Timeline: India-Pakistan relations

The timeline of Pakistan’s relations with India is marked by significant events, conflicts, and attempts at reconciliation. Here are some key milestones in their bilateral relationship:

1947: Partition of British India leads to the creation of two independent states: India and Pakistan. Tensions over the division of territories and resources set the stage for a difficult relationship.

1947–1948: The first Indo-Pakistani War occurs over the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United Nations. The Kashmir dispute remains unresolved.

1965: The second Indo-Pakistani War takes place, again centering on the Kashmir issue. The war ends with a ceasefire and the signing of the Tashkent Declaration, but no significant breakthrough is made on Kashmir.

1971: The third Indo-Pakistani War occurs, leading to the creation of Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan). India supports Bangladesh’s independence movement, resulting in a lasting strain on India-Pakistan relations.

1972: The Simla Agreement is signed, which outlines principles for future bilateral relations, emphasizing the resolution of disputes through peaceful means and the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir.

1999: The Kargil conflict erupts in the Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir. India regains control of the territory after intense fighting, and international pressure leads to Pakistan’s withdrawal of forces.

2001–2002: Tensions escalate following an attack on the Indian Parliament in December 2001. The two countries mobilize their militaries, leading to a stand-off known as the 2001–2002 India-Pakistan standoff.

2003: The ceasefire agreement is reached between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir.

2008: The Mumbai terror attacks take place, further straining relations. India blames Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba for the attacks.

2016: Terrorist attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, escalates tensions between the two countries.

2019: The Pulwama attack occurs in February, leading to a military confrontation between India and Pakistan. The situation escalates with dogfights over the Line of Control.

2020: Ceasefire violations continue along the Line of Control, adding to the simmering tensions.

Throughout the timeline, there have been occasional attempts at dialogue and peace talks to improve relations and resolve issues, but these efforts have often faced challenges and have not resulted in lasting solutions to the core disputes.