Terrorism: A Major Irritant in India-Pakistan Relations

In the relations of India and Pakistan deep hostility continues to shadow positive development. Armed forces of both used to confront across a lengthy and unstable border, reflects mutual mistrust. Increasing terrorist activities and nuclearisation of both the states have added another dangerous dimension in their relationship. That is why both countries are maintaining largest armed forces in the world. Besides, the region is facing a wide range of internal security threats, such as sectarian and ethnic violence; communal strife; insurgent movements; and, socio-economic and environmental problems. This scenario stands in sharp contrast to the emerging world trends of deescalation of tension and rapprochement between nations. South Asia, thus, defies the logic of cooperation. Therefore, conflict prevention and resolution is foremost priority for this region. However, India-Pakistan relations never witnessed the trajectory of constant retrogression; rather it revealed a mixed patchwork of growth and backwardness. They have been seriously involved in working out rapprochement on all problems. Though, all efforts to solve the problems failed, yet some issues simply moved towards resolution. In the present study an efforts will be made to know how terrorism is a major obstacle in the harmonious relationship between India and Pakistan. How peacemaking, peace-building and goodwill between India and Pakistan have so fragile? Why Pakistan could not controlled the terrorism? These and others related question is the main thrust of this research paper.