India and Pakistan: A Legacy of Division and Conflict

Image Source : Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation

India and Pakistan, two nations born from the partition of British India in 1947, have endured decades of division and war, shaped by territorial disputes, political tensions, and historical grievances. Their relationship remains one of the most complex and volatile in modern geopolitics.

Key Historical Milestones

- The partition of 1947 led to mass migrations and communal violence, with over a million lives lost and millions displaced. Kashmir, a princely state, became the epicenter of conflict as its ruler chose to accede to India, sparking the first Indo-Pak war.
- The second war in 1965 saw Pakistan’s attempt to seize Kashmir, ending in a stalemate brokered by the Soviet Union.
- The 1971 war resulted in the creation of Bangladesh, as India intervened in East Pakistan’s independence movement, leading to Pakistan’s surrender.
- The Kargil conflict of 1999 marked a dangerous escalation, with Pakistan-backed militants infiltrating Indian positions in Kashmir.

Ongoing Tensions

The contested region of Kashmir remains a flashpoint, with insurgencies, cross-border skirmishes, and diplomatic standoffs. Both nations accuse each other of supporting militant groups, further straining relations. Recent incidents, such as the killing of civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir, have led to diplomatic measures and heightened security concerns.

Impact on Regional Stability

The enduring rivalry between India and Pakistan has shaped South Asia’s political landscape, influencing alliances, trade, and security policies. Efforts at peace have been sporadic, with moments of dialogue overshadowed by renewed hostilities.

Sources: Channel News Asia, Yahoo News Singapore, CareerIndia.