How the Friendship Between These Two Women Overcame the India-Pakistan Conflict

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Key Points

Aimen Jafri and Ritu Sharma highlight that their common cultural values have drawn them closer, despite the political tensions between their homelands.
They are advocating for more personal interactions between Indians and Pakistanis.
They feel that community efforts on shared causes can significantly strengthen ties between the two communities.

Aimen Jafri, a Pakistani-Australian community leader and former chair of the Multicultural Council of Tasmania, has consistently supported multicultural harmony in Australia.

Her Indian counterpart and close ally, Ritu Sharma, shares her aspirations.

Despite the political friction between their countries, they argue that their friendship underscores the potential of individual relationships to promote peace.

“My relatives in Pakistan, especially those near the Line of Control, are deeply distressed about the current situation,” Jafri remarked.

The Line of Control is a de facto boundary separating the Indian- and Pakistani-administered Kashmir.

“In such times, Ritu’s messages of empathy and friendship mean the world to me.”

Sharma shared similar feelings: “Aimen is one of my closest friends. Our mutual cultural values have united us, and I believe person-to-person interactions are vital for peace.”

Aimen Jafri is a Pakistani-origin civil society activist. Source: SBS / Aimen Jafri

The backdrop to their friendship is the volatile situation in the Kashmir region.

Conflict between the two neighbours escalated after India carried out strikes in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, two weeks after the killing of 26 tourists on 22 April in Indian-administered Kashmir in a militant attack, which India blamed Pakistan for backing. Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack.

Following days of intense cross-border drone and missile attacks, the two sides agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, which is currently holding.

Amid these challenging times, Jafri and Sharma are advocating for more interpersonal connections between Indians and Pakistanis, believing these bonds can lay the groundwork for enduring peace.

Originally from India, Ritu Sharma is also a civil society activist. Credit: SBS / Ritu Sharma

Jafri said her close relatives in Pakistan — living near the Line of Control — were distressed by the recent escalation, and in such times, the compassionate message of solidarity and friendship from her Indian friend Ritu was deeply comforting.

Sharma, in turn, said Jafri was one of her closest friends due to their shared cultural heritage.

How can the two communities come together?

Both women agree there is a pressing need to foster friendships between the people of India and Pakistan, as such bonds can help pave the way for peace and progress.

Sharma believes community collaboration for common causes can go a long way in deepening relationships between the communities.

“[Aimen and I] never see each other as a ‘Hindu Indian’ or a ‘Muslim Pakistani’. We came together to create Nari Shakti (women’s power), an initiative through which we support women and girls in finding employment, training for jobs, crafting resumes, and mastering interviews,” she said.

“Our bond is rooted in purpose, not in the borders that separate us.”

She also suggests taking practical steps such as increasing freedom of movement and trade between the two nations to improve people-to-people engagement.

“I’m Indian, but I often buy my clothes online from Pakistan — not only because they’re affordable, but because the quality is excellent … Trade, collaboration, and shared access to resources could benefit us all,” Sharma said.

Can food and shared cultural roots help bring the two communities together? Aimen thinks so.

“If you saw someone from New Delhi and someone from Karachi sitting down to eat together, you probably couldn’t tell the difference — in how they speak, what they wear, or what they’re eating,” she said.

“And food is a beautiful unifier. Take biryani, for example — one dish that has the power to bring two nations closer together.”

Sharma agrees. “Honestly, there’s barely any difference between us when it comes to our love for food, music, and conversation. Aimen is just as much of a foodie as I am. Sometimes I cook something and invite her to try it, and she does the same.”

“Sharing food creates space for beautiful conversations, and those moments over a meal bring us even closer.”

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