Recent events have escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly regarding the disputed Kashmir region. The Pakistan military conducted missile tests amid accusations from India that Pakistan supported a recent deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir. This has led to heightened military readiness on both sides and international calls for de-escalation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is mediating talks between the two nations, emphasising the need for peace.
Missile Tests and Military Readiness
The Pakistan military announced two missile tests in early May 2025. The first missile had a range of 450 km, while the second had a range of 120 km. These tests aimed to ensure operational readiness and validate technical parameters, including navigation and accuracy. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence in the military’s preparedness for national defence.
Background of the Kashmir Conflict
Kashmir has been a longstanding point of contention between India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947. Both countries claim the region in full, but it is divided between them. The conflict has led to multiple wars and ongoing insurgency since 1989. The region is predominantly Muslim, with around 15 million residents living in a highly militarised environment.
Recent Attacks and Diplomatic Responses
On April 22, 2025, an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. No group has claimed responsibility for this attack. India has accused Pakistan of backing insurgents, while Pakistan has denied involvement and called for an independent investigation. In response, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi granted military personnel full operational freedom to respond to threats.
International Involvement and Reactions
The situation has drawn attention from international leaders. US Vice President JD Vance urged India to respond cautiously to avoid escalating the conflict. He also called on Pakistan to address terrorism within its borders. Russia has expressed concern and called for de-escalation, denoting the global stakes involved in the regional tensions.
Humanitarian Concerns and Civilian Impact
The ongoing conflict has severely affected civilians in both India-administered and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Residents are taking precautions against potential military action, such as stocking food and medicine. Emergency drills are being conducted in Pakistan, and schools have been closed. The fear of conflict has led to humanitarian crisis in the region.
Current State of Affairs
As of May 2025, both India and Pakistan remain on high alert. The situation is precarious, with nightly exchanges of gunfire reported along the Line of Control. Diplomatic efforts are underway, but the risk of escalation remains high. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, advocating for dialogue and peaceful resolution.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the historical context of the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan.
- What are the implications of nuclear capabilities on the India-Pakistan relationship? Discuss.
- Estimate the impact of international mediation efforts on regional conflicts, with suitable examples.
- Point out the humanitarian implications of military conflicts on civilian populations in conflict zones.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the historical context of the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan.
- The Kashmir conflict originated in 1947, following the partition of British India into India and Pakistan.
- Both nations claim Kashmir in full, but it is divided into areas administered by each country.
- Multiple wars have been fought over Kashmir, notably in 1947, 1965, and the Kargil conflict in 1999.
- Insurgency in Kashmir began in 1989, with various groups seeking either independence or merger with Pakistan.
- UN resolutions have called for plebiscites to determine the region’s future, but these have never been implemented.
2. What are the implications of nuclear capabilities on the India-Pakistan relationship? Discuss.
- Both countries possess nuclear weapons, which acts as a deterrent against full-scale war.
- Nuclear capabilities have led to a precarious balance of power, increasing the stakes of military confrontations.
- Incidents like the Kargil conflict and the 2001 Indian Parliament attack heightened nuclear tensions.
- Nuclear weapons contribute to international concern, prompting calls for de-escalation to prevent catastrophic outcomes.
- The doctrine of “Cold Start” by India reflects military strategies that aim to counter Pakistan without triggering nuclear escalation.
3. Estimate the impact of international mediation efforts on regional conflicts, with suitable examples.
- International mediation can facilitate dialogue and reduce tensions, as seen in the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel.
- In Kashmir, Iran’s offer to mediate reflects a growing recognition of the need for third-party involvement.
- Successful mediation often hinges on impartiality and the willingness of conflicting parties to compromise.
- International organizations like the UN have historically played roles in conflict resolution, though with mixed success.
- Examples of unsuccessful mediation include the ongoing Syrian civil war, where external involvement has often exacerbated tensions.
4. Point out the humanitarian implications of military conflicts on civilian populations in conflict zones.
- Military conflicts lead to loss of life, displacement, and trauma among civilian populations.
- Access to essential services like healthcare, food, and education is severely disrupted in conflict zones.
- Psychological impacts, including PTSD, are prevalent among affected civilians, especially children.
- Humanitarian crises often arise, necessitating international aid and intervention to address basic needs.
- Increased militarization leads to heightened insecurity, forcing civilians to adapt to a life of fear and uncertainty.
