Indo-Pak conflict in South Asia: dynamics of Kashmir issue and the way forward for peace

Abstract

India and Pakistan have experienced various military conflicts since their inception in 1947. The Kashmir issue is one of the most pertinent causes of conflict between both nations as they have gone to war in 1948, 1965 and 1999 on the issue of Kashmir. This matter was also brought to the United Nations Security Council. Still, India has categorically refused to seek any international mediation over this issue by terming it as a complete internal issue of India. Both countries officially joined the nuclear club in May 1998, which posed a severe threat to the security of South Asia as it would enable them to use the nuclear option whenever desired. Both countries came close to war after acquiring nuclear status in 2001 and 2019 when Pakistan shot down Indian Air Force fighter jets in Azad Kashmir. Since 2019, and especially after the revocation of Section 370, the relations between both states have been dismal. The research paper contemplates the background of this conflict and the wars between India and Pakistan. It presents some peace-making and confidence-building measures for the pursuit of peace in South Asia.