The Indo-Pak Conflict

Introduction

The Indo-Pak conflicts have been a pivotal aspect of the South Asian geopolitical landscape, rooted primarily in the contentious issue of Kashmir. From the first Indo-Pak War in 1947-48 to the Kargil War in 1999, these conflicts have shaped the trajectory of India-Pakistan relations. Each war, whether driven by territorial ambitions, political unrest, or the pursuit of national identity, underscores the deep-seated tensions between the two nations.

Background

British India was divided into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, in 1947. The division was based on religious lines, primarily Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir became a focal point of contention. Maharaja Hari Singh, the ruler, faced difficulties in deciding whether to accede to India or Pakistan. Maharaja Hari Singh eventually acceded to India in October 1947, leading to an influx of Pakistani tribal forces into Kashmir. The tribal invasion of Kashmir in 1947 prompted India to intervene, leading to the first Indo-Pak War in 1947-48.

Indo-Pak War of 1947 

Tribal militias and irregular Pakistani forces seized Srinagar, prompting Maharaja Hari Singh to seek India's aid. Assistance was contingent on his signing the Instrument of Accession. Unsuccessful in swiftly resolving the conflict, India approached the UN. UN Security Council Resolution 47, adopted on 5th January 1949, mandated Pakistan's withdrawal and a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. Disputes over demilitarisation prevented the plebiscite, solidifying the cease-fire line as permanent.

Indo-Pak War of 1965  

This Indo-Pak war, rooted in the longstanding Kashmir dispute and territorial issues, began with Pakistan's Operation Gibraltar, aiming to incite insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. India responded with a full-scale attack on West Pakistan. UN Security Council Resolution 211 passed on 20th September demanded an immediate ceasefire, accepted immediately by India and Pakistan on 23rd September. Accusations of ceasefire violations ensued, with the U.S. and Soviet Union diplomatically intervening. The Tashkent Declaration followed, easing tensions and concluding the conflict, although without a no-war pact or renunciation of guerrilla aggression in Kashmir.

Indo-Pak War of 1971 - The Bangladesh Liberation War

The 1971 Indo-Pak War was distinct as it didn't revolve around Kashmir but emerged from the political turmoil between Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Leader of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), and Yahya Khan and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, leaders of West Pakistan. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 27th March 1971 expressed support for East Pakistan's independence struggle. Full-scale hostilities erupted after Operation Searchlight by Pakistan, an operation to curb the Bengali Nationalist Movement. The Shimla Agreement, signed eight months post-war, normalised relations and established the Line of Control (LoC), formalising the split of Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh.

Indo-Pak War of 1999 (Kargil War)

The Lahore Declaration (1999), reaffirming the principles of the Shimla Agreement, sought to peacefully address all issues, including Kashmir. However, its potential was undermined by the outbreak of the Kargil War months thereafter. In 1999, Pakistani troops infiltrated the Line of Control (LoC), thus occupying Indian territory. India responded by launching a major military and diplomatic offensive to drive out the Pakistani infiltrators. International diplomatic pressure, primarily led by the United States, compelled Pakistan to withdraw its forces. The conflict concluded, reinstating the Line of Control as the de facto border.