Blood and Borders: The History of India–Pakistan Conflicts, Wars, and Border Disputes

Partition

The primary cause of the conflict between India and Pakistan was the unfair subcontinental division in 1947, which was made possible by Cyril Redcliffe. This division causes hard migration and perpetual conflict between two areas of the same territory. Partition of 1947, not led only geographical disputes it also leads to unjust financial assets, military assets and water distribution. Due to the unfair partition, Pakistan and India have the following main problems.

Siachen glaciers

The Siachen glaciers are situated in the Korakoram ranges, close to the border between Pakistan and India. India began Operation Meghdoot in 1984 and took control of the Siachen Glaciers. This disagreement between the two nations is still a major problem.Siachen is, in essence, a high-altitude chess piece that gives Pakistan a claim that supports its Kashmir narrative and protects its water lifeline, while offering India a defensive advantage and water security—all within an expensive, precarious environment.

Sir creek 

Sir Creek is a 96-kilometer tidal estuary located in the Kutch River in Gujarat. It acts as a natural border between Pakistan and India before vanishing into the Arabian Sea. Citing a 1914 resolution, Pakistan asserts that the entire creek belongs to Sindh; however, India argues that the same resolution applies the Thalwag principle, establishing the boundary along the creek's mid-channel. The problem has not been resolved despite numerous negotiations.Thousands of fisherman on both sides depend on the abundant fishing grounds; unintentional crossings result in arrests and increased tension.  The creek establishes the limits of each nation's Exclusive Economic Zone, and the seabed is thought to have oil and gas riches.  In summary, a seemingly tiny marshland becomes a perennial cause of conflict between the two neighbors due to Sir Creek's unsettled boundaries, vital entryway to Karachi, and important maritime resources.

Junagarh

On September 15, 1947, after the 1947 partition, Nawab Mahabat Khanji III signed an accession document that joined Junagarh to Pakistan.  However, on November 9, 2025, they invaded Junagarh and seized power, citing worries about the state's Hindu majority.Pakistan has brought up Junagarh in the UN on several occasions, treating it similarly to Kashmir and calling for a just vote.  The conflict is a matter of national prestige for Pakistan; it serves as a reminder that there is still "unfinished business" and that the 1947 division was not a clean split.  Conceding Junagarh might be seen as a weakening of India's position on Kashmir and open a Pandora's box of other princely-state claims.

Kashmir

The stunning state of Kashmir is a significant source of contention between Pakistan and India.  For about 7.5 million rupees, the British East India Company sold Kashmir to Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1846.  Hari Singh, the Hindu Dogra monarch during the 1947 partition, was descended from Gulaab Singh.  77% of Kashmir's population is Muslim, and they wish to join Pakistan. Hari Singh signed the document uniting Kashmir to India on October 26, 1947.  It causes problems between the Indian government and the state's populace.  Additionally, it causes issues between Pakistan and India.  The Kashmir dispute sparked three wars between the two nations.

First War (1947–1948) 

It was the first conflict to be waged over the Kashmir dispute shortly after the partition. India won two thirds of Kashmir during this conflict, while Pakistan took control of the western region. The UN's invasion brought an end to the conflict and created a line of control which is working as border between and Pakistan’s occupied Kashmir.

Second World War 1965

India and Pakistan fought each other in 1965 for the same Kashmir dispute.  The UN Security Council declared a ceasefire to halt the conflict. Both nations sign the Tashkent Agreement in January 1966, returning to their pre-war positions.

Third War 1971

Bangladesh, which was a part of Pakistan after division, was the main cause of this conflict. Bangladesh and Pakistan were geographically separated by almost 1800 kilometers. India's location between Bangladesh and Pakistan frequently results in physical hurdles that affect diplomatic ties, trade, and security. East and west Pakistan relied on India's infrastructure for trade, transportation, and communication, which was frequently under Indian control. It causes problems between Pakistan's east and west. As a result, Bangladesh began a campaign known as the "Bangladesh liberation movement" to break away from Pakistan. India's backing of this movement in Bangladesh sparks a new conflict between India and Pakistan. Unfortunately, on December 16, 1971, East Pakistan broke apart, ending this war. After Bangladesh gained independence, India and Pakistan signed the Simla Agreement in 1972 to return to their prewar status.

Fourth war 1999

Although it was the third conflict involving Kashmir, it was the fourth between India and Pakistan. The Kargil War was another name for it. Kargil is largely under Pakistani military control, endangering Indian authority. India responded by launching Operation Vijay to drive Pakistan's troops out.  As said above, a successful war ends in failure when Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif calls US President Bill Clinton for assistance in ending the conflict, and the US President made the cease-fire between India and Pakistan. In July 1999, Pakistani soldiers left Kargil.

Fifth war 2025

The fifth conflict lasted for four days and ninety-six hours. Terrorists attacked and killed 26 tourists in the Indian-occupied Kashmiri town of Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. Pakistan categorically denies any participation in India and claims that India is making unfounded accusations. India accuses Pakistan of encouraging or propagating terrorism in India. In retaliation for the Pahalgam incident, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 6-7, 2025, targeting nine military camps and Pakistan's controlled Kashmir without any concrete proof. Pakistan responds with Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos on May 7-8, 2025, using missiles and drones to target Indian insurgent facilities.Both nations are still utilising artillery and airstrikes, which are killing and damaging civilians. US President Donald Trump declared an end to hostilities between India and Pakistan on May 10, 2025.

In conclusion, it can be said that disputes between India and Pakistan, such as those involving Kashmir, Junagarh, the Siachen Glacier, Sir Creek, or asset allocation, are all related to unfair division in some way.  There are still problems between India and Pakistan as a result of the indeterminate division.  Instead of using diplomatic diplomacy to resolve their issues, both nations relied on armed force.  Both nations should concentrate on fostering peaceful dialogue and state-to-state trust.  They ought to concentrate on growth and trade that benefits both parties.  Along with putting an end to harshness and concentrating on the future of their states and people, they should also work to mend fences and find peaceful solutions to problems.