Understanding the Turbulent History of India and Pakistan: A Deep Dive into South Asia’s Armed Conflicts

New Delhi: Early on Wednesday, India conducted a precise strike targeting nine locations tied to terror operations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan reported that at least eight people died and many more were injured in the attack. This marked a significant escalation in tensions, with Pakistan beginning to retaliate.

The tension follows a tragic attack on April 22, where 26 people, including a Nepali national, were killed at Baisaran Meadows in Pahalgam, Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of supporting this deadly assault, a claim Islamabad denies. In response, India has expelled Pakistani nationals and closed its borders to Pakistanis, even suspending the Indus Water Treaty from 1960.

Since the April attack, Pakistan has violated the ceasefire by frequently firing across the Line of Control. The Indian Army asserts it is adequately responding to these attacks.

A Brief History of Conflicts

The roots of the ongoing disputes trace back to the partition of British India in 1947, which led to the creation of India and Pakistan. This division was chaotic and painful, resulting in one of the largest forced migrations in history and significant loss of life.

The First Kashmir War (1947)

Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir faced dilemmas over whether to align with Pakistan or India. On October 26, 1947, he decided to join India, which ignited the First Kashmir War. The conflict led to a United Nations intervention in 1949, establishing the Line of Control (LoC) that still divides Kashmir.

The Second Kashmir War (1965)

In August 1965, Pakistan initiated another war, following a failed infiltration operation into India. The Soviet Union and the United States intervened to broker a ceasefire, leading to significant casualties on both sides.

The Simla Agreement (1972)

Following the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, India and Pakistan signed the Simla Agreement in 1972, which renamed the Ceasefire Line to the Line of Control. This agreement aimed to resolve the Kashmir issue bilaterally, without third-party involvement.

Kashmir Insurgency (1989-90)

In 1989, Pakistan began supporting armed insurgent groups in Kashmir, leading to widespread violence. Many civilians were killed, including the exile of Kashmiri Hindus.

The Kargil Conflict (1999)

The Kargil War was another significant clash, where Indian forces fought to reclaim territories infiltrated by Pakistani fighters. It lasted over two months, with heavy casualties on both sides.

Recent Escalations

In 2016, terrorists attacked an Air Force base in Pathankot, resulting in 18 fatalities among Indian personnel. India conducted surgical strikes as a counteraction, although Pakistan denied any such event.

In 2019, an attack claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed resulted in the deaths of 40 CRPF personnel. India retaliated with airstrikes that destroyed a militant camp, leading to heightened tensions.

Most recently, in 2025, militants targeted tourists in Pahalgam, killing 26 people. In response to these attacks, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror hubs in Pakistan.

Current Climate

This history of conflict highlights a cycle of violence fueled by political tensions and accusations. The ongoing skirmishes reveal a complex relationship where each country blames the other for escalating hostilities.

Recent Data on Public Sentiments

Polls show a significant portion of citizens in both India and Pakistan feel uneasy about their governments’ handling of these conflicts, with many advocating for peace talks over military action. Social media platforms are buzzing with reactions, with calls for a peaceful resolution becoming more common.

This cycle of violence shows how crucial it is for both nations to engage in dialogue, rather than retaliation, to prevent further loss of life. For a deeper understanding, you can refer to the United Nations history of the Kashmir dispute.

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INDIA PAKISTAN CONFLICTS, SOUTH ASIAN NEIGHBOURHOOD, OPERATION SINDOOR, INDIA AND PAKISTAN A HISTORY OF ARMED CONFLICT IN SOUTH ASIAN NEIGHBOURHOOD