When Pakistan is More Active in Building Relations with a Certain Muslim-majority Country, India Engages More with That Country’s Rival.  Elaborate. 

CSS Pakistan Affairs | India’s Counter-balancing Strategy for Pakistan

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Outline

1-Introduction

2-Unveiling the Pakistan-India Relations and the type of Foreign Policy employed by them

3-Comprehending the term India’s Counter-balancing strategy for Pakistan and Instruments of this strategy

4-Throwing light on Pakistan’s relations with Muslim Majority Countries in making diplomatic relations and India’s counter-balancing strategy by showcasing engagement with that country’s rival in terms of foreign policy

• ✓ Relations with Central Asian Countries
  • Case study: According to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkish Ministry of National Defense, and State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan strengthening relations with Turkey
    • India’s counter-balancing strategy: According to The Diplomat Report (2024), India’s relations with Greece to counter Pakistan
• ✓ Relations with South Asian Countries
  • Case study: According to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysian Ministry of Defense, and State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan strengthening relations with Malaysia
    • India’s counter-balancing strategy: According to the Journal of International Relations and Development, India’s relations with Singapore to counter Pakistan
• ✓ Relations with Middle Eastern countries
  • Case study: According to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Ministry of Defence, and State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan strengthening relations with Saudi Arabia
    • India’s counter-balancing strategy: According to The Diplomat Report (2024), India’s relations with Singapore to counter Pakistan
• ✓ Relations with North African Countries
  • Case study: According to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egyptian Ministry of Defence, and State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan strengthening relations with Egypt
    • India’s counter-balancing strategy: According to the Journal of International Relations and Development, India’s relations with Ethiopia to counter Pakistan

5-On what grounds do the opponents argue that India does not engage in rivalry politics with rivals of Muslim-majority countries with whom Pakistan developed relations?

• ✓ Counter Argument: India doesn’t engage in rivalry politics with Singapore, Indonesia’s rival
  • Refutation: India’s military expansion and defence agreements can be seen as a response to regional security concerns and a desire to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Region and Pakistan by destabilise the CPEC in Pakistan, India’s continued engagement with ASEAN and IORA indicates a commitment to cooperation and dialogue

 6-Conclusion

Answer to the Question

Introduction

Healthy relationships between countries have been important from ancient times to today. They have helped with social, economic, political, technological, and cultural growth and have brought positive change. These relationships also bring stability to regions. Countries like the USA and China use this approach to expand their influence worldwide. However, Pakistan faces challenges from India, which tries to counter Pakistan’s strength in the region. This is from the time of independence that India was never allowed to take a breath with calamity and the Kashmir issue serves as a cherry on top for worsening relations. Pakistan focuses on building strong ties with Muslim-majority countries, while India enhances its relationships with rival states nearby. This creates a complicated balance of power. Recent reports show that this ongoing rivalry continues. For example, after Pakistan strengthened its partnership with Turkey, India increased its ties with Greece. Similarly, as Pakistan improved relations with Malaysia, India deepened its connection with Singapore. It’s essential to look at how Pakistan interacts with Muslim-majority nations and how India responds. Pakistan aims to enhance economic, defence, and cultural cooperation with countries like Turkey, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. In contrast, India tries to weaken these alliances by connecting with rival nations. To tackle these challenges, policymakers should focus on promoting regional stability and cooperation. Encouraging dialogue and economic partnerships can help reduce tensions. Hence, when Pakistan strengthens its connections with Muslim-majority countries, India reacts by bonding more with their rivals, escalating regional tensions. Good diplomacy and cooperation are vital for resolving conflicts and fostering peace in the region.

“Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and goodwill towards all the nations of the world. We do not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation. We believe in the principle of honesty and fair play in national and international dealings and are prepared to make our utmost contribution to the promotion of peace and prosperity among the nations of the world. Pakistan will never be found lacking in extending its material and moral support to the oppressed and suppressed peoples of the world, and in upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter..”

(Objectives of the Foreign Policy)

Unveiling the Pakistan-India Relations and the type of Foreign Policy employed by them

Before understanding India’s Counter-balancing strategy, it is important to understand Pakistan-India Relations and the foreign policy employed by both countries to counter each other’s strategies. Since pre-partition, India has been depriving Pakistan of its rights, such as India’s monopoly in giving budget to Pakistan, sending troops of soldiers and arms to Pakistan, giving industries and pieces of machinery, leaving devastated infrastructure and poor transport service system. Moreover, after post-partition, India consistently put its leg in the internal and external affairs of Pakistan by countering Pakistan’s foreign policy in various ways. India never intends to make diplomatic relations with Pakistan and instead, it also engages in worsening relations of Pakistan with other countries. Pakistan’s and India’s foreign policy from 1947 to till date has been mentioned below,

Period	Pakistan’s Foreign Policy	India’s Foreign Policy
1947-1950	Defensive Realism, Islamic Solidarity,	Non-Alignment, Regionalism
1950-1960	Defensive Realism, Pan-Islamism	Non-Alignment, Socialism
1960-1970	Assertive Nationalism, Islamic Socialism	Realism, Regional leadership
1970-1980	Hyper-Realism, Islamic Revivalism,	Regional hegemony, Economic Nationalism
1980-1990	Pragmatic Realism, Economic Liberalism	New Delhi Doctrine, Economic Reforms
1990-2000	Conciliatory Realism, Market-Oriented	Look East Policy, Economic Globalization
2000-2010	Cooperative Realism, Counter-Terrorism	Strategic Partnerships, Energy Security
2010-2020	Revisionist Realism, Regional Connectivity	Act East Policy, Multi-Alignment
2020-onwards	Regional Connectivity	Regional leadership

Comprehending the term India’s Counter-balancing strategy for Pakistan and Instruments of this strategy

It is important to comprehend the term ‘India’s Counter-balancing strategy’. This strategy means India has to show engagement with rival countries of Pakistan’s friends to counter Pakistan’s influence in Muslim and non-Muslim majority countries, Limit Pakistan’s ability to mobilise international support on Kashmir, Enhance India’s regional and global stature, and diversify India’s diplomatic and economic partnerships. The Instruments of India’s Counter-balancing strategies are given below and revolve around disturbing Pakistan’s foreign policy. 

Throwing light on Pakistan’s relations with Muslim Majority Countries in making diplomatic relations and India’s counter-balancing strategy by showcasing engagement with that country’s rival in terms of foreign policy

There has been mentioned Pakistan’s relation with Muslim Muslim-majority countries and India’s engagement with rivals of Muslim-majority countries by showcasing India’s Counter-balancing strategy in terms of foreign policy, which both countries adopt.

Muslim-majority countries	Rivals of Muslim-majority countries	Pakistan’s relation with Muslim-majority countries, in terms of foreign policy	India’s engagement with rivals of Muslim-majority countries by India’s counter-balancing strategy
Turkey	Greece	Strategic Partnership	Economic Cooperation
Iran	Saudi Arabia	Strong Diplomatic ties	Economic Cooperation
Malaysia	Singapore	Economic Cooperation	Strategic Partnership
Egypt	Ethiopia	Diplomatic Relations	Infrastructure Development
Indonesia	Malaysia	Cultural Exchange	Trade Agreement
Saudi Arabia	Iran	Strategic Partnership	Energy Imports
United Arab Emirates	Iran	Economic Cooperation	Defence Agreement
Afghanistan	Pakistan	Complex Relations	India do not want to strengthen relations with Pakistan as a rival of Afghanistan instead India uses Afghanistan against Pakistan
Bangladesh	India	Fraternal ties	India can never make any negative strategy for itself as a rival of Bangladesh
Nigeria	Cameroon	Economic Cooperation	Energy Exploitation
Algeria	Morocco	Diplomatic Relations	Trade Agreement

Some of the countries, India’s counterbalancing strategy and Pakistan’s foreign policy have been described below.

• ✓ Relations with Central Asian Countries

Pakistan has built strong diplomatic ties with Muslim-majority countries, especially in Central Asia, to boost its regional influence and balance rivalries. A key example is the growing relationship between Pakistan and Turkey. This is clear from statements made by the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, and the State Bank of Pakistan as their alliance is based on shared history and culture, as both countries have a common Islamic heritage and experiences of seeking independence. Turkey has supported Pakistan’s position on Kashmir, and both nations have worked together on various economic and defence projects, including the Turkey-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement. However, India is trying to weaken Pakistan’s influence in the region. According to The Diplomat Report (2024), India has strengthened its ties with Greece, which rivals Turkey, to counter Pakistan’s growing alliance with Turkey and this move aims to reduce Turkey’s influence, and thereby Pakistan’s strategic partnerships. By engaging with Greece, India hopes to create a divide between Turkey and Pakistan, ultimately undermining their alliance and limiting Pakistan’s regional presence. Thus, this situation shows the complicated geopolitics in the area, with Pakistan, India, and Turkey competing for influence and alliances.

• ✓ Relations with South Asian Countries

Pakistan has built strong diplomatic ties with Muslim-majority countries in South Asia, which helps increase its influence and economic cooperation in the region. A key example is Pakistan’s growing relationship with Malaysia. Statements from the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Pakistan, the Defense Ministry of Malaysia, and the State Bank of Pakistan show this partnership as has led to important economic benefits, like a bilateral trade agreement and collaboration in defence production. Malaysia also supports Pakistan’s view on Kashmir, which strengthens their alliance. In response, India is trying to reduce Pakistan’s influence by engaging strategically with Singapore, a competitor of Malaysia. According to the Journal of International Relations and Development, India’s improved relationship with Singapore aims to weaken Pakistan’s economic and defence ties with Malaysia. By building ties with Singapore, India hopes to create a divide between Malaysia and Pakistan, thus limiting Pakistan’s power in the region. This competition highlights the intricate nature of South Asian geopolitics, where Pakistan, India, and their regional allies compete for influence and economic power. Henceforth, Pakistan’s relationships with Muslim-majority countries are crucial as it navigates these regional conflicts.

• ✓ Relations with Middle Eastern countries

Pakistan has strengthened its diplomatic ties with Middle Eastern countries, especially Saudi Arabia, to boost its economy and security. For example, the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has improved, as highlighted by statements from the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Saudi Ministry of Defence, and the State Bank of Pakistan, this partnership has brought significant economic benefits, such as a $3.2 billion oil facility and cooperation in defence production. Saudi Arabia has also supported Pakistan’s position on Kashmir, which helps to further solidify their partnership. However, India is trying to counter Pakistan’s influence. According to The Diplomat Report (2024), India has built stronger ties with Singapore to offset Pakistan’s growing relationship with Saudi Arabia; by engaging with Singapore, an important economic partner of Saudi Arabia, India aims to limit Pakistan’s access to Saudi investments and create a divide between the two countries. This competition shows the complex dynamics of Middle Eastern politics, where Pakistan and India are competing for influence and economic power. Hence, Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia remains important in managing these regional tensions.

• ✓ Relations with North African Countries

Pakistan is building strong diplomatic ties with North African countries, especially Egypt, to increase its influence and cooperation in the region. A clear example is the improved relationship between Pakistan and Egypt, shown by statements from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt’s Ministry of Defence, and the State Bank of Pakistan., this partnership has led to important benefits, including better defence cooperation, trade agreements, and cultural exchanges. Egypt has also backed Pakistan on regional issues, strengthening their alliance. Meanwhile, India is trying to reduce Pakistan’s influence by engaging with Ethiopia, which competes with Egypt in regional matters. The Journal of International Relations and Development reports that India aims to weaken Pakistan’s cooperation with Egypt by building a stronger relationship with Ethiopia. By fostering ties with Ethiopia, India hopes to limit Pakistan’s access to Egyptian markets and create distance between the two countries. This competition highlights the complicated politics in North Africa, where Pakistan and India are both trying to gain influence and economic power. Pakistan’s relationship with Egypt is crucial in navigating these regional power struggles. Thus, good diplomacy is key to keeping these alliances strong.

On what grounds do the opponents argue that India does not engage in rivalry politics with rivals of Muslim-majority countries with whom Pakistan developed relations?

Opponents argue thatIndia doesn’t engage in rivalry politics with Singapore, Indonesia’s rival. However, India’s focus on regional cooperation through organizations like ASEAN and IORA suggests a preference for collaborative approaches over rivalry politics. Nonetheless, India’s military expansion and defence agreements can be seen as a response to regional security concerns and a desire to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Region and Pakistan by destabilise the CPEC in Pakistan, India’s continued engagement with ASEAN and IORA indicates a commitment to cooperation and dialogue. According to The Diplomat Report (2024) and The Foreign Policy News (2024), they observe Military expansion and defence agreements are made to counter Pakistan. India is ready to compete to protect its interests in the region. Its work with ASEAN and IORA takes place alongside its rivalries, showing a practical approach to regional politics. Thus, understanding both India’s cooperation and competition helps Pakistan better grasp its regional dynamics for protecting Pakistan’s interests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pakistan’s closer ties with Muslim-majority countries force India to respond in a strategic way, which raises tensions in the region. This situation shows the complex relationships in South Asian politics, where countries often use diplomacy and counteractions. India works with rival nations to lessen Pakistan’s influence and limit its growing alliances. Effective diplomacy and cooperation are essential to reducing tensions and promoting stability. Both Pakistan and India should focus on dialogue and economic integration to solve long-standing issues. By doing this, they can break the cycle of rivalry and create a cooperative environment that leads to peace and prosperity. Ultimately, Pakistan’s connections with Muslim-majority countries will keep affecting India’s foreign policy and the dynamics in the region.

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