India-Pakistan Conflict in the Current Era: A Tense Standoff

Introduction

The India-Pakistan conflict is one of the most prolonged and volatile disputes in modern history. Stemming from the bloody partition of 1947, the two nuclear-armed neighbors have fought multiple wars, engaged in countless skirmishes, and maintained a tense ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. In the current era, despite global calls for peace, the rivalry remains as intense as ever, fueled by territorial disputes, cross-border terrorism, and political rhetoric.

This blog explores the current state of India-Pakistan relations, recent escalations, the role of global powers, and whether there’s any hope for lasting peace.

1. The Kashmir Issue: The Core of the Conflict

Protest in Kashmir over political status (File Photo)

Kashmir remains the primary flashpoint between India and Pakistan. Both nations claim the region in full but control only parts of it. In 2019, India revoked Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special autonomous status—a move Pakistan fiercely condemned. Since then, tensions have soared, with frequent ceasefire violations, militant attacks, and diplomatic clashes.

Recent Developments in Kashmir:

• Increased Militancy: Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) continue to infiltrate Indian-administered Kashmir.
• Indian Military Response: India has adopted a more aggressive stance, conducting surgical strikes (like the 2016 and 2019 operations) targeting terror launchpads in Pakistan.
• Internet & Political Crackdown: Kashmir remains heavily militarized, with restrictions on communication and political activity.

2. Cross-Border Terrorism: A Persistent Threat

*Memorial of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, carried out by Pakistan-based militants*

Pakistan has long been accused of sponsoring terrorism in India, a claim reinforced by global watchdogs like the FATF (which kept Pakistan on its “grey list” for years). Major attacks like the 2008 Mumbai siege (carried out by LeT) and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing (JeM) have brought the two nations to the brink of war.

India’s Hardline Stance:

• “Zero Tolerance” Policy: Under PM Narendra Modi, India has taken a no-negotiation approach with Pakistan unless terrorism is curbed.
• Surgical Strikes & Air Battles: The 2019 Balakot airstrike (targeting a JeM camp in Pakistan) marked a shift—India was willing to strike deep inside Pakistani territory.

Pakistan’s Denials & Defiance:

• Islamabad denies state involvement in terrorism but has failed to dismantle militant networks fully.
• Its military-intelligence establishment (often seen as the real power center) continues to use proxies to keep pressure on India.

3. The Nuclear Threat: A Dangerous Game of Brinkmanship

Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons (Illustrative Image)