RE-DRAWING of sub-continental boundaries is the best solution to avert war in the nuclear triangle involving China, India and Pakistan.
The late Muammar Gaddafi, one of Africa progressive and insightful leaders, had opined that most of Africa’s problems could be traced to the artificial borders created by the colonial powers and therefore caused so much bloodshed, instability and exploitation.
He suggested that African leaders magnanimously consider re-drawing the borders based on fair principles taking into account communal, tribal, religious and socio-economic considerations.
Even though his plan was never implemented, his vision remains as a viable alternative for solving Africa’s diverse problems.
Similarly, resolving the border problems in the Indian sub-continent involving India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and others need the magnanimity and goodwill of the countries, their leaders and the people to solve the continuous contentious problems once and for all.
There is a need for statesmanlike leaders and visionaries with a give and take attitude to make this a reality.
Although a ceasefire is now in place, any serious escalation between India and Pakistan leading from skirmishes or another terror attack could lead to a nuclear war that could be destructive to the nations involved.
India has been plagued with the perennial problem of terrorist attacks in Kashmir that has killed its soldiers, civilians and now tourists.
India’s anger and inflammatory statements are understandable. The Indus Water Treaty (IWT), which was formulated in 1960 and was not interfered with despite the last three wars could, hold the key to stop terrorism in the Kashmir Valley.
India must drive home the point to the Pakistanis that unless they end support for terrorist groups and their attacks, the water flow to Pakistan could be stopped. This is a good opportunity for India to leverage on this crucial point to find a non-war type solution to stop terrorism in Kashmir.
Now that the IWT has been called into question India needs to leverage on it unlike during the 3 wars before. Pakistan’s threat that diverting the waters could be an act of war should be used against it to stop terrorism for the uninterrupted supply of water which Pakistan needs for its survival.
For any treaty to be long-lasting and bind the parties, sincerity and amity must prevail, not belligerence and enmity. India leveraging on the threat to cancel the IWT will be found to be fair and reasonable among the international community of nations.
This will be a temporary solution until such time when the leaders in the sub-continent including China envision a re-drawing of the boundaries to end all territorial and communal animosities for a prosperous socio-economic progress and development in these nations.
There should be a give and take attitude in the Asian spirit and goodwill. If the border issues are not solved, they could a stalemated forever. And the threat of war will always be ever present.
The US, Russia, the United Nations and the European Union should aid in these efforts to secure regional peace for the wellbeing of mankind. – May 21, 2025
V. Thomas is a Focus Malaysia viewer.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
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