Poverty and Nuclearization of South Asia

South  Asia is the most populous region of the world and almost one fifth of the world population bodes in this region. Due to its geostrategic importance, it has always been focus of world powers in order to gain access to energy rich central Asia and untapped reserves of Afghanistan. Pakistan and India are the two leading countries of this region and have unresolved issues since independence of sub-Continent. Kashmir is the main unresolved dispute between India and Pakistan despite being on United Nation Security Council agenda for over half century. Security situation in the region largely depends on the relations between these countries.

Driven by the ambitious agenda of regional hegemony, India is the largest importer of weapons which results in perpetual arms race in the region. Smaller nations of South Asia always feel unsecured due to mass import of modern weapons by India and try to counter balance depending on their resources.

Pakistan amidst having an unresolved Kashmir issue always have serious and valid concerns on arms build up by India as both countries have already fought three wars on one or the other issue. The highest conflict point of the world Sachin is also between both countries.

This unending hostility between the two countries always became a hindrance for the progress in the region and social well being of the public in both countries. Largest chunk of the budget in both countries go to defence and they have little to spend on improving governance, education and development. Thus majority of the public in the region, especially in India is living below poverty line.

European nations have resolved their conflicts, thus have a lot to spend on public welfare programs while South Asian countries always need help of international institutions and leading nations for public welfare. Ironically, a large population in India is still deprived of basic facilities like bathroom and water. Situation though not different in some far flung areas of Pakistan too but that is meager one as compared to India.

Both nation conducted successful nuclear tests in 1998 and joined the nuclear states club, but when we compare them with other nuclear states in economic sphere, they are lagging far behind.

After attaining the nuclear status by both, a strategic balance restored but both countries still spend a large amount on safety of nuclear weapons  and experiments of missile systems.  Point to be noted here is that India started the arms build up and nuclearization of South Asia while Pakistan had to respond due to valid  security concerns and strategic Imbalance in the region.

Attaining nuclear status by both countries indeed lessen the chances of conventional arms conflict but it also lead to finding other solutions of missile defense technology to keep an upper hand in the region. Cold start doctrine was also introduced by India as an option which was responded by Pakistan in shape of tactical weapons. Security situation of South Asia will always remain volatile until and unless a political party with social welfare agenda comes to power. Hatred based politics always leads to division and conflicts not only internally but also with neighbors in order to garner maximum votes.

Interestingly; Indian card is not used in the politics of Pakistan but in India, situation is otherwise and BJP is continually ruling India for last almost one decade due to use of religion and Pakistan cards in politics.

Provocation with Pakistan suits BJP and we have seen tense situation between both countries especially when election in India is nearing.

Unfortunately, Indian arms buildup still continues and other regional countries especially Pakistan always feel insecure, thus has to counterbalance it one or the other way spending a lot on security.

If India sincerely moves towards resolution of Kashmir issue or even normalizes the situation in the valley, this could lead towards restoration of Pakistan - India dialogue, trade and ultimately into reliable economic ties that would benefit the masses of both countries and improve their life standard.

This would be a true service to the humanity.