India's partition led to probably the biggest tragedy in the subcontinent. The mass migrations across the borders were accompanied by the death and mayhem all around. As such partition was the outcome of the British policy of ‘Divide and Rule’, and its justification was derived from ‘Two Nation theory’ and that religion is the basis of Nation.

This theory was the basis of the foundation of ideologies of Hindu Communalism (Hindu Mahasabha and RSS) and Muslim Communalism (Muslim). With the further division of Pakistan into Pakistan and Bangladesh, this theory relating religion, nation and state met its graveyard. Still, the scars it left are too deep and disturbing, still affecting the lives of the people of the subcontinent.

After partition, India and Pakistan went to war on three occasions, and border tensions are continuously sucking on our national resources on both sides of the border. The common shared heritage of the subcontinent has been fragmented, and the mutual existence, tolerance and celebration have been replaced by hostility. For India and Pakistan apart from other nagging issues, Kashmir remains a permanent eyesore while ‘illegal Bangladeshi immigrants’ remain a bone of contention between India and Bangladesh.

As such, the three countries can cooperate, sort out these issues and focus on a joint alliance for peace and progress. The regional cooperation is the biggest factor in the development of the countries in a region. European Union so very well demonstrated this in mutual cooperation in a practical form.

The industrial development, the crux of modern society is very uneven in the three countries. A collaboration; most favoured Nation status, will boost the economy and improve the situation of workers and all those related to the industrial production, distribution and consumption. These countries can emerge as strong global competitors if they put their stakes in collaboration. The trade between these three countries itself can be so much complimentary to give the boost to them all.

As far as the areas of education and health are concerned, it is a win-win situation for the threesome. While India has achieved some landmarks in these areas, Pakistan and Bangladesh cannot only benefit but also collaborate to set up some of the advanced methods and facilities which India has succeeded in acquiring. India will benefit from this venture as its expertise will help it grow further.

The nuclear race between India and Pakistan has been a big drag on the economy. Having done that, now at least a collaboration and ‘no first use’ type agreements can halt further expenditure of valuable resources in this area, which is a pull back of national resources.

Same also applies to armed forces. A number of battalions are engaged on the borders to counter each other. This is a total waste of scarce resources of these countries. The same can be diverted in areas of health, education and other measures of social welfare.

As such there are rich cultural traditions which are similar in Pakistan and Western part of India and same applies to Bangladesh and Eastern part of India. The linguistic bonds in different areas are so strong that their proper promotion can melt the hostility and confrontation if proper lead is given in the direction by various Governments of the region. Cultural and educational exchanges with mutually enrich all the three countries and resumption of such efforts will reduce the hostility which is a big drag on the development of the region.

Thus similar cooperation can ease the tragedy caused by natural disasters. Just a few years ago, on one hand SAARC was coming up and exchanges between these three countries were picking up. It is unfortunate that last few years have seen the reversal of the process and brakes have been put on the obligatory process of friendship.

The Chambers of Commerce of these Countries can make an enhanced beginning. The University exchange processes will be so valuable in enhancing different areas of knowledge. Already diverse institutions in different countries have great expertise, which can supplement the gap of other neighbours.

Burying the past of hostility, settling the issues which act as thorn in relationship, will surely be a great beginning in this direction. Many a times sports, cricket between India and Pakistan creates a mass hysteria, and converts the civic life into a war type zone. The very spirit of sport is to enjoy these competitions and celebrate the beauty of the game.

A lot can be derived from reposing trust in each other. Tourism is another area which stands to gain tremendously if the present hostile attitude is replaced by one of welcome to the neighbours.

The rulers of these countries need to realise this. The citizens of the region have to put pressure on the rulers to come to the track of peace with other in the larger interest of the region, its development, peace and prosperity.