Indian Hegemonic Designs
INDIAN HEGEMONIC DESIGNS AND THE FUTURE OF KASHMIR
Introduction
1. India’s hegemonic designs have always generated intense academic, intellectual, and strategic interest and controversy. Historically, Indian expansionist psyche can be traced back to the concept of ‘Vishal Bharat’ or Greater India. Since its independence, Indian leaders have exhibited a distinct role consciousness - a deep seated desire to play a central role in the region and in due course assume the status of global power. Of late, the rapid build-up of Indian military muscle along with its ambitious nuclear and missile pursuits is also being viewed as a vindication of the role and status consciousness of India.
2. Most political scientists agree that Indian hegemonic attitudes have left indelible impression on her foreign and security policies. Is India, the land known for Gandhian non-violence and Hinduististic passivity and renunciation, really a hegemonic state? Is Kashmir linked to, or indispensable for realizing Indian hegemonic designs? A hegemonic state would not like to see a piece of land, howsoever disputed this may be, go out of its fold. This makes the search for a solution of the Kashmir issue that much more difficult. Is there, then, a solution of the Kashmir problem that would satisfy India, Pakistan, and the Kashmiri people, and not become a victim of the Indian hegemonic ambitions? I would hypothise that despite heavy odds there is a way out of this grueling impasse.
Aim
3. To explore the basis and manifestations of Indian hegemonic designs, their implications for Pakistan, future of Kashmir issue in this grand design of regional hegemony and proffering recommendations for the resolution of issue.
INDIAN HEGEMONIC DESIGNS
Historical Perspective
4. Hinduism preaches a life of passivity; Gandhi ostensibly stood for non-violence. The image of Hindus in general is that of a peace-loving and non-violent people. This has been disputed by scholars like Nirad C.
Introduction
1. India’s hegemonic designs have always generated intense academic, intellectual, and strategic interest and controversy. Historically, Indian expansionist psyche can be traced back to the concept of ‘Vishal Bharat’ or Greater India. Since its independence, Indian leaders have exhibited a distinct role consciousness - a deep seated desire to play a central role in the region and in due course assume the status of global power. Of late, the rapid build-up of Indian military muscle along with its ambitious nuclear and missile pursuits is also being viewed as a vindication of the role and status consciousness of India.
2. Most political scientists agree that Indian hegemonic attitudes have left indelible impression on her foreign and security policies. Is India, the land known for Gandhian non-violence and Hinduististic passivity and renunciation, really a hegemonic state? Is Kashmir linked to, or indispensable for realizing Indian hegemonic designs? A hegemonic state would not like to see a piece of land, howsoever disputed this may be, go out of its fold. This makes the search for a solution of the Kashmir issue that much more difficult. Is there, then, a solution of the Kashmir problem that would satisfy India, Pakistan, and the Kashmiri people, and not become a victim of the Indian hegemonic ambitions? I would hypothise that despite heavy odds there is a way out of this grueling impasse.
Aim
3. To explore the basis and manifestations of Indian hegemonic designs, their implications for Pakistan, future of Kashmir issue in this grand design of regional hegemony and proffering recommendations for the resolution of issue.
INDIAN HEGEMONIC DESIGNS
Historical Perspective
4. Hinduism preaches a life of passivity; Gandhi ostensibly stood for non-violence. The image of Hindus in general is that of a peace-loving and non-violent people. This has been disputed by scholars like Nirad C.