Context: Pakistani security forces repulsed a militant attack on a complex outside its strategic port of Gwadar in Balochistan province.

About Balochistan

• Balochistan is the largest Pakistani province and is sparsely populated and impoverished when compared to the rest of the country. 

• Its location as well as abundance of natural resources, especially oil, make it strategically vital for Pakistan.

• The province has been the site of a series of bloody insurgencies, brutal state repression, and an enduring Baloch nationalist movement since 1948.

Background of the Insurgency 

• At the dawn of India’s Independence in 1947, the region now known as Balochistan was partitioned into four princely states: Kalat, Kharan, Las Bela, and Makaran. 

• These states were presented with three options: merge with India, join Pakistan, or maintain their independence. 

• Under the influence of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Kharan, Las Bela, and Makaran chose to become part of Pakistan but Kalat decided to remain Independent.

• On August 4, 1947, a meeting was convened in Delhi, and Jinnah supported Khan of Kalat’s decision for independence.

• On August 11, 1947, a treaty was signed between Kalat and the Muslim League, recognising Kalat as an independent state, and promising that the Muslim League would respect Balochistan’s independence.

• Despite meetings with Mountbatten and recognition of Kalat’s status as an independent sovereign state, the British issued a memorandum stating that the Khan of Kalat was not in a position to undertake the international responsibilities of an independent state.

• On March 26, the Pakistan Army moved into the Baloch coastal region of Pasni, Jiwani and Turbat.

• Khan had no option but to agree to Jinnah’s terms to merge with Pakistan.

Insurgency and Discontent

• The forceful integration of Kalat into Pakistan sowed the seeds of discontent and resistance among the Baloch people.

• Many Baloch nationalists viewed the annexation as a betrayal of their autonomy and an infringement upon their cultural identity. 

• The region saw many insurgencies for the Independence from Pakistan but Pakistan state managed to suppress the resistance.

• Once a proud sovereign state, Balochistan is now the most-neglected and poverty-ridden province of Pakistan. 

• Despite being the largest province and rich in minerals, Balochistan accounts for nearly 4 percent of Pakistan’s economy.

India’s Stand on Balochistan

• India’s position on Balochistan is complex and influenced by various factors including geopolitics, regional stability, and its relationship with Pakistan. 

• India and Pakistan have a long-standing conflict over the region of Kashmir, and any overt involvement by India in Balochistan could escalate tensions further.

• India has been accused by Pakistan of supporting Baloch separatist movements, allegations that India has consistently denied. 

• India maintains that it supports the right to self-determination for the people of Balochistan but does not interfere in Pakistan’s internal affairs.

• Overall, India’s stance on Balochistan involves a delicate balance between expressing concerns about human rights violations and maintaining diplomatic relations with Pakistan. 

• Any significant shifts in this stance would likely depend on changes in the geopolitical landscape of the region.