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Home / IAS Preparation / India Pakistan Wars (1947-2025)

India Pakistan Wars (1947-2025): List of Wars, History, Disputes - UPSC Notes

Last Updated on May 17, 2025
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India and Pakistan have clashed in several wars since their independence in 1947. India-Pakistan war mainly due to territorial conflicts, particularly over Kashmir. These disputes have significantly impacted their political, military, and diplomatic ties. India and Pakistan do not see eye to eye, due to which there have been many wars between the two nations. Once a part of India, Pakistan attempts to enter it again and again, which becomes the reason for war. 

This topic is related to the General Studies Paper II, which covers Initiatives directed at Bilateral and Multilateral Relations, International Relations, Regional Global Groupings, International Organizations etc. Join UPSC Coaching today to boost your preparation. 

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Syllabus

General Studies Paper II

Topics for Prelims

India Pakistan Wars, Pahalgam Terror Attack, Operation Sindoor.

Topics for Mains

Bilateral and Multilateral Relations, International Relations, Regional Global Groupings, International Organizations.

Background of India Pakistan Wars

The India-Pakistan wars have a significant background in history. These wars lie in the problematic partition of British India in 1947. This partition created two different countries based on religious majorities. Nearly one-third of the Muslim population of India stayed in the new India. Inter-communal violence between Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims resulted in between 200,000 and 2 million deaths, leaving 14 million people displaced. The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, with a Muslim majority but a Hindu ruler, became the main topic of conflict. Pakistan aimed to rule over the territory, while India kept its accession to the Indian Union, leading to the First Kashmir War in 1947-48. Successive wars in 1965, 1971, and the 1999 Kargil dispute were caused by continuing tensions over Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, and regional dominance. These wars shaped both nations' national identities and military ideologies, leaving long-lasting effects on South Asian geopolitics.

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History of Discord Between India and Pakistan

  • India and Pakistan have fought four wars since their independence from the British Empire in 1947: 1947–1948, 1965, 1971, and 1999.
  • The Kargil War in 1999 was fought when both nations had nuclear weapons. The war ended with a decisive Indian victory.
  • Border disputes have caused disputes and Kashmir, water, and terror controversies.
  • The Kashmir conflict has been the trigger for every war between the two nations, except for the 1971 war.
  • The two nations have also engaged in countless armed fights and military stalemates.
  • In 1966, negotiations in Tashkent concluded with both sides giving up territorial claims and withdrawing their troops from the disputed region. Yet, disputes in South Asia reignited a few years later.

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Indo-Pakistan Wars and Disputes

Since 1947, India and Pakistan have subsequently engaged in four wars. primarily over the Kashmir region. The 1947-48 dispute ended in a tie. The 1965 war remains debated. The 1971 war, sparked by the Bangladesh independence movement, resulted in a decisive Indian victory. The 1999 Kargil War saw India reclaim territories. Also, the Siachen conflict (1984–2003) and the 2001–2002 India–Pakistan deadlocks have raised provincial pressures.

India and Pakistan have been involved in several wars and disputes since achieving independence in 1947:

First Indo-Pak War (1947-1948)

Clashed over the Kashmir territory soon after independence. Ended in a ceasefire and the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).

History

The first dispute between India and Pakistan was known as the First Kashmir War. It took place in October 1947. The discord derived from the accession of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir to India. After the partition by the British in 1947. Princely states were given three choices: accede to India and Pakistan or stay independent. The ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, opted to accede to India.

Dispute

The majority of Muslim inhabitants in Jammu and Kashmir, along with tribal Islamic parties supported by Pakistan, directed the occupation of some regions of the princely state. Confronting this danger, Maharaja Hari Singh sought military assistance from India and finally acceded to India. The matter was taken to the United Nations Security Council, resulting in Resolution 47 on April 22, 1948, and confirming the Line of Control.

A ceasefire was announced at 23:59 hours on January 1, 1949, with India having authority over two-thirds of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan gaining Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. The region ruled by Pakistan is often referred to as Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Second Indo-Pak War (1965)

Another conflict over Kashmir. Ended with the Tashkent Agreement in 1966, reconciled by the Soviet Union (Russia).

History

The Second Indo-Pak War in 1965 had origins in the lingering Kashmir conflict. Pakistan, bothered by memories of the 1947 war, tried to enter Kashmir through Operation Gibraltar, desiring to start an insurgency in Indian-administered locations.

Dispute

India reacted with a full-scale military operation against West Pakistan. The war lasted for 17 days. It witnessed significant losses on both sides. It featured some of the largest tank battles since World War II. Intervention by the Soviet Union (Russia) and the USA led to a ceasefire, with India having the upper hand due to Pakistan's provocation of insurgency.

Indo-Pak War of 1971 (Bangladesh Liberation War)

Flashed by the Bangladesh independence movement, directing the creation of Bangladesh. A decisive victory for India.

History

The Indo-Pak War of 1971 was also known as the Bangladesh Liberation War. The political turmoil between East and West Pakistan sparked it. Bangladesh, previously East Pakistan, sought independence due to conflicts between Yahya Khan, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Dispute

Pakistan conducted Operation Searchlight, which led to widespread atrocities, prompting millions of Bengalis to flee to India. India interfered in support of the Bangladesh Liberation Movement. Pakistan's preventive strike on India started the war. Indian forces seized significant parts, and the Shimla Agreement later returned some areas to Pakistan. More than 90,000 Pakistani prisoners of war were taken, and Pakistan suffered substantial losses in the armed, naval, and air forces.

Kargil War (1999)

Discord in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. India regained power over the regions occupied by Pakistani forces.

History

The Kargil War in 1999 was mainly centered around the Kargil district of Kashmir. Pakistani armies entered the Line of Control (LoC).

Dispute

India replied by using both military and diplomatic actions. Within two months, Indian forces reclaimed the occupied ridges. The fear of escalation compelled the U.S. to pressure Pakistan to withdraw, leading to global isolation. Pakistan accepted over 4,000 deaths and a loss in the conflict, marking a notable defeat. The Kargil War stressed the threats associated with nuclear-armed neighbors.

List of India Pakistan Wars (1947-2025)

Wars

Years

Details

First Kashmir War

1947

Started over the accession of Jammu and Kashmir. Ended with a ceasefire and establishing the Line of Control (LoC).

Second Indo-Pak War

1965

The war continued for 17 days, mainly over Kashmir. A ceasefire was announced after intervention by the Soviet Union (Russia) and the USA. India had the upper hand as Pakistan provoked an insurgency.

Bangladesh Liberation War (1971)

1971

Flashed by the Bangladesh independence movement. India interfered, directing the creation of Bangladesh. The Shimla Agreement later returned acquired territories to Pakistan. Around 90,000 Pakistani captives of war were taken.

Kargil War (1999)

1999

Pakistani armies entered into Indian territory. India undertook a military and diplomatic reaction, regaining control within two months. Global pressure, including from the USA, forced Pakistan to withdraw. Pakistan accepted over 4,000 losses and considered it a significant defeat.

Siachen Conflict

1984-2003

Military engagement over the disputed Siachen Glacier in Kashmir.

2001-2002 India-Pakistan Standoff

2001-2002

Pressures escalated after the attack on the Indian Parliament. A military stalemate followed, de-escalating through diplomatic measures.

Surgical Strikes

2016

India performed surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in response to the Uri attack.

Balakot Airstrikes

2019

The Indian Air Force conducted airstrikes on terrorist camps in Balakot, Pakistan, In retaliation for the Pulwama terror attack.

Also read Indus Water Treaty Renegotiation for UPSC

Significant disputes and stalemates Between India and Pakistan

India and Pakistan have faced numerous significant conflicts and standoffs over the years. Primarily centered around the Kashmir issue. Other pressure issues include cross-border terrorism, water sharing under the Indus Waters Treaty, and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control. Deep mistrust and unresolved grievances have weakened the peace process and often stalled despite different diplomatic actions.

Siachen Conflict (1984-2003): Military engagement over the Siachen Glacier in northern Kashmir.

2001-2002 India-Pakistan Standoff: Pressures escalated after the Attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001, conducting a military standoff. The situation was de-escalated through diplomatic measures.

2008 Mumbai Attacks: Tensions notably grew as a consequence of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, which India attributed to groups headquartered in Pakistan. Pakistan sent armies toward the border and alerted its air force. Diplomatic efforts helped in defusing the problem.

2016 Uri Attack: India undertook retaliatory "surgical strikes" throughout the Line of Control in reply to a terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri, Kashmir. This step further increased pressure.

2019 Pulwama Attack and Balakot Airstrikes: Indian air strikes on Balakot within Pakistan after a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama, Kashmir, which was claimed by a terrorist association based in Pakistan. An Indian pilot was captured and later freed as Pakistan responded with its airstrikes. Disputes dangerously escalated throughout this time.

Developments After 2019: Pressures have remained high since India repealed Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control have continued.

Key Takeaways on India Pakistan Wars for UPSC Aspirants!

Partition and Kashmir Dispute (1947-48): The first war occurred after the Partition over the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in its division and establishing the Line of Control (LoC).

Second Kashmir War (1965): Initiated by Pakistan through Operation Gibraltar, the conflict ended in a stalemate with both sides claiming victory; the Tashkent Agreement brokered peace.

Bangladesh Liberation War (1971): Triggered by Pakistan's crackdown in East Pakistan, India intervened, leading to the creation of Bangladesh and a decisive Indian victory.

Siachen Conflict (1984): India preemptively occupied strategic heights in the Siachen Glacier, preventing Pakistani control.

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India Pakistan Wars UPSC FAQs

India and Pakistan have fought full-scale wars many times over the years, in 1947, 1965, 1971, and 1999.

The two nations to emerge from the bloody partition of British India – Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan – both claim Kashmir.

India entered the war in support of the Bangladeshi independence movement, and after intense fighting on both the eastern and western fronts, Pakistan's forces surrendered on December 16, 1971.

China had helped Pakistan in various wars with diplomatic support.
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