A Complete History of India-Pakistan Wars: From 1947 to Present

Complete History of India-Pakistan Wars (1947–2025) India and Pakistan, since their independence in 1947, have fought multiple wars and engaged in several military conflicts, primarily over the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir and issues of national security and regional dominance. Below is a comprehensive timeline and summary of all major wars and significant military confrontations between the two nations. Detailed Timeline and Key Events First Kashmir War (1947–1948) Triggered by the invasion of Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-backed tribal militias. Maharaja Hari Singh acceded to India, prompting Indian military intervention. Ended with a UN-mediated ceasefire and the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC), splitting the region between Indian and Pakistani control. Second Indo-Pakistan War (1965) Initiated by Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar to incite insurgency in Kashmir. Full-scale war broke out, with major tank battles in Punjab. Ceasefire achieved through Soviet and US mediation (Tashkent Agreement), reaffirming the LoC. Bangladesh Liberation War (1971) Sparked by political crisis and human rights violations in East Pakistan. India intervened militarily, supporting the Mukti Bahini. Resulted in a decisive Indian victory, creation of Bangladesh, and signing of the Shimla Agreement. Kargil War (1999) Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated Indian territory in Kargil. India launched Operation Vijay to reclaim strategic heights. International diplomatic pressure forced Pakistan’s withdrawal; India regained lost territory. Siachen Conflict (1984–2003) Both countries fought for control over the Siachen Glacier. India gained a strategic upper hand and maintains control over key passes. 2001–2002 Standoff Sparked by the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament. Led to massive troop mobilizations and heightened tensions, but no full-scale war due to diplomatic intervention. Surgical Strikes (2016) India conducted cross-LoC operations targeting terrorist launch pads after the Uri attack. India claimed tactical success; Pakistan denied the strikes occurred. Balakot Airstrikes (2019) In retaliation for the Pulwama attack, India launched airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed camps in Balakot, Pakistan. Led to aerial skirmishes and heightened diplomatic tensions. 2025 India–Pakistan Conflict Triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack killing 26 tourists in Kashmir. India launched missile strikes (Operation Sindoor) targeting militant camps; Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyan al-Marsus. Marked the first significant drone battle between the two nations. Ceasefire declared after three days, but tensions remain high. Recurring Themes and Current Status Kashmir remains the central issue in nearly every major conflict. Both nations have developed nuclear capabilities, raising the stakes of any future conflict. Recent years have seen a shift toward limited, high-precision operations (surgical strikes, airstrikes, drone warfare) rather than full-scale wars. The 2025 standoff underscores the ongoing volatility and the risk of escalation following terror attacks or border incidents.