Since Independence, India and Pakistan have engaged in war at least three times apart from border skirmishes escalating to war-like conditions. Tensions between the two nations have been rising again since the Pahalgam terror attack.
Here's a look at the troubled history of the two neighbours:
1947-48: Post-partition conflict
Jammu and Kashmir became a flashpoint between the two countries, leading to a war. The UN brokered a ceasefire in 1948.
1965: Second India-Pakistan war
Territorial disputes in Kashmir led to full-scale war and intense fighting between India and Pakistan. The Tashkent Agreement was signed in January 1966, leading to a return to pre-war positions and the establishment of a peace framework.
1971: Bangladesh liberation war
India intervened in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) following the Bangladesh Liberation War, resulting in the creation of Bangladesh. India won a decisive military victory over Pakistan.
1986-87: Operation Brasstacks
India conducted Operation Brasstacks, raising concerns of a potential war after Pakistani mobilisation. Diplomatic engagements helped de-escalate tensions conflict.
1989: Kashmir insurgency
Kashmiri dissidents, backed by Pakistan, launched an armed insurgency against the Indian government. India deployed a large number of troops to suppress the rebellion.
1999: Kargil War
{{/usCountry}}Kashmiri dissidents, backed by Pakistan, launched an armed insurgency against the Indian government. India deployed a large number of troops to suppress the rebellion.
1999: Kargil War
{{/usCountry}}Pakistani troops, disguised as terrorists, infiltrated the Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir. India responded with full military force, leading to intense fighting. India successfully repelled the intruders and re-established control over the territory. The conflict ended with return to status quo along LoC.
2001-02: Indian Parliament attack
The Indian Parliament was attacked by Pakistan-based terrorists, leading to a massive military standoff between India and Pakistan, with both nations mobilising troops along the border.
2008: Mumbai attacks
After Mumbai attacks, India accused Pakistan-based groups of involvement, and both sides readied military forces along LoC. While military confrontation was avoided, diplomatic ties between the two countries were strained.
2011: LoC skirmish
On the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, five Indian soldiers and three Pakistani soldiers were killed in a skirmish, with both sides blaming each other. The incident heightened tensions and calls for restraint from both sides.
2013: Mendhar sector incident
After beheading of an Indian soldier in Jammu & Kashmir, skirmishes broke out, leaving 22 soldiers dead.
2016: Surgical strikes
India carried out surgical strikes on terrorist camps across the LoC in response to the Uri attack, a series of cross-border skirmishes. They were followed by retaliatory strikes from Pakistan.
2019: Balakot airstrike
Following the Pulwama attack, India conducted airstrikes in Balakot, Pakistan, leading to a dogfight between the air forces of both countries.
2020-21: LoC skirmishes
A major exchange of gunfire and shelling along the LoC left at least 22 dead, including civilians. The ceasefire violations led to increased casualties and displacement of civilians. A ceasefire agreement was reached in February 2021.