A history of India-Pakistan conflicts

Since gaining independence in 1947, India and Pakistan have been embroiled in a series of conflicts, the majority of which have centred on the disputed region of Kashmir.

The first war broke out merely months after the two nations gained independence from British colonial rule. It concluded in 1949 with a United Nations-brokered ceasefire, which effectively split Kashmir but left both countries claiming the territory in its entirety.

Tensions flared again in 1965 when Pakistani forces crossed into Indian-administered Kashmir, triggering intense ground and aerial combat between the two militaries.

Another major confrontation took place in 1971, this time over East Pakistan. India supported the independence movement in the eastern region, ultimately leading to the formation of the sovereign nation of Bangladesh.

In 1999, the two nuclear-armed neighbours engaged in the Kargil conflict, when Pakistani troops infiltrated Indian-administered Kashmir. This marked the first direct clash between the rivals after acquiring nuclear weapons, raising alarm across the international community.

In more recent years, a series of militant attacks have reignited hostilities. Following the deadly assault on an army base in Uri in 2016, India launched what it termed “surgical strikes” across the Line of Control. Tensions escalated further in 2019 after the Pulwama bombing, prompting Indian airstrikes near Balakot.

Pakistan retaliated with its own air incursions, marking one of the most dangerous escalations since the Kargil war, reports UNB.