At the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947 – 60 years ago next week – Britain renounced its claim to the “jewel in the crown” and the independent states of India and Pakistan were born. Or was it on August 14 – since midnight technically falls between the two dates?

In the end they opted for ceremonies on both days, one in each country, so Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy, could attend the two. Thus Pakistan celebrates Independence Day on Tuesday, while India marks its on the next day. Neither country plans anything more than the usual military parades and speeches by their respective leaders – they both arranged elaborate festivities to celebrate their 50th birthdays a decade ago.

But this year’s celebrations take place amid unprecedented levels of security and international scrutiny, which reflect the nuclear-armed neighbours’ growing importance to the rest of the world. Ten years ago Pakistan was a democracy – albeit an unstable one – and India had only recently launched market-orientated economic reforms. Neither had the bomb. Today Pakistan is at the heart of the USled War on Terror, while India is hailed as an emerging economic super-power and a counterbalance to China.

Pakistan’s main ceremony will take place at the Convention Centre in Islamabad, the national capital, which has suffered a series of suicide attacks since government forces stormed the Red Mosque, which was sheltering Islamic radicals. It follows a tense week in which President Musharraf, who took power in a coup in 1999, was said to be considering imposing emergency rule.

India’s main ceremony will take place at the Red Fort in Delhi, former seat of the Muslim Mughal emperor, where the Prime Minister will raise the national flag and address the country. While security will be tight, he is expected to showcase India’s development over the past decade. Meanwhile, at the Wagah border crossing between the two countries, dozens of prisoners will be exchanged – mostly fishermen detained while straying into each other’s territory.

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