Even after nearly 80 years of independence, India and Pakistan remain locked in a tense, bitter relationship. From border clashes to diplomatic walkouts, and most recently, the escalating standoff over water rights after the Pahalgam attack, peace often feels like a distant dream. While politicians posture and armies mobilize, the everyday question persists: why do these two neighbors, with so much shared history, seem incapable of moving past their hate?
A closer look reveals that it’s not just about territory or religion—it’s about unresolved trauma, national identity, and decades of political manipulation.
As someone who grew up surrounded by narratives from both sides of the border, I’ve always been struck by how quickly misunderstandings become fuel for generational mistrust. These discussions reminded me just how deep and layered this rivalry is — far beyond headlines or war footage.
Partition: The Original Wound That Still Bleeds
When the British drew the Radcliffe Line in 1947, the intent was to split British India into two new nations: one Hindu-majority (India) and one Muslim-majority (Pakistan). But the rushed nature of this decision created chaos. Millions of people were uprooted from their homes, often overnight, and entire communities were violently displaced. Nearly two million lives were lost during the mass migration.
The trauma from this event wasn’t just immediate—it echoed across generations. Many families still carry the emotional weight of homes they left behind, people they lost, and the violence they witnessed. Partition didn’t just create borders. It created lasting distrust, fear, and competing narratives that continue to shape both countries’ identities.
It’s Not Just Religion—It’s Identity and Nationalism
While religion often takes center stage in this rivalry, the tension runs deeper. India, despite being a Hindu-majority country, is home to more than 200 million Muslims—many of whom are widely celebrated figures in film, science, and politics. Neighboring Bangladesh, another Muslim-majority country, shares relatively peaceful ties with India.
So, what makes Pakistan different? It’s the ideological foundation. Pakistan was built on the belief that Muslims needed a separate nation. That difference, reinforced by decades of military rule and state propaganda, hardened into a narrative where India became the perpetual threat.
Kashmir: The Flashpoint That Keeps Reigniting
One of the most volatile issues between the two countries is Kashmir. Following independence, both nations claimed the region. A series of wars and continuing insurgencies have made Kashmir more than just a land dispute—it has become a symbol of national pride and unfinished agendas.
For India, Kashmir represents territorial integrity. For Pakistan, it’s a matter of religious and historical continuity. Lost in the crossfire are the people of Kashmir, who endure military presence, political neglect, and social unrest.
Terrorism and Traumatic Memory
The pain of past attacks runs deep. India has faced major tragedies over the years: the Parliament attack in 2001, the 2008 Mumbai bombings, and strikes in Pathankot and Uri. These attacks often came during or shortly after diplomatic overtures—undermining peace talks and reinforcing mistrust.
Some noted how Pakistan’s previous policies of supporting insurgent groups, though now supposedly scaled back, have left scars too deep to ignore. Even when peace gestures are made—like Modi’s surprise visit to Lahore in 2015—they’re often followed by fresh attacks, pushing both countries back to square one.
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Politics: Playing the Enemy Card
On both sides of the border, political leadership has often weaponized this rivalry. In India, nationalist messaging is used to build public support, especially during elections. In Pakistan, the military establishment positions India as a permanent threat to justify its dominant role in politics.
This cycle benefits those in power. When the conversation shifts to border threats, domestic issues take a backseat. Peace is rarely seen as politically profitable—conflict, on the other hand, is a powerful rallying cry.
The British Blueprint for Division
The role of British colonialism can’t be ignored. Their “divide and rule” strategy intensified existing religious tensions, and their abrupt withdrawal left behind a poorly planned partition. Political and geographic decisions were made with limited understanding of the region’s complexity, leading to long-term instability.
While it may be easy to blame colonialism for everything, the ripple effects are still felt—from Kashmir to Karachi.
What About Real People?
Despite all the politics, wars, and hate-filled headlines, many shared personal stories of connection across the border. Friendships, marriages, shared language, music, food, and cultural values still unite people. In everyday life, these similarities often matter more than the divisions pushed by politics.
In person, things are often warm. Online and on the news—they’re ice cold. There’s an undeniable warmth in face-to-face interactions between citizens of both nations—something that’s rarely reflected in official statements or media coverage. The hostility, in many ways, is a top-down problem.
So, Why the Hate?
Hate is too simple a word. What exists is a deeply layered mix of trauma, propaganda, religious identity, political interests, and unresolved historical wounds. It’s not just about who’s right or wrong—it’s about how both sides have been conditioned to see the other as the enemy.
Until both nations stop defining themselves in opposition to one another, and until leaderships choose dialogue over posturing, the cycle is likely to continue.
Peace, as always, remains the hardest truth to tell.
What Do You Think?
Do you believe there’s a way forward? Share your perspective. Your thoughts help shape the dialogue that governments often ignore.
