India and Pakistan continue dispute over Kashmir region

The nuclear armed nations of Pakistan and India have been locked in a contentious border dispute since 1947. In that year, India and Pakistan gained independence from Great Britain. Since achieving independence, India and Pakistan have fought three wars in 1947, 1965, and 1999.

The most recent chapter in the ongoing dispute occurred in February 2019 when an Indian Air Force pilot was shot down and captured by the Pakistani military. The pilot’s MiG-21 jet was shot down while flying in the disputed Kashmir region (which is located to the north of India and to the east of Pakistan). 

The Indian Air Force’s response stemmed from a suicide bombing attack on February 14, 2019. The attack took place in the Indian controlled section of Kashmir. More than 40 Indian troops were killed when a suicide bomber drove a car full of explosives into a group of Indian soldiers. The Pakistani government denied any involvement in the attack. Nonetheless, the Indian government retaliated by conducting air strikes into Pakistan.

Tens of thousands of civilians have died over the past three decades amidst the territorial dispute involving Kashmir. Both Indian and Pakistani government officials claim control of the 86,000 sq. mile area known for its ethnic diversity and scenic landscape.

In addition to Pakistan and India, China and the United States have an interest in resolving this decades-long territorial dispute. Kashmir is positioned to the south of China and Chinese government leaders have objected to the India’s handling of how the territory should be administered. US President Donald Trump has offered to mediate the dispute but no deals have been agreed upon by either Pakistan or India.

Sources:

“Abhinandan: Captured Indian pilot handed back by Pakistan.” March 1, 2019. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47412884

“Kashmir: Why India and Pakistan fight over it.” August 8, 2019. https://www.bbc.com/news/10537286

 

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