Pakistan and India Tensions

A History of Wars Between India and Pakistan: Conflict Since Partition

Since their independence from British rule in 1947, India and Pakistan have engaged in multiple wars, primarily over the disputed region of Kashmir, along with other territorial and political conflicts. These wars have shaped the geopolitical landscape of South Asia, leaving a legacy of tension, nuclear rivalry, and unresolved disputes. Below is a detailed overview of all major wars and significant conflicts between the two nations.

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## **1. Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948 (First Kashmir War)**

### **Background**

The partition of British India in 1947 led to the creation of two independent nations: India and Pakistan. However, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, with a Muslim-majority population but a Hindu ruler (Maharaja Hari Singh), became a flashpoint. Pakistan-backed tribal militias invaded Kashmir, prompting the Maharaja to sign the Instrument of Accession with India in exchange for military support .

### **Conflict & Outcome**

- India airlifted troops to defend Srinagar, while Pakistan denied direct involvement, claiming the fighters were "volunteers."

- The war ended in a UN-mediated ceasefire on January 1, 1949, establishing the **Line of Control (LoC)**.

- India retained about two-thirds of Kashmir (Jammu, Kashmir Valley, Ladakh), while Pakistan controlled **Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan** .

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## **2. Indo-Pakistani War of 1965**

### **Background**

Tensions over Kashmir reignited in 1965 when Pakistan launched **Operation Gibraltar**, infiltrating insurgents into Indian-administered Kashmir to incite rebellion. When India retaliated, Pakistan launched **Operation Grand Slam**, a full-scale offensive in the Chamb sector .

### **Conflict & Outcome**

- The war saw intense tank battles, including the largest since World War II in the **Battle of Asal Uttar**.

- After 17 days of fighting, a **UN-mandated ceasefire** was imposed.

- The **Tashkent Agreement (1966)**, mediated by the Soviet Union, restored pre-war borders but left Kashmir unresolved .

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## **3. Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 (Bangladesh Liberation War)**

### **Background**

This war was unique as it stemmed from East Pakistan’s (now Bangladesh) struggle for independence. Following a brutal military crackdown by West Pakistan, millions of refugees fled to India. India supported the **Mukti Bahini** (Bengali guerrillas) and intervened after Pakistan preemptively attacked Indian airbases .

### **Conflict & Outcome**

- India achieved a decisive victory in **just 13 days**, leading to Pakistan’s surrender in East Pakistan on **December 16, 1971**.

- Over **90,000 Pakistani soldiers were captured**, and Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation.

- The **Simla Agreement (1972)** established the LoC as the de facto border and called for bilateral dispute resolution .

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## **4. Kargil War (1999)**

### **Background**

In early 1999, Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated Indian-controlled Kargil, occupying strategic heights. India responded with **Operation Vijay**, a military and diplomatic offensive .

### **Conflict & Outcome**

- India recaptured key peaks like **Tiger Hill** and **Tololing** after intense fighting.

- International pressure, particularly from the **U.S.**, forced Pakistan to withdraw.

- Pakistan suffered heavy casualties (over 4,000 troops) and admitted its military’s role, marking a major defeat .

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## **Other Major Conflicts & Standoffs**

While full-scale wars have been limited, several **military standoffs and skirmishes** have kept tensions high:

### **Siachen Conflict (1984–2003)**

- A frozen war over the **Siachen Glacier**, the world’s highest battlefield. India gained control through **Operation Meghdoot** in 1984 .

### **2001–2002 Military Standoff**

- Triggered by the **attack on India’s Parliament** (blamed on Pakistan-based militants). Both nations mobilized troops but avoided war .

### **2019 Balakot Airstrikes & Pulwama Crisis**

- After a **suicide bombing in Pulwama** killed 40 Indian soldiers, India conducted **airstrikes in Balakot**, Pakistan. Pakistan retaliated, downing an Indian jet and capturing (later releasing) a pilot .

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## **Conclusion: A Persistent Rivalry**

The India-Pakistan conflict remains one of the world’s most volatile rivalries, fueled by **territorial disputes, cross-border terrorism, and nuclear brinkmanship**. While major wars have been sporadic, the risk of escalation persists, especially in Kashmir. Diplomatic efforts, such as the **Simla Agreement** and **Lahore Declaration**, have failed to bring lasting peace. With both nations now nuclear-armed, future conflicts could have catastrophic consequences, making conflict resolution imperative .