The India-Pakistan conflict is a longstanding dispute rooted in historical and political events, particularly the partition of British India in August 1947. This partition led to massive population exchanges and communal violence, resulting in estimated death tolls ranging from several hundred thousand to one million people.
Early Conflicts
– The princely state of Junagadh was a point of contention between the two nations. The state had a Hindu majority but a Muslim ruler, Nawab Mahabat Khan, who acceded to Pakistan on August 15, 1947. However, India did not accept the accession as legitimate and eventually annexed the state after a plebiscite.
– The Kashmir conflict began in October 1947 when Pakistan-backed Pashtun tribes invaded Kashmir, prompting the Maharaja to accede to India. The resulting war led to the establishment of the Line of Control, which still divides the region.
Major Wars and Conflicts
– Indo-Pakistani War of 1947: The first war between India and Pakistan, fought over Kashmir.
– Indo-Pakistani War of 1965: A war sparked by Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar, aimed at infiltrating Kashmir. The war caused thousands of casualties on both sides and ended with a UN-mandated ceasefire.
– Indo-Pakistani War of 1971: A war that led to the independence of Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). India supported the rebelling Bengali populace, and the war resulted in the surrender of Pakistani forces and the establishment of Bangladesh.
– Kargil War (1999)*: A conflict sparked by Pakistani infiltration into Kashmir. Indian forces responded with Operation Vijay, and the war ended with Pakistan withdrawing its troops.
Recent Tensions
– *2001 Indian Parliament attack*: A terrorist attack blamed on Pakistan-based groups, which led to a military standoff between the two countries.
– *2008 Mumbai attacks*: Terrorist attacks carried out by Pakistani nationals, which killed over 173 people and wounded 308.
– *2016 Uri attack*: A terrorist attack on Indian forces in Kashmir, which killed 18 soldiers.
– *2019 Pulwama attack*: A terrorist attack blamed on Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, which killed 38 CRPF personnel.
– *2025 Pahalgam attack*: A terrorist attack that killed 26 tourists, including 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen, leading to the current escalation.
*Current Situation*
The recent Pahalgam attack has led to a significant escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan. India has launched Operation Sindoor, targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan has condemned the strikes and vowed to respond at a time and place of its choosing. The situation remains volatile, with both countries engaging in diplomatic and military posturing ¹.
