India and Pakistan are currently engaged in a dangerous military standoff that could lead to full-blown war. The trigger was a deadly assault on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22, where 26 people lost their lives. However, the root of this crisis can be traced back to the countries’ long-standing enmity.
On May 7, India launched a missile offensive into Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, hitting six cities and killing at least 31 people, including two children, according to the Pakistani government. Since then, Indian drones have targeted major cities and military points in Pakistan, while India claims Pakistan retaliated with missiles and drones aimed at Indian cities and defence structures.
While both sides have exchanged weapons, they’ve also exchanged blames. India claims its attacks only targeted “terrorist camps,” but Pakistan insists that civilians were the main victims. Pakistan, on its part, denies launching any attacks and maintains it’s only responding to Indian aggression.
This face-off is only the latest episode in a bitter relationship that began with both countries’ emergence as independent nations. Here’s a rundown of their troubled history:
1940s–50s: Beginnings of Division and Bloodshed
After over 80 years of British rule, the Indian subcontinent was split into India and Pakistan in 1947. Pakistan, formed for Muslims, became two non-contiguous regions: West and East Pakistan. India, though majority-Hindu, was declared secular.
The partition caused one of the most violent migrations in history—about 15 million displaced, and up to 2 million people died in religious violence. Among the key disputes was the status of Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region. Initially desiring independence, Kashmir’s ruler later joined India after Pakistani tribal fighters invaded the area in October 1947.
By 1948, the fighting ended with Kashmir divided. Pakistan controlled the west, India the rest, and China a small northern portion. India and Pakistan both claim the entire region, excluding China’s share.
1960s: Water Agreement but More Conflict
Despite growing tensions, India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960, facilitated by the World Bank. This deal split river usage: India got three eastern rivers, Pakistan got three western ones. India recently suspended its participation following the April 22 attack.
Talks over Kashmir began in 1963 but failed. In 1965, a second war broke out when Pakistani troops disguised as locals crossed into Indian-held Kashmir. India responded by pushing into Lahore. The war ended in a ceasefire, followed by a 1966 peace accord in Tashkent.
1970s: Bangladesh War and Nuclear Shift
In 1971, civil war broke out between East and West Pakistan after the Awami League, based in the East, was denied power. India intervened, and by December, East Pakistan became Bangladesh.
India and Pakistan signed the Simla Agreement in 1972, establishing the Line of Control (LoC) and committing to resolve disputes peacefully. In 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test, calling it a “peaceful” explosion. Pakistan rejected India’s control over Kashmir.
1980s: Uprising in Kashmir
By the ’80s, resentment against Indian rule in Kashmir led to rising unrest. Many locals believed the government in Indian-administered Kashmir was only loyal to New Delhi.
The situation worsened after the 1987 state elections, widely believed to be rigged. By 1989, an armed insurgency demanding separation from India had taken root. India blamed Pakistan for arming the rebels, while Pakistan maintained it only gave diplomatic and moral backing.
1990s: Nuclear Era and Kargil War
In the ’90s, both nations tried to improve ties with agreements on military notifications and chemical weapons bans. Still, conflict simmered.
India and Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in 1998. Later that year, they pledged peace through the Lahore Declaration. But in 1999, Pakistani forces infiltrated Indian positions in the Kargil area, triggering war. India pushed them back after intense fighting.
2000s: Terrorism and Standoff
Violence continued into the 2000s. In 2001, an attack on India’s parliament nearly brought both countries to war again. Though peace efforts followed, tensions remained.
In 2008, the Mumbai attacks left over 160 people dead. India blamed Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. Pakistan later admitted some involvement but denied state complicity.
2010s: Heightened Security and Constitutional Changes
In 2014, Pakistan’s military leadership restated that Kashmir is vital to its national identity.
In 2016, 17 Indian soldiers were killed in Uri. India responded with “surgical strikes” on militant bases. In 2019, a deadly suicide bombing in Pulwama killed 40 Indian troops. India launched an airstrike in Balakot, which Pakistan said hit a forest, not militants.
Later that year, India scrapped Article 370, which had granted Kashmir special autonomy. The region was put under heavy security lockdown, with widespread arrests.
2020s: Fresh Attacks and Military Escalation
In April 2025, an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 tourists. A group called The Resistance Front claimed responsibility. India alleged it was linked to Pakistan-based LeT. Pakistan denied involvement and demanded a neutral investigation.
On May 7, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” striking Pakistani territory and killing over 31 people, according to Pakistan. And from then, the situation remains tense, with both countries trading drones, missiles, and accusations.
