India, the world’s most populous country, is a major economic and political power in South Asia. Known for its vast linguistic, cultural, and geographic diversity, India has a rich history that spans thousands of years, with deep-rooted traditions in philosophy, science, art, and religion. Its large population and vast history mark its economic and cultural importance.
While India’s civilization can be traced to the Harrapan era, that is, 1400 BCE, its modern political boundaries were established in 1947 when it gained independence from British rule. It is now a federal parliamentary democracy with 28 states and 8 union territories, with New Delhi as its capital. India has a democratic system with a multiparty political landscape, with the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party being the two dominant national parties.
As one of the fastest-growing major economies, India is a global hub for technology, manufacturing, and services, while also being an agrarian powerhouse. It is a nuclear-armed state and plays a key role in regional and global geopolitics, maintaining strategic partnerships with various nations.
India is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse countries in the world, home to multiple religions, sects, castes, and tribes. It has more than ten-thousand languages and hundreds of regional dialects, with Hindi and English serving as the two of the 22 official languages. Despite economic progress, India faces challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and environmental concerns, alongside managing its complex social fabric and regional disparities.
1. It is good to know that Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister believes that dialogue with India would lead to de-escalation of tension between two countries. 2. Here, I am reminded of a news report which said that UK has assured us of support for action against terror originating in Pakistan. 3 I believe entire democratic world knows that Pakistan provides support in form of funds and arms to different terror outfits, some of whom are known to create trouble in European countries as well. 3. Though the claim is that Pakistan supports azadi for Kashmir’s Muslims, fact is that Pakistan has consistently refused to accept ground reality that Kashmir is and will always remain a part of the Indian Union. Since this ground reality is not acceptable to the Army of Pakistan, dialogue with Pakistan has become non-starter. 4. After Mr. Imran Khan became PM of Pakistan he has made a promise of ‘Naya Pakistan’. My query is this: would ‘Naya Pakistan’ be really different? My question, in this connection is this: Is current PM Pakistan ready to bury the past and make sincere efforts to establish friendly ties with India? For that he has to get support of Pakistan’s Army so that all terror camps located in Pakistan can be dismantled. PM of Pakistan can then make an offer of a dialogue with India. He will not be disappointed whoever is PM of India. 5. I am aware that I am doing some wishful thinking here but this offer of dialogue from Pakistan’s foreign affairs minister has made me do that.