Indo-Pakistan Relations: Wars

• 1947 Indo-Pakistan War: Also known as the First Kashmir War, this conflict was triggered by the dispute over the former princely state of Kashmir. Both India and Pakistan claimed ownership, leading to war. UN intervention led to a ceasefire and the establishment of the Line of Control in Kashmir.

• 1965 Indo-Pakistan War: Second war over Kashmir. Started with Pakistan's Operation Gibraltar, designed to infiltrate forces into Jammu and Kashmir to precipitate an insurgency against Indian rule. Ended in a United Nations mandated ceasefire and the Tashkent Declaration.

• 1971 Indo-Pakistan War: Led to the secession and subsequent independence of East Pakistan, now known as Bangladesh. The war was marked by the genocide of Bengalis in East Pakistan, eventually resulting in Indian intervention and decisive victory, causing a major shift in regional power dynamics.

• 1999 Kargil War: Initiated by the infiltration of Pakistani soldiers into positions on the Indian side of the Line of Control, which serves as the border between the two states in Kashmir. Ended with a diplomatic intervention by the international community and India reclaiming positions on the Indian side of the Line of Control.

Indo-Pakistan Relations: Peace Efforts

• Simla Agreement (1972): Post the 1971 War, this agreement was a peace treaty that aimed to establish a new framework for relations, based on mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs.

• Lahore Declaration (1999): A bilateral agreement, wherein both India and Pakistan pledged to use their nuclear capabilities for peaceful purposes and aimed at improving relations and avoiding a nuclear race.

• Agra Summit (2001): A major attempt to resolve long-standing issues between both nations. However, the summit ended without a joint statement due to disagreements over the wording related to terrorism in Kashmir.

Indo-Pakistan Relations: Contemporary Relations

• Mumbai Attacks (2008): Relations deteriorated significantly following a terrorist attack in India's commercial capital, Mumbai, with India attributing the event to Pakistani-based militants.

• Exchange of Fire across the Line of Control (from 2013 onwards): Reduced trust and increased tension, leading to sporadic exchanges of fire across the Line of Control in Kashmir. This has resulted in civilian and military casualties on both sides.

• Pulwama Attack and Balakot Airstrike (2019): Relations further strained after a suicide bombing attack by a Pakistan-based militant group in Indian-administered Kashmir, followed by Indian airstrikes in Pakistani territory.

• Kartarpur Corridor (2019): A visa-free corridor between India and Pakistan was opened for Sikh pilgrims to visit Guru Nanak's shrine. This suggests a small but significant step towards peace-building.

Indo-Pakistan Relations: Ongoing Issues

• Kashmir Dispute: The main bone of contention between India and Pakistan. Long-standing disputes over the region have led to multiple wars and persistent tension that continue till date.

• Terrorism: India's allegations of Pakistan supporting cross-border terrorism has been a major cause of discord. This issue has not only strained bilateral ties but also attracted international condemnation for Pakistan.

• Water Disputes: Growing concerns over water scarcity and disputes over shared rivers, governed by The Indus Water Treaty (1960), remain potential flashpoints in Indo-Pakistan relations.

• Nuclear Arms Race: Despite peace efforts, both nations continue to possess and expand their nuclear arsenal, maintaining a precarious balance of power.