Mounting Tensions in India-Pakistan Relations: International Consequences

The Polish Institute of International Affairs is an analytical institution established by an act of Parliament in 1996 to carry out research and provide expertise in international affairs. PISM disseminates information on contemporary international issues and maintains contacts with academic and political centres in Poland and abroad. The Institute runs courses for public servants, maintains a library (open to the public; 165,000 books and journals), organises conferences, and publishes books, periodicals and documents on Polish foreign policy and international matters.

The funding for PISM comes from the budget. The director is appointed by the prime minister for a term of five years, following consultation with the minister of foreign affairs. The minister supervises the Institute and appoints its advisory council, which includes a representative of the President of the Republic of Poland, academics and officials.A series of attacks reportedly by Pakistani militants in India across 2016 led to a deepening crisis in Indo-Pakistani relations. The exchange of accusations and continuing threat of new attacks posed the risk of further escalation of the conflict. The rivalry negatively impacted regional cooperation and the stabilisation of Afghanistan. It also contributed to the proliferation of nuclear weapons and growing menace of terrorism. Peace in the region and normalisation of ties depended on Pakistan taking on a stronger antiterrorism policy. More probable, however, was the continuation of the period of manageable tension.