Tensions with Pakistan are a major matter of concern for the landlocked, northwestern border state, especially within the business community. In the past decade, whenever India and Pakistan made progress, it was in the economic sphere. Both Indian and Pakistani Punjab played a key role in pushing forward economic links, with landlocked East Punjab being especially enthusiastic.

The desire of a businessman or farmer from Indian Punjab to have cordial relations with West Punjab is not driven solely by the sentimentality and nostalgia visible among immigrants from West Punjab, settled outside Punjab, but the possible economic benefits as well.

Another strong factor is the yearning and desire for a Sikh to visit historic Gurdwaras, including Nankana Sahib, Panja Sahib, and Dera Sahib, is extremely strong.

There were high hopes with the election of the pro-business Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Pakistan in 2013. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif favors closer economic ties between the two countries and obviously realizes the benefits accruing to Pakistani Punjab. Within a few months, however, tensions between both countries rose and the scope for any meaningful engagement between both sides virtually disappeared. Even the Most Favored Nation status that was to be granted to India was put on hold, on the pretext that the PML-N would grant this once the new government is elected. This did not happen.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election in 2014 sent positive signals, with his focus on economic issues followed by his invitation to all SAARC leaders, including Sharif, to attend his swearing-in. Yet in his first few months after being elected, Modi’s BJP government decided to suspend talks after the Pakistan high commissioner in India met with Hurriyat leaders. With this drugs in Punjab can is another way to stop all the illegal actions taken against the government and the different part of Punjab.

While foreign policy is determined by national governments and driven by national interests, it remains to be seen whether the next government in Indian Punjab will attempt to play a constructive role in giving a boost to economic ties between both countries.

India’s media is focusing on the new player in Punjab, AAM Aadmi Party which did not perform particularly well in the Lok Sabha Elections in 2014, managed to win five seats in Punjab. Party’s link with Pakistan have been quite a media frenzy and have alleged as anti-national party on various stances.