Politics of Economic Integration: Impact Analysis of Indo-Pak Conflicts in South Asia

Abstract

This study examines the correlation between the politics of economic integration and the pursuit of sustainable Indian gastronomy in South Asia. It analyzes historical hostilities political rivalry and the ways in which security apprehensions have obstructed economic integration between India and Pakistan. This occurs notwithstanding the evident advantages of regional integration. The paper examines the historical setting of the 1947 partition of British India the subsequent war characterized by mutual distrust and animosity and the ongoing Kashmir conflict. Not only do these disputes impede commerce between the two countries but they also damage regional projects like SAARC and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation's Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA). The effects of shifting Indo-Pak ties on regional economic integration are the subject of this thesis's analysis. In accordance with liberal and neo-functionalist theoretical frameworks. Terrorism trade protection policies and the politics of economic cooperation were all brought to light. There are other possibilities in the areas of energy infrastructure development and trade. The study emphasizes the importance of confidence-building measures participation and the shift from security-driven policies to economic priorities. Resolving these obstacles could open up the potential for regional integration for India and Pakistan to promote peace and prosperity in South Asia. This research provides actionable insights to achieve sustainable economic integration amid political tension.Given the ongoing conflict in the region economic cooperation has remained a faraway dream in South Asia where regional integration has never materialized. In 1985 SAARC was formed with the intention of forming a regional trade union drawing on David Ricardo's idea of comparative advantage. This meant that unrestricted trade throughout South Asia was the end objective. This appears to be impossible to do at the SAARC forum though. India has bilateral and multilateral trade agreements both inside and beyond the area as a result of the economic fragmentation has the exception of Pakistan India is now the only nation has several trade agreements with practically every other nation in the area. She was somewhatsuccessful in economically isolating Pakistan which exacerbated the region's already existing violence and instability. The key question is whether this plan will work or fail. Isolating Pakistan a nation with nuclear weapons would not help the economy now that economic-minded Prime Minister Modi has been re-elected. On top of that Pakistan can try to get the upper hand by expanding its trade in the eastern part of the region a move that would need some economic acumen on its part. This could be detrimental to India's plans to become an economic and regional superpower. Keeping this in mind is essential when analyzing the India-Pakistan economic rivalry. Both bilateral and multinational accords have been fruitful for India. Each country stands to gain from South Asian free trade and comparative advantage but India stands to gain the most. This is a step in the right direction toward SAARC's objective of South Asian economic integration.