Kartarpur corridor: A step towards regional cooperation in South Asia

Abstract

The South Asia is known for the tensions and perpetual tussles between the two nuclear armed neighbors, India and Pakistan. However, the opening of Kartarpur Corridor on the 9th November 2019, the Kartarpur Gurdwara inside Pakistan‟s Narowal district has emerged as a symbol of love-in-the-time-of-cholera, especially at the time when both archrivals are militarily, diplomatically and politically at loggerheads over the Kashmir conflict. Kartarpur Corridor is an initiative that has the potential to change the long-standing political dynamics of the region. The people from India can travel visa-free to Pakistan through scenic Kartarpur Corridor to visit and pray at the Kartarpur Gurdwara. Secretary General of United Nations Mr. Antonio Guterres while on his three days‟ visit to Pakistan paid a special tribute to Kartarpur Corridor on February 18th, 2020 terming it as the “Corridor of Hope”. This research seeks to acknowledge and analyze the prospects of this initiative in achieving its full potential of changing bitter realities between the South Asian neighbors and paving way for cordiality to replace hatred. The researchers have had the chance to participate in the inauguration ceremony for the Kartarpur Corridor held on November 9th‟ 2019; therefore, this research is based on direct and indirect observational method, with qualitative research analysis. The hypothesis is based on the understanding that „Kartarpur Corridor is a possible breakthrough towards long term regional cooperation in Indo-Pakistan Subcontinent‟.