Kashmir Conflict: Why India and Pakistan Remain at Odds

Business Daily Desk

Published : 18:36, 8 May 2025

Historical Roots of the Dispute

The Kashmir conflict traces back to 1947, when British colonial rule in India ended, and the subcontinent was divided into India and Pakistan. Kashmir, a scenic and ethnically diverse Himalayan region, was one of the princely states given the option to join either country or remain independent.

At the time, Kashmir had a Muslim-majority population but was ruled by a Hindu monarch, Maharaja Hari Singh. Initially seeking independence, the maharaja eventually agreed to join India in October 1947 in exchange for military assistance against an incursion by Pakistani tribal fighters. This decision triggered the first war between India and Pakistan.

The United Nations intervened, calling for a ceasefire and recommending a plebiscite to allow Kashmiris to decide their future. However, disagreement between India and Pakistan over demilitarisation terms prevented the vote from taking place.

Why Tensions Persist in Indian-Administered Kashmir

Within Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, political sentiments vary widely. While some support remaining with India, a significant number of residents favor independence or alignment with Pakistan. Religion is a key factor: it is the only Indian region with a Muslim majority, making up over 60% of the population.

Since 1989, a separatist insurgency has been active, leading to decades of violence and the loss of tens of thousands of lives. India blames Pakistan for supporting and arming the militants, a claim Pakistan denies.

In 2019, India’s central government revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special semi-autonomous status under Article 370 of the constitution. This move was accompanied by a massive security crackdown, sparking international concern and altering the region’s political landscape. Although the change temporarily reduced militant activity and boosted tourism, unrest remains a constant threat.

Major Militant Attacks and Military Responses

2016 (Uri Attack): After 19 Indian soldiers were killed in a militant assault on an army base in Uri, India conducted "surgical strikes" across the Line of Control (LoC), targeting alleged militant camps.
2019 (Pulwama Bombing): Over 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed in a suicide bombing. India responded with airstrikes on Balakot in Pakistan – the first such incursion since the 1971 war – leading to retaliatory strikes and an aerial skirmish.
2025 (Pahalgam Tourist Attack): Militants attacked and killed 26 civilians near the popular tourist town of Pahalgam, marking the deadliest assault on non-combatants in two decades. In retaliation, India launched missile strikes on targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, reigniting fears of full-scale conflict.

Military Presence and Ceasefire Agreements

Kashmir remains one of the most heavily militarized regions globally. A ceasefire line, later renamed the Line of Control (LoC), was established in 1949 following a UN-backed agreement. Although India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire in 2003, violations have occurred frequently.

Attempts at Peace and Dialogue

Efforts to normalize relations have seen mixed results:

2014: Narendra Modi came to power in India with a strong stance on national security but also expressed openness to dialogue. In a goodwill gesture, Pakistan’s then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.
2016 (Pathankot Attack): A terrorist assault on an Indian airbase, allegedly by Pakistan-based groups, derailed diplomatic progress. Modi subsequently canceled his planned visit to Islamabad for a regional summit in 2017.

Since then, formal peace talks have stalled, and bilateral relations remain tense.

Current Situation: Escalation Following Pahalgam Attack

Background

April 22, 2025: A militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, primarily Hindu tourists. The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, a claim Pakistan denies.

India's Response: Operation Sindoor

May 7, 2025: India launched "Operation Sindoor," a series of missile strikes targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which India identified as militant infrastructure.
Casualties Reported by Pakistan: At least 26 civilians killed, including women and children, and 46 injured.
India's Claim: The strikes eliminated over 70 militants and injured 60 others.

Pakistan's Retaliation

May 7, 2025: Pakistan conducted retaliatory strikes, claiming to have shot down five Indian fighter jets and destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters.
Casualties Reported by India: At least eight civilians killed and 47 injured due to Pakistani artillery fire.
India's Claim: Shot down a Pakistani JF-17 fighter jet over Pulwama district in Indian-administered Kashmir.

International and Regional Impact

Airspace and Travel Disruptions: Both countries closed airspace in affected regions, leading to flight cancellations and rerouting by international airlines.
Diplomatic Tensions: Both nations summoned each other's envoys, and the United Nations Security Council was engaged to address the escalating situation.
Global Reactions: Countries including the United States, China, Russia, and France urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions.