The Kashmir Conflict: A 2025 Perspective on South Asia’s Longest-Running Dispute
The Kashmir conflict, one of the world's most enduring territorial disputes, remains a volatile flashpoint in South Asia. Rooted in the 1947 partition of British India, the conflict involves India, Pakistan, and to a lesser extent China, over control of the strategically located and resource-rich Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Origins: Partition and the Accession Crisis
In 1947, British India was split into two dominions—Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, with a Muslim-majority population but a Hindu ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, found itself at the heart of a geopolitical dilemma. Singh initially chose independence and signed a standstill agreement with Pakistan. However, an invasion by Pakistani tribal militias in October 1947 forced him to seek military aid from India. In return, he signed the Instrument of Accession, granting India control over defense, foreign affairs, and communications.
This accession triggered the first Indo-Pakistani war (1947–1948), culminating in a UN-mediated ceasefire. Kashmir was divided by the Line of Control (LoC): India retained roughly 55% of the territory, Pakistan about 30%, and China later seized the rest—Aksai Chin—after the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
Armed Conflicts and Escalating Tensions
Kashmir has been the center of three full-scale wars between India and Pakistan. In 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar to foment rebellion in Indian-administered Kashmir, but the conflict ended in a stalemate. The 1971 war, although primarily related to Bangladesh, reignited border skirmishes in Kashmir. The 1972 Simla Agreement reaffirmed the LoC as a de facto border but did not resolve sovereignty claims.
The late 1980s marked a new phase of violence. Allegations of election fraud in 1987, rising unemployment, and a growing sense of alienation among Kashmiri youth ignited an insurgency. Backed by Pakistan-based groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, the armed rebellion led to heavy militarization and widespread human rights abuses. The 1999 Kargil War further escalated tensions when Pakistani forces infiltrated Indian positions along the LoC.
21st Century: Article 370 and the Shift in Autonomy
Peace efforts in the early 2000s, including the 2003 ceasefire and cross-LoC trade, were overshadowed by continued violence. In 2016, the death of militant commander Burhan Wani triggered mass protests and a harsh security crackdown.
A turning point came in August 2019 when India revoked Article 370, which had granted Jammu and Kashmir special autonomy. The region was split into two union territories under direct federal control. The move sparked international concern and was condemned by Pakistan and many Kashmiris, who saw it as an erosion of their rights. India, however, framed it as a step toward national integration and development.
Current Developments: The 2025 Pahalgam Attack
As of April 2025, the situation remains tense. On April 22, a deadly terrorist attack in the Pahalgam district killed 26 tourists—the worst civilian attack in two decades. The Resistance Front, a group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. In response, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and closed its main border crossing with Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of complicity. Pakistan rejected the allegations and called for renewed dialogue.
The violence persists. In 2023 alone, 134 conflict-related deaths were reported. Indian-administered Kashmir continues to face armed insurgency and tight security measures, while Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir faces reports of political suppression. Despite a fragile 2021 ceasefire, the LoC remains volatile.
Local elections held in Indian-administered Kashmir in 2024 saw a 63.9% voter turnout, reflecting political engagement despite unrest. Parties like the National Conference continue to push for the restoration of Article 370 and greater autonomy, signaling enduring aspirations for self-determination.
Humanitarian and Geopolitical Stakes
Over the decades, the conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives. Civilian populations endure curfews, media blackouts, internet restrictions, and a pervasive military presence. Both India and Pakistan have faced international criticism over alleged human rights violations.
Geopolitically, the conflict threatens regional stability and carries nuclear implications. China’s control of Aksai Chin and involvement in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) add a complex third dimension to the dispute.
Toward a Resolution?
The Kashmir conflict is not merely a bilateral issue—it is a humanitarian crisis and a geopolitical challenge with global consequences. While India champions integration and Pakistan insists on a UN-mandated plebiscite, many Kashmiris continue to demand either independence or meaningful autonomy. The revocation of Article 370 deepened mistrust, and unilateral actions have only entrenched divisions.
For peace to be sustainable, future initiatives must center Kashmiri voices, prioritize human rights, and involve transparent diplomacy. Without such efforts, Kashmir’s decades-long struggle will remain unresolved, casting a long shadow over South Asia’s future.