From Kashmir to Kargil: A Brief History of All India-Pakistan Wars

Since gaining independence in 1947, India and Pakistan have fought four major wars, mainly over the disputed region of Kashmir.

1. The first war (1947–48) began soon after partition when Pakistan-backed tribal forces entered Kashmir. India intervened, leading to a UN-brokered ceasefire

   Since 1947, Pakistan and India have fought four major wars, primarily rooted in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir, which Pakistan considers an unresolved issue of self-determination for the Kashmiri people.

   The first war (1947–48) followed the controversial accession of Kashmir to India. Pakistan supported the local uprising, believing the Muslim-majority region was unfairly annexed. A UN-brokered ceasefire led to the division of Kashmir but left its final status unresolved.

2. In 1965, the second war was again focused on Kashmir. Pakistan claimed to support an indigenous uprising. The war ended in a military stalemate, and the Tashkent Agreement restored pre-war positions without resolving the dispute.

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3. The third war in 1971, though centered on East Pakistan, involved Indian intervention that led to the creation of Bangladesh. Pakistan views this as a humanitarian tragedy compounded by international silence on internal matters.

   

4. The Kargil conflict of 1999 occurred after Pakistan claimed Indian forces were gradually occupying strategic positions. The conflict escalated but was eventually defused through international diplomacy, particularly U.S. involvement.

   

Tensions continue, especially following the Pulwama attack in 2019, which India blamed on a Pakistan-based group. Pakistan denied official involvement and called for dialogue, while India launched airstrikes in Balakot, triggering fears of a larger conflict.

Pakistan retaliated with measured force, capturing and later releasing an Indian pilot in a gesture many saw as peace-seeking.

Despite repeated conflicts, Pakistan continues to call for a peaceful resolution of Kashmir in line with UN resolutions and urges dialogue over war.