The war issues between India and Pakistan are deeply rooted in history, primarily revolving around territorial disputes, especially over Kashmir, but they also involve ideological, political, and security concerns. Here are the main points:
1. The Kashmir Conflict
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Primary Cause of Wars: Kashmir is the central issue and the main cause of three of the four wars fought between the two countries (1947, 1965, 1999).
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Background: At Partition in 1947, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, with a Muslim majority but a Hindu ruler, was given the option to join India or Pakistan. The ruler chose India, leading to conflict.
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Current Status: India controls about two-thirds of Kashmir (Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh), while Pakistan controls the remaining one-third (Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan). Both claim the region in full.
2. Major Wars
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1947-48 (First Kashmir War): Ended with the Line of Control (LoC) being established but not internationally recognized as a permanent border.
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1965 War: Initiated by Pakistan in Kashmir; ended in a stalemate and a ceasefire brokered by the Soviet Union (Tashkent Agreement).
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1971 War: Primarily over East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), resulted in a decisive Indian victory and creation of Bangladesh.
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1999 (Kargil War): Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated Indian positions in Kargil (Indian Kashmir); India repelled the incursion.
3. Terrorism and Cross-Border Attacks
- India accuses Pakistan of supporting terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which have carried out deadly attacks, including:
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2001 Indian Parliament attack
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2008 Mumbai attacks
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2016 Pathankot attack
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2019 Pulwama bombing
- Pakistan denies official involvement but acknowledges the presence of militant groups.
4. Nuclear Rivalry
- Both countries are nuclear-armed, conducting tests in 1998.
- This makes any future conflict potentially catastrophic and adds a layer of strategic deterrence but also instability.
5. Water Disputes
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Indus Waters Treaty (1960) governs water sharing of the Indus River system. Though largely respected, there have been rising tensions, especially after terrorist incidents, with threats from India to review or suspend the treaty.
6. Cross-Border Firing & Ceasefire Violations
- Frequent artillery and sniper fire occurs along the LoC, resulting in military and civilian casualties on both sides.
7. Diplomatic Issues
- Periodic breakdowns in dialogue and diplomatic ties, particularly after terror attacks.
- Limited trade and almost no cultural or sports exchange during tense periods.
Summary:
The core issue is Kashmir, but broader strategic rivalry, ideological conflict, and security concerns have made India-Pakistan relations volatile. Despite ceasefires and talks, the risk of escalation always looms, especially due to terrorism and nuclear weapons.
