The Monocle Daily India and Pakistan’s rival diplomatic efforts
May 23, 2025
Kirsten Seymour-James, a journalist from St Anthony's College, Oxford, formerly based in Islamabad, dives into the intense diplomatic rivalry between India and Pakistan. She discusses their competing narratives and recent diplomatic maneuvers across multiple continents. The conversation highlights the historical complexities of their relationship, particularly the Kashmir conflict and evolving geopolitical dynamics influenced by key players like the US and China. Listeners gain insights into how these factors shape the future of South Asia.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Kashmir Conflict's Diplomatic Battle
- India and Pakistan are both using diplomatic offensives to gain global support amid unresolved Kashmir conflict.
- Both sides portray each other negatively: India accuses Pakistan of sponsoring jihadis; Pakistan calls India authoritarian.
Modi's Moves Escalated Kashmir Tensions
- Modi's government changed Kashmir's demography and broke the Indus Water Treaty, escalating tensions with Pakistan.
- Kashmir's conflict is tied to historic partition issues and ongoing disputes since then.
China’s Role in Kashmir Conflict
- The recent fighting in Kashmir gained more international attention but did not change the fundamental conflict.
- China openly supports Pakistan, adding complexity to the multipolar regional power dynamics.