Answer:

The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 marked a significant shift in India’s constitutional and political landscape, altering Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. International partnerships, particularly with major powers like the United States and key global organizations, played a crucial role in shaping the global narrative, balancing diplomatic challenges, and advancing India’s stance on Kashmir post-abrogation.

Positive Role of International Partnerships:

• Diplomatic Support from Western Allies: India’s growing partnerships with the United States and European nations have provided strong diplomatic backing, helping to counter Pakistan’s attempts to internationalize the Kashmir issue.
  For instance: The United States openly supported India’s position, reflecting the importance of Indo-U.S. strategic ties in the region.
• Economic Influence Through Global Forums: India’s engagement with international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank has enhanced its economic leverage, diminishing Pakistan’s ability to garner international support.
  For instance: The steady rise in India’s GDP, now nearly 10 times that of Pakistan, underscores its growing global economic influence, which bolsters its position on Kashmir.
• Strategic Alliances with the Islamic World: Strengthened ties with key Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have neutralized Pakistan’s efforts to rally Muslim nations against India on the Kashmir issue.
  For example: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) relatively muted response post-Article 370 reflects this shift, influenced by India’s deepening economic and strategic ties with these nations.
• Global Counterterrorism Cooperation: International partnerships in counterterrorism, particularly with nations like Israel and France, have reinforced India’s efforts to combat cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.
  For instance: Collaborative intelligence sharing and defense cooperation have significantly reduced terror activities in Kashmir, as seen in the decline of major terror incidents post-2019.
• UNSC and Multilateral Diplomacy: India’s increasing engagement in multilateral forums like the United Nations Security Council has helped deflect attempts by Pakistan and China to bring the Kashmir issue back to the international stage.
  For instance: The UNSC’s rejection of Pakistan’s moves post-abrogation highlights the success of India’s diplomatic efforts in shaping global perceptions.

Negative Role of International Partnerships:

• China-Pakistan Strategic Nexus: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has strengthened the China-Pakistan alliance, intensifying pressure on India.
  For instance: China’s backing of Pakistan in international forums, particularly in the UNSC, underscores the challenges India faces from this strategic partnership, leading to repeated attempts to internationalize the Kashmir issue.
• Western Criticism on Human Rights: Despite diplomatic successes, some Western countries and international NGOs have criticized India’s human rights record in Kashmir, complicating India’s global image.
  For instance: Reports from organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have led to increased scrutiny, affecting India’s standing in certain international circles.
• Geopolitical Instability in South Asia: India’s growing alignment with Western powers has sometimes escalated regional tensions.
  For instance:  Pakistan’s intensified rhetoric and increased cross-border skirmishes post-abrogation has occasionally undermined regional stability, complicating India’s efforts to maintain peace in South Asia.
• Limited Support from Non-Aligned Nations: Many non-aligned and developing countries, traditionally supportive of India, have remained neutral or expressed concerns about the situation in Kashmir.
  For instance: This has diluted India’s ability to garner unanimous support, reflecting the complexities of maintaining diverse international partnerships.
• Impact on Regional Economic Initiatives: India’s focus on countering Pakistan’s narrative in international forums has sometimes hindered regional economic cooperation, particularly within SAARC.
  For instance: The stalled SAARC summits and limited economic integration in South Asia reflect the negative repercussions of strained India-Pakistan relations on regional development.

While international partnerships have largely bolstered India’s stance on Kashmir post-abrogation, the evolving geopolitical landscape demands continued diplomatic finesse and strategic alliances. Balancing global support while addressing domestic challenges in Kashmir will be crucial for India to sustain its position and ensure long-term regional stability. Enhanced engagement with diverse global actors will further solidify India’s influence in shaping the future discourse on Kashmir.

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