India-Pakistan escalating tension could reverberate globally, affecting South Africa

ANALYSTS are warning that the economic ramifications of rising military tensions between India and Pakistan could extend far beyond South Asia, impacting nations like South Africa that count India among their top trading partners.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

Earlier this week, India's Ministry of Defence announced the launch of Operation Sindoor, targeting nine alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

This military action was framed by Indian authorities as a direct response to the tragic deaths of 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Kashmir, attributed to alleged terrorist attacks on 22 April. In retaliation, the Indian military has reported increased firing from Pakistan on its northern and western borders.

Given the deep interdependencies forged through trade and partnerships, particularly within BRICS—a coalition that includes both countries—these escalating tensions are raising eyebrows among economic experts in South Africa.

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, India imported an impressive $10.54 billion's worth of goods from South Africa in 2023-24 alone, with significant commodities such as precious stones and mineral fuels leading the charge.

Professor Emeritus of International Law at Unisa, André Thomashausen, said that India and Pakistan, after the defeat of Pakistan in the 1971 border war, signed the Shimla Treaty to manage their dispute about the autonomy for the Kashmir and Jammu territories.