Explore the full history of India-Pakistan wars, military stand-offs, and major terror attacks from 1947 to 2025. Understand key turning points, peace efforts, and India’s evolving counter-terrorism policy.
Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The First Indo-Pak War (1947–1948)
- 3 The Second Indo-Pak War (1965)
- 4 The Third Indo-Pak War (1971) — Bangladesh Liberation War
- 5 The Siachen Conflict (1984)
- 6 The Kargil War (1999)
- 7 Major Terror Attacks by Pakistan-Based Groups
- 8 The 2025 Pahalgam Terror Attack and Operation Sindoor
- 9 India’s Evolving Counter-Terrorism Policy
- 10 Conclusion
- 11 Check out our Geography Optional Course – Click Here
Introduction
After the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India launched precise airstrikes under Operation Sindoor, responding strongly to the loss of innocent lives. Pakistan retaliated with its own aerial strikes, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Thankfully, a US-brokered ceasefire helped prevent a full-blown war — for now. But this isn’t the first time these two nations have come close to the brink.
Since their partition in 1947, India and Pakistan have fought four major wars, faced multiple terror attacks, and gone through decades of military standoffs. In this blog, we take a detailed look at all major India-Pakistan wars and terror attacks, their causes, outcomes, and long-term impact.
The First Indo-Pak War (1947–1948)
After Partition, tribal militias from Pakistan invaded Jammu & Kashmir. The then-Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession with India, prompting India to send in troops.
- UN-brokered ceasefire in 1949 led to the formation of the Line of Control (LoC).
- One-third of Kashmir went to Pakistan — now known as PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir).
- This territorial dispute remains unresolved to this day.
The Second Indo-Pak War (1965)
Following its loss in 1947, Pakistan tried to secretly infiltrate Indian-administered Kashmir to spark an insurgency.
- India responded with full-scale military action.
- The war ended with the Tashkent Agreement in 1966.
- Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri signed the agreement but passed away the next day, officially due to a heart attack — though his death remains controversial due to lack of post-mortem.
The Third Indo-Pak War (1971) — Bangladesh Liberation War
Tensions in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and Operation Searchlight led to mass atrocities.
- Millions of Bengali refugees entered India.
- India intervened, leading to a decisive victory.
- Over 90,000 Pakistani troops surrendered.
- Bangladesh became an independent nation.
The Siachen Conflict (1984)
The Siachen Glacier became the world’s highest battlefield due to vague demarcations in the 1949 Karachi Agreement.
- In 1984, India launched Operation Meghdoot and secured key positions.
- Both nations still maintain a heavy military presence here.
The Kargil War (1999)
Despite both countries becoming nuclear powers in 1998, war broke out again in 1999.
- Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated Indian territory across the LoC.
- India responded with Operation Vijay.
- Global pressure, especially from the US, forced Pakistan to withdraw.
- Kargil highlighted the dangers of conflict between nuclear-armed neighbours.
Major Terror Attacks by Pakistan-Based Groups
1993 Mumbai Bombings
- A series of 12 blasts killed over 250 people.
- Dawood Ibrahim and Pakistan’s ISI were allegedly involved.
2001 Indian Parliament Attack
- 5 Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists stormed Parliament, killing 9 people.
- All attackers were neutralized by Indian forces.
2008 Mumbai Attacks (26/11)
- 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists targeted high-profile locations like the Taj Hotel, Oberoi, and CST Station.
- Attack lasted 60 hours.
- Ajmal Kasab, the only captured terrorist, confirmed Pakistan’s role.
2016 Uri Attack
- 4 militants attacked an Indian Army base in Uri, killing 19 soldiers.
- India conducted surgical strikes on terror launchpads across the LoC.
2019 Pulwama Attack
- A suicide bomber from Jaish-e-Mohammed killed 40 CRPF personnel.
- India responded with Balakot airstrikes deep inside Pakistan.
- Wing Commander Abhinandan was captured but later released by Pakistan.
The 2025 Pahalgam Terror Attack and Operation Sindoor
In a horrifying incident, terrorists attacked pilgrims in Pahalgam, killing 26 and injuring 17 — targeted based on religion.
- India launched Operation Sindoor, conducting precision strikes while avoiding Pakistani military assets.
- Pakistan retaliated, tensions escalated, but a US-brokered ceasefire helped de-escalate — temporarily.
- Despite the ceasefire, Pakistan continues LoC violations and drone attack attempts on Indian cities.
India’s Evolving Counter-Terrorism Policy
Over the decades, India has always prioritized peace, but repeated terror attacks forced a change in approach.
- From passive response to proactive precision strikes, India’s policy is now rooted in deterrence.
- As PM Modi clearly said: “Terror and trade cannot go together. Water and blood cannot flow together.”
The safety of Indian citizens is non-negotiable.
Conclusion
The history of India-Pakistan relations is filled with conflicts, betrayals, and bravery. India’s commitment to peace has often been tested by acts of terror, but with each challenge, the country has responded stronger and smarter. As threats evolve, so does India’s strategy — with resilience, precision, and determination.
