India and Pakistan Relations

03 Jul, 2026 Samyak IAS

India's approach towards Pakistan is guided by a consistent and principled policy, characterized by the following key elements:

Neighbourhood First Policy: India seeks to establish peaceful and cooperative neighbourly relations with Pakistan, fostering an environment free from terrorism, hostility, and violence.
Commitment to Bilateral Resolutions: India remains dedicated to resolving all outstanding issues bilaterally and peacefully, adhering to the principles enshrined in the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration.
National Security as a Priority: India upholds its unwavering stance on safeguarding national security and sovereignty, taking decisive and firm actions against any attempts to undermine its territorial integrity or security interests.

Key Highlights

Aspect	Details
Trade Relations	Most Favoured Nation MFN Status: India granted MFN status to Pakistan in 1996; Pakistan did not reciprocate. SAFTA: India reduced tariffs for Pakistan under SAFTA in 2012, but Pakistan maintained restrictive trade policies. Post-Pulwama: India revoked MFN status in 2019 and imposed 200% customs duty; Pakistan suspended bilateral trade in August 2019.
Indus Waters Treaty	115th PIC Meeting: Held in Lahore (Aug 2018) to discuss hydropower projects (Pakal Dul, Lower Kalnai) and reciprocal inspections. Inspection: Pakistan delegation visited Indian hydropower projects in Chenab Basin (Jan 2019).
People-to-People Relations	Fishermen and Prisoners: India secured the release of 30 prisoners and 2080 fishermen (2014–2019). Judicial Committee: India proposed its revival for humanitarian issues in 2017; Pakistan agreed in principle but delayed implementation. Religious Shrines Protocol: Facilitates pilgrimage visits to shrines in both countries.
Kartarpur Corridor	Proposal agreed in Nov 2018. Foundation stones laid by both countries in Nov 2018. India committed to operationalizing by Nov 2019 for Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 550th Anniversary.
Cross-Border Terrorism	Concerns: Pakistan-based terrorism remains a core issue. Key Incidents: Mumbai attacks (2008), Uri (2016), Pulwama (2019). Actions Taken: Surgical strikes (2016), Balakot airstrike (2019).
Pulwama Attack	Details: Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) carried out an attack in Feb 2019, killing 40 Indian personnel. Response: India conducted an anti-terror airstrike on JeM's Balakot camp on 26 Feb 2019.
Post-Balakot Retaliation	Pakistan targeted Indian military installations on 27 Feb 2019 but was thwarted due to India’s alertness and readiness.

Key Issues with PoK

1. Illegal Occupation

Shaksgam Valley: Illegally ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963.
Gilgit-Baltistan: Declared a separate administrative region by Pakistan in 2009.

2. Human Rights Violations

Suppression of political dissent and cultural identities in PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan.

3. Terror Infrastructure

Hub for terrorist training camps and infiltration routes targeting India.

4. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Passes through PoK, violating India’s sovereignty.
Raises security and geostrategic concerns for India.

5. Strategic Importance

Provides access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Crucial for India’s water security as major rivers originate in the region.

Both nations face substantial internal and external challenges that influence their bilateral ties. Upholding its “Neighbourhood First Policy,” India aspires to maintain peaceful and cooperative relations with Pakistan. However, India has unequivocally stated that national security remains a non-negotiable priority, and it will adopt strong and decisive measures to counter any threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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