Diplomacy and Dialogue between India and Pakistan about Kashmir

The Kashmir conflict is a long-standing territorial and political dispute between India and Pakistan, dating back to 1947, the year both countries gained independence from British rule. A succinct summary of the issue is as follows:

Background:

• 1947 Partition of British India: India and Pakistan were created as two separate nations. Jammu and Kashmir, a princely state, could have joined either nation.

• After Pakistani tribal militias invaded Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh decided to join India. Kashmir is a Muslim-majority region. India and Pakistan went to war for the first time in 1947–48 as a result.

Key Points of the Conflict:

Claim Territorial:

• India considers Jammu, Kashmir Valley, and Ladakh integral parts and controls approximately 55% of the region.

• Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, which Pakistan controls for about 30 percent and believes should be part of Pakistan due to its Muslim majority, are both under its control.

• A smaller portion, known as Aksai Chin, is under China's control. India claimed it, but China seized it during the 1962 war.

Conflicts and military conflicts:

• The 1947–48 War: The Line of Control (LoC) and a UN-mandated ceasefire.

• Pakistani attempts to penetrate and inspire rebellion sparked the 1965 war.

• War in 1971: Mainly fought over East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) but also affected Kashmir.

• Pakistani soldiers and militants occupied Indian positions along the Line of Control in the Kargil War in 1999.

UN Participation:

• A plebiscite (vote) to decide Kashmir's future was called for by the United Nations, but it has never been held because of disagreements.

Militancy and insurgency:

• Kashmir, which is administered by India, has been the scene of a violent insurgency since 1989, with support allegedly coming from across the border.

• Pakistan denies supporting "freedom fighters," despite India's claims that it does.

Revocation of Article 370 (2019):

• Jammu and Kashmir's special status was canceled by India, allowing it to join the Indian Union more directly.

• Pakistan strongly opposed the move, downgrading diplomatic ties and calling it illegal.

The Indian Constitution's Article 370 was a temporary provision that gave the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) special autonomy. Under Part XXI of the Constitution, which deals with "Temporary, Transitional, and Special Provisions," it was implemented in 1949.

Key Features of Article 370:

The status accorded to J&K:

• Except for defense, foreign affairs, finance, and communications, which are controlled by the Indian government, J&K had its constitution, flag, and autonomy over most matters.

• J&K was the only state where the Indian Parliament's laws were applicable.

Temporary Provision:

• Until the final status of the state was determined, the article was intended to be temporary.

No Automatic Indian Law Application:

• Unlike other states, J&K could reject or change Indian Parliamentary laws (except for those mentioned above).

Revocation of Article 370 (2019):

• Through a Presidential Order and a Parliamentary Resolution on August 5, 2019, the Indian government effectively revoked J&K's special status.

Important Changes Upon Revocation:

• Along with Ladakh, which was separated as a separate UT, J&K became a Union Territory.

• J&K is now fully subject to the Indian Constitution.

• No separate constitution or flag for J&K.

• Central laws (like RTI, CAG, and others) became applicable.

• Non-residents can now buy property in J&K (previously restricted).

Debates and Disputes:

• It is argued that it eliminated separatism, boosted development, and fully integrated J&K into India.

• Critics assert that it was carried out in an undemocratic manner, infringed on the autonomy of J&K, and raised concerns regarding human rights.

Current Status:

• J&K is still a Union Territory, but there are talks about restoring statehood in the future.

• Skirmishes on occasion and political impasses continue to exacerbate tensions.

• The conflict is especially risky because both nations have nuclear weapons.

• There are attempts at diplomacy and dialogue, but they frequently fail due to trust issues and violence in the region.

1947–1948: Partition and First War

• 1947: India and Pakistan are divided from British India. The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, which has a Muslim population, can join either country. The Maharaja opts to accede to India.

• Pakistan sends tribal forces into Kashmir between 1947 and 1948, triggering the first India-Pakistan war. The Line of Control (LoC), which divides Kashmir into areas administered by India and Pakistan, is established by a ceasefire mediated by the United Nations.

Second War, 1965:

• Pakistan launches Operation Gibraltar intending to bring insurgent forces into Jammu and Kashmir. This leads to the second war between India and Pakistan. The conflict ended with a ceasefire brokered by the Soviet Union and the United States.

1971: Third War and Bangladesh Liberation

• 1971: India supports independence movements in East Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh. The war leads to the creation of Bangladesh.

1984: Siachen Conflict

• India launched Operation Meghdoot in 1984 to seize control of the Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield. As a result, both nations maintain a military presence in the region, resulting in the Siachen conflict.

Kargil War, 1999

• 1999: Pakistani forces infiltrate the Kargil district in Indian-administered Kashmir. India responded by engaging in military action, which resulted in the Kargil War. The conflict comes to an end when the status quo along the LoC is restored.

2025: Attack and Expansion in Pahalgam

• April 22, 2025: A terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, kills 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists. India accuses Pakistan-based militants of involvement.

• Along the Line of Control, Indian and Pakistani forces are said to have engaged in armed skirmishes on April 24, 2025.

• April 25, 2025: India expels Pakistani diplomats, suspends the Indus Waters Treaty, and closes borders.

• April 27, 2025: Pakistan denies involvement and retaliates by suspending the Simla Agreement, restricting trade, and closing airspace.

The Present Situation India and Pakistan's tensions remain high as of May 2025. Both nations have enhanced their military capabilities, which include cutting-edge missile technologies and air defense systems. International calls for de-escalation accompany diplomatic efforts that are continuing.