And lastly, it is good for the people of the two states – not just for the millions who have relatives or friends across the border, but also the general public.

The prospects of cultural exchanges, the learning opportunities, and the symbiosis that may result as a consequence of collaborative efforts to mitigate collective malaises, such as poverty and illiteracy, as well as some regrettable traditions.

Unfortunately, it is a good idea that nobody wants. There are few buyers and even fewer sellers of it.

The politicians:

The politicians of the two countries appear to not want it because war is a good rallying point.

It is an even better attention shifter. If the polls are close, raise the Pakistan-India issue, and some sympathy is sure to be won. If things at home don’t look quite as desired, shift focus to the borders. Or even if the government feels threatened anyhow there is always the stories from the Line of Control to divert the frustration towards.

 

Also see: Modi ups the ante in border fighting

 

Unlike America, we need not create enemies. History warrants that the threats are more palpable than perceived. Thus, people fall for the rhetoric of warmongers much more readily.

The armies:

The degree of the desire for peace in the two armies is also hard to assess what with their bread and butter linked to an ever-present enemy.

India spends more than 47 billion dollars on its military and Pakistan does close to 7 billion – which is more than 2.5 per cent of the GDP for either country respectively. India has to feed a 4.7 million large active and reserve force, as Pakistan has to a 1.4 million. Then, there is the spending on the nuclear arsenal and the general weaponry.

Together with these comes the influence the two armies enjoy, and the respect and prestige that comes with the job.