---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Even under the British there were hostile…"
description: "\"Even under the British there were hostile groups. There were clashes. But, as we found out later, these were clashes provoked by those who had no wish ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/022/indira-gandhi-1113_believe_even-under-the-british-there-were-hostil_1931533.jpg"
---

#  Even under the British there were hostile groups. There…

![“Even under the British there were hostile groups. There were clashes. But, as we found out later, these were clashes provoked by those who had no wish to let us live together - on the eve of the Partition. The policy of keeping us divided was always followed by foreigners, even after the…” quote by Indira Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/022/indira-gandhi-1113_believe_even-under-the-british-there-were-hostil_1931533.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/022/indira-gandhi-1113_believe_even-under-the-british-there-were-hostil_1931533.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/022/indira-gandhi-1113_believe_even-under-the-british-there-were-hostil_1931533.jpg)

> “Even under the British there were hostile groups. There were clashes. But, as we found out later, these were clashes provoked by those who had no wish to let us live together - on the eve of the Partition. The policy of keeping us divided was always followed by foreigners, even after the Partition. If Indians and Pakistanis had been together...I don't say as confederated countries but as neighboring and friendly countries...like Italy and France, for example ...believe me, both of us would have progressed much further.”

[Indira Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/indira-gandhi/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote argues that foreign powers deliberately fostered division between Indians and Pakistanis, preventing unity and hindering progress.

**In simple terms:** Foreign meddling kept India and Pakistan divided, limiting their development.

Key Takeaway

Seek cooperation over division.

Themes

politics history unity colonialism regionalism

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

political historical

When to use this quote

- diplomatic negotiations
- regional trade agreements
- peacebuilding initiatives
- cross‑border cultural exchanges

Key Concepts

divideandconquer nationalism postcolonialism

Questions to Reflect On

- Can true neighborly relations develop despite past conflicts?
- What role should external actors play in fostering regional cooperation?

A Different Perspective

Historical grievances and security concerns may outweigh idealistic unity.

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