By iecfoodcart 
The India Pakistan conflict, a longstanding and deeply entrenched rivalry, has once again erupted into open warfare, leaving the world watching in concern. From the failed Kashmir talks in the 1960s to the most recent escalation, the history of tensions between the two nuclear armed neighbors has been marked by a series of high intensity conflicts, diplomatic failures and military maneuvers that continue to shape South Asia’s geopolitics today. As both nations continue their military operations, the global community remains on edge, wondering if the region will witness another full scale war.
This article looks at key moments in the India Pakistan conflict, ongoing developments and the implications of the current war.
I. The Historical Context: A Legacy of Conflict
1960s: Failed Kashmir Talks and the Second War
The roots of the India Pakistan conflict trace back to the Partition of 1947, which left deep scars between the two newly formed nations. Kashmir, a princely state with a Muslim majority population, became the focal point of contention. India and Pakistan both claimed sovereignty over Kashmir, leading to the first war in 1947 48. A ceasefire was brokered by the United Nations, but the issue of Kashmir remained unresolved.
In the 1960s, India and Pakistan attempted to resolve the issue diplomatically. However, these Kashmir peace talks failed and tensions continued to mount. The 1965 war broke out when Pakistan launched an offensive into Jammu and Kashmir, claiming it as their territory. India responded swiftly and the war ended with both sides agreeing to a ceasefire brokered by the UN. Despite the ceasefire, no lasting peace was achieved and Kashmir remained a point of contention.
1970s: Bangladesh Liberation and Nuclear Race
The 1970s saw the Bangladesh Liberation War in which India intervened to support the independence of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). This war further strained relations, culminating in the 1971 war. India’s victory led to the creation of Bangladesh and solidified the regional rivalry between India and Pakistan.
In the aftermath of the 1971 war, both nations began developing nuclear weapons and the seeds of the nuclear race were sown. By the late 1970s, Pakistan had initiated its nuclear weapons program, leading to a high stakes arms race in South Asia.
1980s: The Rebellion in Kashmir
The 1980s saw the resurgence of violence in Kashmir. Pakistan supported armed insurgents in Indian administered Kashmir, while India faced an insurgency that would become one of the longest lasting in modern history. This period marked the beginning of Pakistan’s covert involvement in the insurgency, which India later attributed to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI.
The Indian government’s crackdown in Kashmir, combined with Pakistan’s alleged support for the insurgency, led to increased tensions throughout the decade. Kashmir’s status as a “disputed territory” continued to fuel animosity between the two countries.
1990s: Agreements, Nuclear Tests and the Kargil Conflict
The 1990s began with high hopes for peace, as both nations signed several agreements, including the Simla Agreement (1972) and the Lahore Declaration (1999), aimed at reducing tensions. However, these agreements proved to be fragile in the face of ongoing disputes.
In 1998, both India and Pakistan conducted nuclear tests, officially entering the nuclear arms race and escalating tensions to new heights. The Kargil conflict in 1999, however, represented one of the most intense military confrontations since 1971. Pakistani forces infiltrated Indian territory in Kargil, leading to a limited but brutal war. India managed to push the Pakistani forces back, but the conflict further soured relations.
2000s: Tensions, the Mumbai Attacks and the War of Words
The 2000s brought a fresh wave of hostility, particularly following the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, which India blamed on Pakistan based militant groups. The 2008 Mumbai attacks brought the conflict to an international stage. Militants from Pakistan launched a series of coordinated attacks across Mumbai, killing 166 people. India’s outrage led to increased diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to combat terrorist groups operating within its borders.
In response to these attacks, India launched Operation Parakram along the western border, with India and Pakistan facing off in a tense military standoff. The situation, however, de escalated after international diplomatic pressure and the recognition that any war between the two nuclear states could have catastrophic consequences.
2010s: ‘Jugular Vein’ and Pulwama
The 2010s saw continued tension over cross border terrorism and the rise of radical groups in Pakistan. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi famously referred to Kashmir as the “jugular vein” of India’s security in 2016, emphasizing the importance of the region to the nation’s identity.
The most significant military engagement of the decade came after the 2019 Pulwama attack, in which a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary troops. The attack was claimed by the Pakistan based Jaish e Mohammed, prompting India to carry out a surgical strike in Balakot, Pakistan. The aerial strikes led to a short but intense air conflict between the two nations, culminating in the downing of an Indian fighter jet and the capture of its pilot, Abhinandan Varthaman.
Though tensions were high, the conflict was resolved diplomatically through backchannels and the war was narrowly avoided.
2020s: Pahalgam and Drones
The 2020s have seen the introduction of new weapons and technologies, including the use of drones for surveillance, strikes and smuggling weapons across the Line of Control (LoC). Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Kashmir, has become a flashpoint due to the increased presence of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), used by both sides for reconnaissance and targeted strikes.
India’s national security apparatus has expressed grave concerns over the increasing use of drones by Pakistani forces to smuggle explosives into India. In response, India has beefed up its air defenses and deployed cutting edge anti drone technology in the region.
II. The Latest India Pakistan War: Updates on the Ground
As of May 9, 2025, the India Pakistan conflict has escalated into a full scale war. Here are the live updates:
Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Pakistan
India has confirmed a series of precision air strikes on Pakistan’s military bases, including key installations in Rawalpindi, Lahore and Sialkot. The operation, dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” is a retaliatory measure after Pakistan’s involvement in cross border terrorism and incursions into Indian territory.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated in a press conference:
“We have targeted only military installations that directly pose a threat to our sovereignty. Our operations are precise and we will not tolerate any form of aggression against our land.”
While Pakistan has denied any role in the recent military clashes, it has vowed to retaliate for India’s air strikes. Pakistani military spokesperson Major General Iftikhar Ahmed claimed that the strikes were a violation of international law.
Kashmir: The Flashpoint
The ongoing conflict has once again brought Kashmir to the forefront of the India Pakistan standoff. Both sides have increased their military presence along the Line of Control (LoC), with reports of heavy shelling from both Indian and Pakistani forces.
The Indian government has suspended civilian access to several border towns in Jammu and Kashmir, while thousands of residents have been displaced. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate as the conflict intensifies.
Lahore: A Target of Retaliation
In response to India’s Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has launched retaliatory missile strikes targeting several Indian military bases near Amritsar and Firozpur. Lahore, a key Pakistani city, has seen widespread protests in the aftermath of the strikes, with calls for both governments to come to the negotiating table.
Pakistan’s military claims to have downed several Indian aircraft, though India has denied the losses.
III. The Global Reaction: What the World Is Saying
United Nations and Diplomacy
The United Nations Security Council has called for an emergency session following India’s strikes on Pakistan. The UN has urged both nations to enter talks to de escalate tensions, stressing the importance of avoiding a full scale war.
United States and China
The United States has urged both countries to engage in peace talks and warned of the catastrophic consequences of an all out war. Meanwhile, China, a long time ally of Pakistan, has expressed concern about the growing tensions but has refrained from taking a direct stance.
Russia and European Union
Russia and the European Union have called for an immediate ceasefire and urged both sides to engage in dialogue. Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has proposed a peace summit in Moscow to mediate between India and Pakistan.
IV. Conclusion: A Dangerous Crossroad
As the India Pakistan war intensifies, the region finds itself on the brink of a catastrophe. Both nations’ nuclear capabilities add a chilling dimension to the conflict, making diplomatic intervention more urgent than ever. The global community watches with bated breath as world powers press for restraint and peace talks.
Will history repeat itself, or will both countries find a path toward dialogue? Only time will tell, but the stakes have never been higher.
[…] conflict between India and Pakistan has once again brought the Kashmir region to the forefront. The Indian government has stated that the strikes were carried out in […]