​​Despite recent tensions, there are reasons for optimism about the relationship between India and Pakistan, as it has a stronger foundation than it has had in years. History since the country's independence from the British colonial rule in 1947 suggests that the relationship between the two neighbours is likely to go through more ups and downs, however. Michael Kugelman will offer an assessment of the current state of relations, discuss the challenges that remain and offer some caution about the problems that may result, even if subcontinental peace is eventually attained.

Jason Miklian (PRIO Researcher) and Khalid Mahmood (Norwegian politician, Member of Oslo City Council) will act as commentators. PRIO Director Kristian Berg Harpviken will chair the event. The seminar is co-hosted with the Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Centre (NOREF).

Michael Kugelman is senior program associate for South and Southeast Asia at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, DC where he is responsible for research, programming, and publications on South and Southeast Asia. His most recent work has focused on India-Pakistan relations, US-Pakistan relations, youth movements and social media in Pakistan, and security challenges in India. He has written and edited a number of publications on South Asia, including most recently The Global Farms Race: Land Grabs, Agricultural Investment, and the Scramble for Food Security (Island Press, 2013), Reaping the Dividend: Overcoming Pakistan's Demographic Challenges and India's Contemporary Security Challenges (both Wilson Center 2011).