The India-Pakistan tensions have been in existence since seven decades now and war sirens have been ringing anytime and anywhere, border play offs and diplomatic arguments. Now that the tensions have rouse again, citizens from both the countries will discuss military power and country’s pride, but what about the expenditure that we actually have to bear? This blog will shed some light on the implications that the world and both the countries will have to endure.
1. Human Cost
This is the most agonizing and irrecoverable aspect of any war. The Human loss! A war can kill thousand or lakhs of individuals. The border cities, such as Amritsar and Lahore with huge populations could imply that there is greater risk to civilians. The past tensions have already shown that how much the local people might have to endure because of these continuous tensions.
If the war begins then people may have to migrate which can cause a huge refugee crisis. The government (or relevant authority) will tear families apart and separate them, forcing people to live in fear, sorrow, and trauma for decades.
2. Economic cost
War is always costly. India and Pakistan are in their developing stage. If there is a war, the government will divert the funds saved for schools, hospitals, and infrastructure into purchasing weapons and funding warfare. Trade between India and Pakistan will come to an end. Other trade routes too will get disrupted. Foreign business firms that were planning to invest in any of these nations are likely to withdraw their plans, as no one wants to invest in countries engaged in war. The war will also affect businesses and eliminate jobs. The value of currency will also decrease which will increase the cost of goods and will ultimately result in rising debt on the country. India’s economy is $3.7 trillion and Pakistan’s economy is roughly $375 billion. If the debt rises then both the nations will fall behind by decades.
3. Military cost
War requires a lot of money for buying weapons, training soldiers and running military operations, These will cost billions to the country. No doubts, India has a stronger and larger military but a long war will be financially draining for India too. Pakistan will obviously suffer more. Both the countries will end up borrowing money from fellow countries, which will lead to increasing debts and reduced spending on public services.
4. Nuclear Risks
India and Pakistan both have nuclear weapons. A small nuclear war will kill millions and its devastating after effects will be on numerous people due to its lethal radiation. Aside from loss of lives, nature will also be affected. Light from the sun will be shaded, agriculture will be destroyed which will result in food shortages and rising prices. Food shortage will not only impact India, but the entire world.
5. Social and Political Cost
War will breed hatred among humans. Government will enact emergency laws limiting freedom, the freedom of movement, the freedom to trade, the freedom to speak and so on! Some communities will be treated with prejudice on grounds of religion or ethnicity. Some media outlets will begin sending out false and threatening news. People will struggle to believe the information, resulting in confusion and more dispute over opinions.
6. Geopolitical cost
A conflict between India and Pakistan will also involve other nations in the war. China, the U.S. and Russia are among the nations that have interests in the region. This may enlarge the problem and conflict and make it widespread.
The international bodies such as United nations would have to enter this war, the time and money which would have been invested in the development will now be invested in bringing peace between Pakistan and India.
7. Opportunity Cost
Instead of war, if India and Pakistan put more attention into co-operation, it will have massive dividends such as more trade, good jobs and technology tech expansion. The war funding can fund school, hospitals and new ventures. Both nations stand to have far more gain with peace compared to war.
We can view the war as an exhibition of power, but the actual price is too steep. Dead people, shattered economies, fractured communities and ruined future. Neither India nor Pakistan emerges as a winner in the war. Both will be hurt, slightly or deeply. Both the nations should be cautious and try to achieve peace- via words, empathy and cooperation.