If Balochistan Becomes Independent, Will India Recognize It Like Bangladesh in 1971?

Islamabad: Some Baloch leaders have declared the independence of Balochistan. Therefore, questions are arising whether India can recognize Balochistan as an independent country, like it has done with Bangladesh? Some Baloch leaders, while declaring independence, have also unveiled a separate flag for Balochistan and have appealed to India as well as the United Nations to recognize Balochistan as a separate country. Balochistan has been fighting for independence for a long time and hundreds of freedom fighters of Balochistan have lost their lives in the struggle for independence from the cruel rulers of Pakistan. Groups like the Baloch Liberation Army continue to fight for independence and have resorted to violence to achieve freedom.

Baloch leaders have repeatedly sought sympathy from India over human rights abuses and have called for help against Pakistan. Baloch leaders are expecting the same kind of help from India as India provided during Bangladesh's struggle for independence. But according to a report by News18, officially acknowledging Balochistan's independence would mark a dramatic shift in India's foreign policy. However, on closer examination, it appears that recognising Balochistan as a separate country will not be an easy decision for India.

Will India recognise Balochistan's independence?

India has the right to recognise any new nation and Delhi recognised Bangladesh as a new country after the surrender of Pakistani forces in the 1971 war. But the situation in Balochistan is quite different from that in Bangladesh. Baloch leaders are repeatedly calling and appealing to India to help Balochistan, but New Delhi is still silent on this matter. Experts believe that it is a very difficult decision for India to take. According to the Montevideo Convention of 1933, it is mandatory for any new country to fulfill certain conditions to get recognition.

• It is necessary to have a permanent population, defined territory, functioning government and the ability to form relations with other countries.

• Balochistan has declared independence, but at present it has not received formal recognition from any country or the United Nations.

• Recognizing Balochistan will also be seen as a direct challenge to Pakistan's sovereignty.

• India opposes Pakistan's interference in Kashmir, so India's Kashmir card will be weakened.

• Pakistan will promote India's intervention in Balochistan all over the world. Diplomatic challenges will increase for India.

Pakistan forcefully occupied Balochistan in the year 1948 and has continuously killed Baloch leaders. Therefore, experts believe that any move by India to recognize Balochistan can be seen as a provocation by Pakistan, which can dramatically increase regional tensions. Apart from this, China has invested billions of dollars in Balochistan and if India supports the independence of Balochistan, it will consider it a threat to its investment and the danger of a two-front war will become real for India. Especially Gwadar Port, which China considers very important strategically, it will want to keep it in its possession at all costs. Apart from this, the support of powers like America, France, Russia and China becomes very important for recognizing any country.

Apart from this, the US and Britain have declared the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) a terrorist organization, so it is very difficult to get the support of these countries, provided the Baloch completely throw out Balochistan. Many analysts believe that without the support of major global players, India will not give unilateral recognition. Apart from this, recognition of Balochistan can spoil India's relations with neighboring countries like Iran and Afghanistan, where the Baloch population is very high. On the other hand, if India's relations with Iran deteriorate on the Balochistan issue, then it will have a direct impact on India's energy security and many major infrastructure projects including the Chabahar port in Iran. Therefore, India will not take such a risk at the moment.