India–Pakistan relations are among the most critical and complex bilateral relationships in South Asia, shaped by the traumatic partition of 1947 and marred by wars, terrorism, and diplomatic stand-offs. Despite sporadic efforts at peace and cooperation, the relationship remains strained due to deep-rooted historical grievances, territorial disputes, and security concerns.

Historical Background

Pre-Partition & Partition (Pre-1947 to 1948)
● The roots of hostility date back to the colonial period, aggravated by the British policy of “divide and rule.”
● The demand for a separate Muslim homeland led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
● Partition triggered large-scale communal violence, forced migrations, and deep animosity.

Kashmir Dispute
● Post-partition, Kashmir became the central point of contention.
● Four wars (1947–48, 1965, 1971, and 1999) have been fought over this region.
● The Line of Control (LoC) was established as a de facto border in 1949.

Timeline of Major Events

Year/Period & Event
○ 1947–48 First Kashmir War; UN-mediated ceasefire established the LoC.
○ 1965 Second war over Kashmir; Tashkent Agreement followed.
○ 1971 Third war led to Bangladesh’s creation; India’s decisive victory.
○ 1998 Both nations conducted nuclear tests, raising regional tensions.
○ 1999 Kargil Conflict: Pakistani incursion repelled by India.
○ 2001–2008 Terror attacks: Indian Parliament (2001), Mumbai (2008).
○ 2016 Uri attack led to Indian “surgical strikes.”
○ 2019 Pulwama terror attack; Balakot airstrikes; MFN status withdrawn.
• Revocation of Article 370 in J&K; further diplomatic freeze.

○ 2021 Renewed ceasefire agreement along the LoC.
○ 2025 Pahalgam terror attack followed by ‘Operation Sindoor’.

Operation Sindoor (2025)
Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which targeted civilian tourists and resulted in at least 26 deaths:

● India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025.
● It was a coordinated counter-terrorism offensive aimed at eliminating infiltrators and dismantling terror infrastructure.
● Signified a doctrinal shift to a more assertive and zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.

Conflict Zones

A. Cross-Border Terrorism
● India accuses Pakistan of sponsoring terrorist groups like LeT and JeM.
● Major attacks: Parliament (2001), Mumbai (2008), Pathankot (2016), Pulwama (2019), Pahalgam (2025).

B. Territorial Disputes
● Kashmir: Core issue; both claim the region in full.
● Siachen Glacier: Strategic area occupied by India since 1984 (Operation Meghdoot).
● Sir Creek: Maritime boundary dispute in Rann of Kutch.

Water Disputes
● Governed by the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) since 1960.
● India has suspended the treaty post-Pahalgam attack, signaling growing assertiveness.

Trade and Economic Relations

Trade History
● India granted Pakistan MFN status in 1996, revoked in 2019 after Pulwama.
● Trade dropped from $3 billion (2018) to $1.2 billion (2024).
● Post-Pahalgam attack, India enforced a total ban on direct/indirect trade.
Areas of Cooperation
Despite tensions, some collaborative areas persist:
A. Cultural and Sports Exchanges
● Cricket diplomacy has occasionally thawed relations.
B. Religious Tourism
● 1974 Bilateral Protocol enables pilgrims to visit religious shrines.
● Kartarpur Corridor (2019) is a significant confidence-building initiative.
● Regional Platforms
Both countries are part of SAARC and SCO, allowing limited dialogue.

Recent Developments

Pulwama–Balakot Escalation (2019)
● Pulwama attack triggered India’s Balakot airstrikes.
● Escalated to aerial skirmishes; highlighted risk of full-scale war.
Revocation of Article 370
● India revoked J&K’s special status in August 2019.
● Pakistan reacted with strong opposition, halting diplomatic ties further.
Ceasefire Agreement (2021)
● Both nations recommitted to 2003 ceasefire; brought temporary calm.
Pahalgam Terror Attack (2025)
● One of the deadliest recent attacks on civilians.

● India’s response: Operation Sindoor, suspension of IWT, trade embargo.

Conclusion
India–Pakistan relations remain a delicate balancing act between conflict and diplomacy. The Pahalgam attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor mark a potential turning point toward a more muscular and proactive Indian security strategy. While limited cooperation continues in cultural, religious, and multilateral platforms, a sustainable peace will require genuine political will, eradication of terrorism, and sincere dialogue on core issues—particularly Kashmir.