be on her terms, allowing India to conduct the required research.

The first round of negotiations was scheduled for December 1962 in Rawalpindi. Unfortunately, the talks fell short due to the preliminary accord with China and Pakistan, which India criticized. The reason for this involved was the fact that India claimed territory on the Chinese side of the Line of Control. India proposed that they offer 1500 square miles of Kashmir valley in Pakistan.

The time for second meeting was in January 1963. The reason for the disagreement between the two sides was purely intellectual. Pakistan was in the process of discussing partition based on population. India came up with more feasible plans for the excellent division of the Kashmir valley. The gap could be bridged; however, the lack of honesty from both sides created hostile circumstances that resulted in the failing talks.

The clouds of doubt vanished, and a slight chance to win was open. The time was Karachi was the place which was the venue for talks during February of 1963. The calamity suddenly came back in its worst form when the Indian ambassador to Pakistan was sent to Calcutta before the start of the next round of talks, carrying documents in his hand that read Kashmir clearly stating that India considered foreign involvement in the dispute. However, before he joined talks, the Indian delegations previously wrote letters rejecting any Angloor American suggestion. They received maps of Kashmir along with them and were prepared to surrender more than 1500 sq miles, but Pakistan claimed all of the Kashmir valleys. The negotiations ended in smoke.

The fourth time they were in Calcutta was on the 12th of March 1963. It was evident that the two parties were unable to reconcile, despite the mind that the Indian foreign minister had announced a temporary delay, which U.S. and Britain opposed. The U.S.A did not leave a stone unturned to pressure India to keep to the talks. It was thought that if they ceased talks, the problem would remain unresolved for a long time. The U.S.A. has even warned India of severe consequences but in vain.

In the real world, both sides lacked confidence and sincerity. It was understandable that only the 'give-and-take policy could be implemented; however, they largely ignored this fact and remained steadfast in their positions. They were indeed not willing to change their calcified and ossified positions. In the same way, the international powers further complicated the waters and increased the distance between India and Pakistan. Therefore, the talks could not produce the results they hoped for.