The relationship between India and Pakistan has been shaped by wars, terrorism, and military standoffs ever since the Partition of 1947. For UPSC aspirants, this topic is crucial because it links international relations, national security, Kashmir, terrorism, nuclear deterrence, and diplomacy.

The Pahalgam terror attack of 2025 and India’s Operation Sindoor once again brought this long conflict into global focus.

Let’s understand the full timeline.

First Indo-Pak War (1947–48) – Kashmir Dispute Begins

After Partition, Pakistan-backed tribal militias invaded Jammu & Kashmir.
The Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, signed the Instrument of Accession with India.

India sent troops.
A UN-brokered ceasefire in 1949 created the Line of Control (LoC).

Pakistan occupied about one-third of Kashmir, now called PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir).
This became the root cause of all future conflicts.

Second Indo-Pak War (1965)

Pakistan tried to infiltrate Indian-controlled Kashmir to trigger an insurgency.

India responded with a full military operation.
The war ended with the Tashkent Agreement (1966), restoring pre-war positions.

This war confirmed that Kashmir would remain a permanent flashpoint.

Third Indo-Pak War (1971) – Birth of Bangladesh

Pakistan’s Operation Searchlight in East Pakistan caused mass killings and refugees flooded into India.

India intervened.
Over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered.

East Pakistan became Bangladesh.

This was India’s biggest military victory and a major geopolitical shift in South Asia.

Siachen Conflict (1984)

Due to unclear demarcation in the 1949 Karachi Agreement, both countries claimed the Siachen Glacier.

India launched Operation Meghdoot and secured key positions.
Siachen remains the world’s highest battlefield.

Kargil War (1999)

After both nations became nuclear powers in 1998, Pakistani soldiers and militants crossed the LoC in Kargil.

India launched Operation Vijay.
Under US pressure, Pakistan withdrew.

This war showed the danger of conflict between nuclear-armed neighbours.

Major Pakistan-Linked Terror Attacks on India

1993 Mumbai Blasts

Coordinated bombings killed over 250 people.
Linked to Dawood Ibrahim and Pakistan’s ISI.

2001 Parliament Attack

Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists attacked India’s Parliament.

2008 Mumbai Attacks (26/11)

Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists attacked the Taj Hotel, Oberoi, CST station.
Ajmal Kasab confirmed Pakistan’s role.

India’s Shift to Offensive Counter-Terror Policy

Uri Attack (2016)

India conducted surgical strikes across LoC.

Pulwama Attack (2019)

India carried out Balakot airstrikes inside Pakistan.

This marked India’s move from strategic restraint to active retaliation.

Pahalgam Attack 2025 & Operation Sindoor

Terrorists targeted tourists in Pahalgam, killing 26 civilians.

India launched Operation Sindoor, carrying out precision strikes on terror camps.
Pakistan retaliated with aerial and drone attacks.

A US-brokered ceasefire prevented full-scale war, but LoC violations continue.

What this means for UPSC

India-Pakistan relations are now shaped by:

• Nuclear deterrence
• Cross-border terrorism
• Precision strikes
• Global diplomatic pressure

India’s doctrine has shifted from passive defence to proactive deterrence.

This is core to:

• GS-2 International Relations
• GS-3 Internal Security
• Essay and Interview

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FAQs

• #IndiaPakistanConflict: What are the major India–Pakistan wars since 1947?
• #KashmirIssue: Why is Kashmir the root cause of India–Pakistan conflict?
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• #CrossBorderTerrorism: How has India’s response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism evolved?