The strained relations between India and Pakistan have been constant since 1947. The chilly relationship now is warming up by the entrepreneurial ties as the startup ecosystem is growing in Pakistan.
According to reports, Pakistani startups raised $347 million in 2022, despite the economy being in shackles. India has also seen a 15400% growth in startups in the last six years. On the ground level, Pakistanis and Indians are tying up with each other in territories that are outside the polarised atmosphere, like Dubai and London.
Collaboration Under Wraps
Speaking to The Print, many Pakistani and Indian entrepreneurs based in Dubai, London, and India said that the collaborations have been happening for several years, but they are generally kept low-key and classified because of the rough geopolitical environment. All these entrepreneurs spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Collaborations happen in several forms. Some firms use cost-effective talent from freelance companies, like Upwork and Fiverr, to develop their products.
The Print reports, “a London-based Indian entrepreneur claimed that he hired Pakistani tech talent because he got more loyalty from them. A Pakistani startup founder who lives in Dubai asserted that he had hired an Indian team for their professionalism.” These statements are not made publicly due to the flak they might evoke.
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Purely Professional Relationship
The Pakistani owner of an advertising-related business says that nationalities do not matter. The business is based in Dubai. He has been working with the Indian team for two years. The relationship with Indians is purely professional for him.
Due to strict visa policies, the Pakistani owner couldn’t travel to India for work often, so most of the work happens online and over calls. The remote arrangement made the tie-ups possible.
The Print reports about the Dubai-based entrepreneur. He is an Indian who works with a Pakistani business partner. “When you connect with people one on one, you realize that nationalities don’t matter. What really matters is the work that you are doing. I work with a Pakistani partner, and we hire talent from both India and Pakistan, ultimately, it’s about getting the best work done.”
He also pointed out that the work is easier to manage as they were able to forge a connection on a social, cultural, and emotional level. They can also converse in Hindi and Urdu, which makes the work easier for both partners.
Hiring Pakistanis More Cost Efficient
The best tech talent in India is mostly hired by well-funded startups. The non-technical startups that are tight on funds hire tech workers from freelance platforms.
Earlier, the recruiters hired Russians, Ukrainians, and Europeans for tech work, but their rates have gone up five times due to the crypto boom. Indians also have started charging high fees. Pakistanis, on the other hand, have affordable rates and are cost-effective.
Also, in India, there are instances of poaching. Indians leave the startup if they’re offered more money. Pakistanis stick around longer for some reason.
Diplomatic ties might remain sour between India and Pakistan, but profits always keep the businesses close. Profits and money can buy good relations as well. Entrepreneurial ties are proof.
Image Credits: Google Images
Feature image designed by Saudamini Seth
Sources: The Print, Economic Times, The Tribune
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
This post is tagged under: Pakistan, India, profit, business, entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship, Pakistani, Indians, collaboration, tie-ups, Dubai, London, emotional, cultural, social, linguistic, cost efficiency, loyalty, professionalism, behind-the-scenes, business, advertising related, Remote arrangement, diplomacy, sour, strained, rivalry, India vs Pakistan
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