A History of Wars: India, Pakistan, and the Long Conflict Over Kashmir

Pujit Siddhant

May 13 2025

<a href='null'><div id='bc_element'1 ><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/pQheZTqW604.tmp'/></div></a><div class='bc_element' id='bc_element'1 style=' background:#null;color:#null;font-family:null;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'>1. The First War (1947–1948): Birth of the Conflict Background: Partition and the Princely States When the British departed the Indian subcontinent in 1947, they left behind two new countries—India and Pakistan. But they also left behind over 560 princely states. These states were semi-autonomous regions under local rulers, who were given the option to join either country or remain independent. One of these states was Jammu and Kashmir, ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh, a Hindu king ruling over a Muslim-majority population. Initially, the Maharaja chose to remain independent. However, the situation rapidly deteriorated when tribal militias from Pakistan’s North-West Frontier Province, with the support of elements within the Pakistani military, invaded the region in October 1947. Their stated goal was to liberate the region for its Muslim majority. Accession to India and Outbreak of War Facing a military crisis, Maharaja Hari Singh sought help from India. India agreed to intervene only if Jammu and Kashmir formally acceded to the Indian Union. The Instrument of Accession was signed on October 26, 1947, making Jammu and Kashmir a part of India. Indian troops were airlifted into Srinagar and began pushing back the invaders. The conflict rapidly escalated into a full-scale war between India and Pakistan. The war involved battles across the Kashmir Valley, particularly in areas like Baramulla, Uri, and Poonch. UN Mediation and the Line of Control By early 1948, the war had reached a stalemate. India approached the United Nations, which called for a ceasefire. On January 1, 1949, the two sides agreed to stop fighting. The ceasefire line—now known as the Line of Control (LoC)—divided Kashmir into two parts: -Jammu & Kashmir, administered by India -Azad Jammu & Kashmir, administered by Pakistan The UN also proposed a plebiscite (a vote by the people of Kashmir to determine their future), but this was never held. The war had ended, but the conflict had just begun. 2. The Second War (1965): Operation Gibraltar and the Tashkent Agreement Prelude: A Volatile Border By the early 1960s, the situation in Kashmir remained tense. Skirmishes across the Line of Control were common, and the region was politically unstable. In 1965, Pakistan believed that discontent among the Kashmiri population had reached a boiling point and that a local uprising could be triggered with outside support. Operation Gibraltar In August 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar. The plan was to infiltrate Pakistani soldiers disguised as Kashmiri locals into Indian-controlled Kashmir to incite rebellion. However, the operation failed to ignite a widespread uprising and was quickly detected by Indian forces. India responded by launching a military counteroffensive, crossing the international border in Punjab and initiating battles deep into Pakistani territory. The War on Two Fronts The Second Indo-Pak War was fought on both the Kashmir front and the Punjab front. Major battles occurred in Lahore, Sialkot, and Khem Karan. It was the first large-scale use of tanks and air power by both sides. Both India and Pakistan suffered heavy casualties and equipment losses. Endgame: The Tashkent Agreement After several weeks of intense fighting, both sides agreed to a ceasefire brokered by the Soviet Union and supported by the United States. The Tashkent Agreement was signed on January 10, 1966, in present-day Uzbekistan. Under the agreement: -Both countries agreed to withdraw to pre-war positions. -Diplomatic and economic relations were to be restored. -No major resolution was reached on Kashmir. The war changed little territorially but hardened positions. It also exposed the depth of the unresolved Kashmir issue and set the stage for further escalation. </div><a href='null'><div id='bc_element'1 ><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/Ta4Bwke5605.tmp'/></div></a><div class='bc_element' id='bc_element'1 style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'>3. The Third War (1971): The Creation of Bangladesh Although the 1971 war is primarily remembered for the creation of Bangladesh, it was also a significant conflict between India and Pakistan on the western front—including Kashmir. The crisis began in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), where political tensions and human rights abuses led to a civil war. Over 10 million refugees fled into India, straining resources and increasing pressure on the Indian government to intervene. Pakistan’s Pre-emptive Strike On December 3, 1971, Pakistan launched pre-emptive airstrikes on Indian airbases in the western sector, including Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. India responded with full-scale war on both fronts. Kashmir Front and Western Operations Although the focus of this war was East Pakistan, significant fighting also occurred along the LoC and international border in Kashmir. Indian forces launched coordinated offensives in Kashmir and parts of Punjab, pushing Pakistani troops back in several areas. Outcome: Simla Agreement and New Geography The war ended with the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani troops and the creation of Bangladesh on December 16, 1971. The Simla Agreement was signed in July 1972: -Both countries agreed to resolve disputes bilaterally. -The ceasefire line in Kashmir was renamed the Line of Control. -It formalized India's control over additional territory captured during the war. While the war marked a geopolitical turning point for South Asia, it did not resolve the Kashmir issue.</div><a href='null'><div id='bc_element'1 ><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/ZW8PN62e606.tmp'/></div></a><div class='bc_element' id='bc_element'1 style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'>4. The Kargil War (1999): The Mountain Conflict Background: A Period of Hope? In 1998, both India and Pakistan conducted nuclear tests and formally declared themselves nuclear-armed nations. Despite this escalation, both sides attempted to improve relations. In February 1999, Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Lahore and met with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The Lahore Declaration was signed, signaling a desire to resolve issues—including Kashmir—through dialogue. But even as peace efforts were unfolding publicly, Pakistani military units and militants were secretly occupying strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir. These positions were on the Indian side of the Line of Control. The Conflict Begins In May 1999, Indian patrol units discovered that Pakistani soldiers and militants had crossed the LoC and taken up fortified positions in the Kargil mountains, at altitudes of 16,000–18,000 feet. This intrusion threatened National Highway 1, a key supply route for Indian troops in the region. India launched Operation Vijay to reclaim the territory. The war was fought in extremely harsh terrain, involving high-altitude combat where artillery, air power, and infantry had to operate under oxygen-scarce conditions. International Reaction and Withdrawal Unlike previous conflicts, this war was limited to the LoC and did not extend to the international border. India made a conscious decision not to cross into Pakistani territory. Internationally, there was widespread support for India’s position that Pakistan had violated the 1972 Simla Agreement by crossing the LoC. Under diplomatic pressure—especially from the United States—Pakistan agreed to withdraw its troops and fighters by July 1999. India regained most of the occupied peaks by mid-July, and the conflict ended. Over 500 Indian soldiers lost their lives, and Pakistan’s casualties were estimated to be similar, though exact numbers remain unclear. </div><a href='null'><div id='bc_element'1 ><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/p3Bt4HpC607.tmp'/></div></a><div class='bc_element' id='bc_element'1 style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'>5. The Line of Control Today: Ceasefires and Tensions The Line of Control remains the most heavily militarized zone in the world. Thousands of troops are stationed on both sides, with regular skirmishes, sniper fire, and artillery shelling. In February 2021, India and Pakistan agreed to reaffirm the 2003 ceasefire agreement. This led to a temporary reduction in violence along the LoC, but distrust between the two countries remains high. 6. The Strategic Shift: From Wars to Influence Today, while the nature of conflict has changed, the rivalry persists. Both nations: -Accuse each other of supporting terrorism. -Compete diplomatically for global narrative control. Focus on building strategic partnerships (India with the U.S. and Quad, Pakistan with China). Militarily, both continue to invest in border infrastructure, missile systems, and surveillance technology. In Kashmir, unrest, insurgency, and civilian casualties continue to make headlines. Conclusion: Why These Wars Still Matter The wars fought between India and Pakistan were never just about territory. Each left behind legacies that impact policy, defense planning, and public perception to this day. From 1947 to 1999, the shift from open war to shadow conflict has changed how the two countries interact—but the core issue, particularly Kashmir, remains unresolved. Understanding the history of these wars is crucial not just for understanding the India-Pakistan relationship, but for grasping why peace in the region remains fragile. Incidents like Pahalgam may appear isolated, but they sit atop decades of unresolved tension, shaped by decisions made on battlefields and at negotiation tables across more than seventy years.</div>

The Nani-Nana Gap: Love Longing and FaceTime Calls

What was once a living room filled with giggles, bedtime stories, and bowls of nimbu pani is now a scheduled video call. It’s not a tragedy. It’s just how things are. But in

Inside WhatsApp University: Aunties, Rumors, and 'Good Morning' Messages

WhatsApp University isn’t on a map. It has no Vice Chancellor, no semester system, and no real admissions process. You’re automatically enrolled the moment your cousin adds you to a group called "Family Reboot 2020 ." WhatsApp University isn’t on a map. It has no Vice Chancellor, no semester system, and no real admissions process. You’re automatically enrolled the moment your cousin adds you to a group called "Family Reboot 2020 .

The Unwritten Guide to Indian Networking in America

Most Indian immigrants who have been in America long enough know exactly how this informal network works. But newcomers, or those

Why Indian-Americans Are Quietly Investing in Small-Town America

This quiet shift may seem unexpected, given that small towns typically aren't associated with large immigrant communities. However, this trend isn't random. Rather, it’s an intentional movement driven by economics, demographics, immigration policy, community opportunities, and personal preferences. Indian-Americans, known for

Four Indian Americans Win 2025 Guggenheim Fellowships for Pioneering Work in AI, Astrophysics, Religion, and Journalism

four Indian American scholars have quietly made history through their ideas. Swarat Chaudhuri, Saurabh Jha, Tulasi Srinivas, and Bijal P. Trivedi have been named 2025 Guggenheim Fellows by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, joining an elite cohort of artists, scientists, and scholars chosen for their origina

Can You Write Off Your Indian Parents? The Weirdest (Legal) Tax Deductions for NRIs

The U.S. tax system has some strange but fully legal ways you can reduce your taxable income. And yes—some of them might apply even if your parents are in India. Let’s Start with the Big One: Claiming Your Parents as Dependents It sounds strange, but if you’re financially supporting your parents in India, you may be able to claim them as dependents on your U.S. tax return. The IRS doesn’t care where they live

Filing From Two Worlds – What Dual-Income Indian Families Get Wrong About US-India Taxation

Managing finances as a dual-income family in the U.S. is complicated enough. Add income or assets back in India, and suddenly you're dealing with two completely

Gen Z Indians in America—Too American for India, Too Brown for the US

Gen Z, roughly born between 1997 and 2012, is growing up in a very different world compared to previous generations. This generation of Indians raised in America navigates a cultural landscape filled with contradictions. They frequently hear that they’re too American to fit into traditional Indian culture but still feel too Indian to fully

The Deadline Dilemma – Why Indian Immigrants Wait Till the Last Minute to File Taxes

If you're Indian and living in the U.S., chances are you're either scrambling to finish your taxes or have already filed in a rushed state of mind. This behavior isn’t random

The Ivy League Trap: Are Desi Parents Overvaluing Prestige?

For many Indian parents, this is not just about education. It is about validation. It is about proving that their journey—from India to the U.S., from middle-class lives to

Lost in Translation: How Indian Phrases and Symbols Get Misinterpreted in the West

A well-known example is when pop star Rihanna got a Sanskrit tattoo that was supposed to mean “forgiveness, honesty, and control,” but was grammatically incorrect. Others have ended up with random phrases on their skin that don’t mean what they think they do.

Tara Prasad: The Indian Figure Skater Who Gave Up U.S. Citizenship to Compete for India

When Anand Mahindra highlighted figure skater Tara Prasad’s achievements on social media, it was a rare moment of mainstream attention for an athlete competing in a discipline that remains largely unfamiliar in India. Prasad’s journey—one that saw her renounce her U.S. citizenship to compete for India—raises broader questions

Real Influencers: How Divya Tyagi Revived a 100-Year-Old Equation to Improve Wind Energy

At first glance, this might seem like a niche achievement, something confined to academic circles. But Tyagi’s work has real-world implications. By improving how

Beyond Colors: What Holi Means When You’re Away from Home

The popular version of Holi goes like this: Holika, a demon, tries to burn Prahlad, a devotee of Vishnu. The fire doesn’t harm him, but it consumes her

Five Women Entrepreneurs Driving Social Change This Women’s Day

Across India and beyond, women social entrepreneurs are building solutions where governments and markets have struggled. They are addressing access gaps,

Women Who Left, Women Who Stayed: The Silent Stories of Indian Immigrant Women

When a woman moves to the U.S. with her husband, she does not just leave her country behind. She leaves behind her professional identity, her support system, and a familiar way of life. In India, she may have been surrounded by family, able to rely on parents, siblings, or domestic help for support. In the U.S., she is often alone,

Zohran K. Mamdani: The Democratic Socialist Shaping New York’s Political Future

Mamdani didn’t plan to get into politics—it was something that came out of the work he was already doing. As a foreclosure prevention counselor, he saw firsthand how

Mindy Kaling Becomes First South Asian Woman to Receive a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Mindy Kaling has reached another milestone in her career, becoming the first South Asian woman to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The event, held on February 20, 2025, was attended by close friends, family, and colleagues, including BJ Novak, who delivered a speech recognizing Kaling’s impact on television, film, and

Things We Grew Up Loving: A Meditation on Memory, Meaning, & A Search for Ourselves

As we grow older, something strange happens: we start to see childhood not just as a time but as a place—one we have left behind, one we can never return to. The

The Soundtrack of Our Childhood: Why Certain Sounds Never Leave Us

Memory has an odd way of working. Sometimes, it’s a photograph that brings back the past; other times, it’s a long-forgotten scent. But nothing quite transports us the

Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard: Hindu Voices Challenging the American Deep State

In American politics, the concept of the "deep state"—a hidden, unelected bureaucracy influencing national policy—has long been debated. But recent

Indian-Origin Musician Chandrika Tandon Wins Grammy for Best Global Music Album

Chandrika Tandon’s recent Grammy win is more than a personal achievement; it marks another milestone for Indian musicians on the global stage. At the 66th

76 Years After Gandhi: Non-Violence and Its Relevance to Global Conflicts Today

Gandhi's advocacy for non-violence was not passive; it was a deliberate strategy to challenge power structures without resorting to physical aggression. His methods

Priyamvada Natarajan: Time's 100 Most Influential Scientist in Astronomy

A theoretical astrophysicist and professor at Yale University, Priya focuses on understanding phenomena that remain invisible to the human eye, like dark matt

MySilsila - the online magazine by Radar108, is a destination for the Global Indian diaspora. We bring stories, news, information, vendors and deals relevant to the rich fabric of Indian communities.

Bazaar

Deals

Luminaries

Lifestyle

Learn

Humor

Recipes

Short Stories

Write

Vendor

FAQ

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Disclaimer