The subcontinent of India and Pakistan is home to some of the most complex and unique cultures in the world. It is also one of the most volatile regions in the world, having been the site of several wars, conflicts, and tense standoffs between the two countries. Their mutual rivalry has its roots in their shared history, culture, and religion, but over the years it has grown into something much more complex and difficult to understand. It has shaped their national identities and their international policies, and has become the source of much conflict and bloodshed.