India vs Pakistan: The Never-Ending Conflict Explained (From Kashmir to Terrorism)
Introduction
The India-Pakistan conflict is one of the world’s most prolonged and volatile disputes, rooted in history, religion, and territorial claims. From the bloody Partition of 1947 to the ongoing tensions over Kashmir and cross-border terrorism, the rivalry remains unresolved. Despite occasional peace efforts, distrust and hostility persist.
Historical Roots of the India–Pakistan Conflict
The India–Pakistan rivalry dates back to their 1947 Partition, which created two dominions along religious lines, igniting disputes over the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. The first war (1947–48) ended with a UN-mediated ceasefire, leaving India in control of roughly two-thirds of the territory and Pakistan the remainder. Subsequent major conflicts in 1965 and 1971 (the latter leading to Bangladesh’s independence) and the 1999 Kargil War cemented Kashmir as the enduring flashpoint between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Kashmir: The Perennial Flashpoint
Kashmir remains at the heart of diplomatic and military tensions. In August 2019, India’s government abrogated Article 370, revoking Jammu & Kashmir’s special status and bifurcating the region into two federally administered territories. Islamabad condemned the move as “illegal and unilateral,” taking the issue to international forums, while New Delhi maintains that Kashmir is an integral part of India’s sovereign territory. This fundamental disagreement fuels regular ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and periodic militant incursions.
The Terrorism Dimension
Cross-border terrorism has escalated the conflict’s severity. Pakistan-based groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed have claimed responsibility for numerous attacks in Indian-administered Kashmir and mainland India. On 22 April 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam killed 26 Indian tourists, prompting India to accuse Pakistan of harboring militants. Pakistan denied involvement but expressed regret over civilian deaths. The attack catalyzed India’s decision to launch precision strikes on alleged terror camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir on 7 May 2025 (codenamed “Operation Sindoor”).
Operation Sindoor and Border Skirmishes
On 7 May 2025, the Indian Air Force conducted “Operation Sindoor,” deploying Rafale jets armed with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs against nine terror-related sites in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, Bhimber, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and other locations. Pakistan’s military claimed to have shot down multiple Indian aircraft, while India reported destroying terror infrastructure with minimal collateral damage. Intense cross-border shelling followed in areas such as Poonch (Indian-administered Kashmir) and the Neelum Valley (Pakistan-administered Kashmir), resulting in civilian casualties on both sides, including children.
Ceasefire, Diplomacy, and Third-Party Mediation
After days of heavy exchanges, a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was enacted on 10 May 2025, temporarily halting hostilities. Pakistan welcomed third-party mediation, notably an offer by former U.S. President Donald Trump to facilitate talks on Kashmir, but India rejected external intervention, insisting the matter remains a domestic issue. Indian criticism arose domestically, with some political figures questioning whether halting operations under U.S. pressure compromised national interests.
Current Situation and Ongoing Risks
As of mid-May 2025, calm has largely returned along the LoC, with airports reopening in both countries and military leaders scheduled for dialogue to review the ceasefire. However, accusations of violations persist: Pakistan alleges India deployed drones over its territory, while India reports sporadic shelling. The Indus Waters Treaty remains paused, and broader disputes—nuclear deterrence, water rights, and mutual distrust—continue to undermine long-term stability in South Asia.
Structural Obstacles to Peace
Several structural factors perpetuate the India–Pakistan conflict:
Nationalism and Domestic Politics: Political leaders in both countries face pressure to project strength, limiting diplomatic flexibility.
Security Dilemmas: Mutual fear of conventional and nuclear escalation sustains an arms race, diverting resources from development.
Institutional Trust Deficit: Failure to implement confidence-building measures—such as people-to-people exchanges—fuels suspicion.
External Influences: Geopolitical actors, including the U.S. and China, intermittently engage, sometimes exacerbating tensions.
Pathways to a Sustainable Resolution
Experts suggest that while ceasefires provide temporary relief, only a holistic approach can break the cycle of violence:
Resumption of High-Level Dialogue: Reviving the composite dialogue process with clear agendas on Kashmir, terrorism, and trade.
Incremental Confidence Building: Expanding cross-LoC trade and travel, resuming cultural exchanges, and engaging civil society.
Counterterrorism Cooperation: Joint investigations and intelligence sharing to curb non-state actors.
Water and Climate Cooperation: Negotiating water-sharing under the Indus Waters Treaty to foster interdependence.
Multilateral Engagement: Leveraging regional forums like SAARC and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation for dialogue.
Despite deep-seated grievances and recent escalations, many analysts maintain that peaceful coexistence is achievable through patient diplomacy, mutual concessions, and unwavering commitment to regional stability.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this article are for informational purposes and do not represent the official positions of any government or organization. Historical and current events are complex; readers are encouraged to consult multiple sources for comprehensive understanding. The author assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.