Since gaining independence from the British Empire in 1947, India and Pakistan have fought six wars. The main reason for these clashes is the disputed territory of Kashmir - a picturesque but deeply divided region located between the two countries. Both India and Pakistan claim it as their own, although control over it is divided.
Pakistan cites the fact that the majority of the population of Kashmir is Muslim. India, for its part, argued its claims by saying that the region's maharaja had decided to join India during the partition.
Partition in 1947–48
The partition of British India led to the creation of two countries - a secular India with a Hindu majority and a predominantly Muslim Pakistan. The consequences were horrific - about half a million people died in ethnic and religious clashes, and as many became refugees.
The first war between the two newly created states broke out just two months after the declaration of independence - in October 1947. Pakistan supported a Muslim rebellion in Kashmir. In response, the maharaja sought help from India and agreed to join it. However, the agreement remains controversial to this day. The war ended on January 1, 1949. with the establishment of a ceasefire line.
Second Indo-Pakistani War: 1965
In April 1965, a new war began, sparked by a border dispute. In August, Pakistan launched a covert offensive into Indian-held Kashmir. India retaliated, crossing the border and attacking the area around Lahore. The conflict ended with a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations.
Creation of Bangladesh: 1971
In 1971, tensions escalated again, this time over East Pakistan's desire to secede from Islamabad. India intervened after a massive influx of refugees - over 10 million people. The Pakistani army surrendered in Dhaka, and more than 90,000 soldiers were taken prisoner. On 6 December 1971 the new state of Bangladesh is born.
Insurgency and Islamic Radicalism: 1989
After the Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan, Islamic militants began to enter Kashmir, where discontent against Indian rule arose. Thus, in 1989, an armed uprising broke out. India accused Pakistan of supplying arms and training to the separatists, while Islamabad insisted that it was only providing moral and diplomatic support.
The Kargil Conflict: 1999
In 1999, the Indian army discovered that Pakistani-backed militants had infiltrated the Indian part of Kashmir. Air strikes and fighting followed, forcing thousands of people on both sides of the line of fire to flee their homes. Later that year, General Pervez Musharraf carried out a military coup in Pakistan.
Deadly attacks on politicians: 2001
In October 2001, an attack on the local parliament in Srinagar killed 38 people. Shortly after, the Indian parliament in Delhi was attacked. India blamed Kashmiri militants backed by Pakistan. Massive military deployments along the border followed, but diplomatic pressure led to a temporary calm.
Bloody Mumbai attack: 2008
In November 2008, 10 gunmen attacked key locations in Mumbai, including a railway station, a cafe, hotels, and a Jewish center. 166 people were killed. India blames the Lashkar-e-Taiba group, which is said to be backed by Pakistani intelligence, a charge Pakistan denies.
Indian pilot captured: 2019
In February 2019, India carried out airstrikes against a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group camp in Pakistan. A day later, Pakistan retaliated with an airstrike. In the course of the clashes, an Indian plane was shot down and the pilot was captured, but was soon returned. This avoided a wider military conflict.
Tourist attack: 2025
On April 22, 2025, gunmen opened fire on Indian tourists near Pahalgam, in Indian Kashmir. At least 26 people were killed. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attack. The group "Kashmir Resistance", believed to be linked to the organizers of the Mumbai attack, claimed responsibility.