India-Pakistan tensions flare: Operation "Sindoor" ignites new crisis

The India-Pakistan conflict is a topic that regularly returns to the front pages of global media. Since the partition of British India following the fall of the British Empire, both countries—India and Pakistan—have been embroiled in a brutal and complicated conflict over the region of Kashmir. Over the decades, there have been several Indo-Pakistani wars, numerous terrorist attacks, accusations of human rights violations, and tensions surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty. This is compounded by fundamental religious differences between Muslims and Hindus, exacerbated by extremism and populism on both sides. What is worth knowing about this conflict?

The India-Pakistan conflict is one of the longest-standing international disputes, with roots going back to 1947, when Great Britain ended its rule over the Indian subcontinent, leading to the partition of British India into two independent states: India and Pakistan. This decision aimed to create two separate states based on the dominant religions: Hindus were to inhabit India, and Muslims were to inhabit Pakistan.

However, this partition did not include all territories. The region of Kashmir became particularly problematic. Its ruler, although Hindu, governed a territory predominantly inhabited by Muslims. Facing invasions supported by Pakistani tribes, the maharaja of Kashmir decided to join India, which led to the first Indo-Pakistani war from 1947 to 1948. This conflict ended with a ceasefire brokered by the UN, but it did not resolve the dispute over Kashmir's status.

Since then, India and Pakistan have fought several wars, including those in 1965, 1971, and 1999, each further deepening tensions between the countries. Particularly significant were issues related to the Indus Waters Treaty, which regulated the division of the Indus River's waters between the two countries. In recent years, in response to the escalation of conflict, India has suspended this treaty, provoking a sharp reaction from Pakistan.

Currently, the region of Kashmir remains one of the most militarized areas in the world, and the conflict between India and Pakistan continues to pose a serious threat to stability in South Asia.

The India-Pakistan conflict has its roots in the complex history of the Indian subcontinent, with its main flashpoint being the region of Kashmir. Below are the main causes of this long-standing dispute:

1. Partition of British India and the dispute over Kashmir

In 1947, along with the end of British Empire's rule, British India was divided into two independent states: India and Pakistan. This partition was based on religious criteria—Hindus were to inhabit India, and Muslims Pakistan. However, the region of Jammu and Kashmir, predominantly inhabited by Muslims, was ruled by a Hindu maharaja who initially did not decide to join any state. Facing invasions supported by Pakistani tribes, the maharaja decided to join India, which led to the first Indo-Pakistani war from 1947 to 1948. This conflict ended with a ceasefire brokered by the UN, but it did not resolve the dispute over Kashmir's status.

2. Religious and identity differences

India is a secular state with a Hindu majority, while Pakistan was established as a state for Muslims. The region of Kashmir, mainly inhabited by Muslims, has become a place of tensions arising from religious and identity differences. Pakistan sees itself as the defender of Muslim rights in Kashmir, while India considers the region an integral part of its territory.

3. Water resources and the Indus Waters Treaty

The Indus River and its tributaries are crucial for the agriculture and economy of both countries. In 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty was signed, regulating the division of waters between India and Pakistan. However, in recent years, in response to the escalation of conflict, India suspended this treaty, provoking a sharp reaction from Pakistan.

4. Support for separatist groups and terrorist attacks

Pakistan has been repeatedly accused by India of supporting separatist and terrorist groups operating in Kashmir. Examples include the attack on a military base in Uri in 2016 and the attack in Pulwama in 2019, which led to escalated tensions and retaliatory actions from India.

5. Geopolitics and external influences

The region of Kashmir holds strategic geopolitical significance, bordering China and Afghanistan. China controls part of Kashmir (Aksai Chin), further complicating the situation. Moreover, both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons, making any conflict between them a concern for the international community.

The India-Pakistan conflict is not only a territorial dispute over Kashmir but also a competition for influence, national security, and strategic resources. Here are the key aspects defining the goals of both countries in this prolonged conflict:

India: Protecting Territorial Integrity and National Security

For India, Kashmir is an inseparable part of the state, and its loss would be seen as a threat to national unity. India accuses Pakistan of supporting terrorist groups operating in the region, which threatens the country's stability and security. In response to terrorist attacks, such as the Pahalgam attack in April 2025, India conducted Operation "Sindoor," targeting sites considered terrorist bases in Pakistan.

Pakistan: Supporting the Muslim Majority and Countering India's Dominance

Pakistan perceives itself as the protector of the Muslim majority in Kashmir and aims to enable the region's residents to determine their future. Islamabad accuses India of human rights violations in the region and demands international intervention. Furthermore, Pakistan fears India's dominance in the region, driving it to counter any actions that could strengthen New Delhi's position.

Water resources as a strategic element of the conflict

Rivers flowing through Kashmir, such as the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, are vital for Pakistan's agriculture and economy. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 regulated the division of these resources between the two countries. However, in response to the conflict's escalation, India suspended this treaty, which Pakistan perceived as a threat to its water security and economy.

Geopolitical significance of the region

Kashmir borders China and Afghanistan, giving it strategic significance. Both countries worry that losing control over the region could affect their geopolitical position in South Asia. Additionally, the presence of nuclear weapons in both states makes any conflict in the region risk escalating to a global scale.

During the night of May 6 and 7, 2025, India launched a series of precise missile strikes under Operation "Sindoor", targeting nine locations within Pakistani territory and in Pakistan-controlled areas of Kashmir. This was in response to a terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, mainly Hindu tourists.

Objectives of the operation

The Indian armed forces focused on infrastructure related to terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which India claims are responsible for the Pahalgam attack. The strikes took place in areas including Bahawalpur, Muridke, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli. India emphasized that the targets were solely terrorist facilities, not Pakistani military installations.

Pakistan's reaction

Pakistan condemned the attacks as an "act of war" and announced a determined response. According to Pakistani authorities, at least 26 civilians were killed, and 46 were injured due to the airstrikes. Additionally, Pakistan claims to have shot down five Indian aircraft, though India has not confirmed this information.

In light of the escalation of the India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025, the international community expressed deep concern and took steps to de-escalate tensions between these two nuclear-armed states.

United Nations: Call for restraint

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed deep concern over India's military actions on Pakistani territory and in Pakistan-controlled parts of Kashmir. He called on both sides to exercise maximum restraint, emphasizing that the world cannot afford a military confrontation between these two nuclear-armed countries.

The UN Security Council, at Pakistan's request, appealed to India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and engage in dialogue to peacefully resolve the Kashmir dispute. Although Pakistan sought international intervention, the Security Council suggested that these matters should be resolved bilaterally.

United States: Call for dialogue

The President of the USA, Donald Trump, expressed hope for a swift resolution of the conflict, emphasizing that India and Pakistan have been fighting for many decades.

US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, held talks with national security advisors from India and Pakistan, urging both sides to maintain open communication lines and avoid further escalation.

China: Call for calm and stability

The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed regret over India's attacks on targets in Pakistan and concern about the situation's development. Beijing called on both sides to remain calm, exercise restraint, and avoid actions that could further complicate the situation.

Other international reactions

In response to the conflict's escalation, Pakistan suspended the issuance of visas for Indian citizens, closed its airspace to Indian airlines, and halted all bilateral trade, including goods routed through third countries. Pakistan also warned that any Indian attempt to stop or redirect water flow would be considered an "act of war" and would be met with "full force in the full spectrum" of Pakistan's national power.