Title: Major Wars
Course: India vs Pakistan War > Section: Module 6: Major Wars

Major Wars

The India-Pakistan conflicts have been marked by a series of major wars and military standoffs, primarily driven by the dispute over Kashmir and issues of cross-border terrorism[1]. The first major conflict, the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948, was sparked by the argument over which nation would incorporate the princely state of Kashmir after the partition of British India[2]. The conflict ended with the intervention of the United Nations, which brokered a ceasefire in January 1949[3]. The second major conflict, known as the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, saw heightened tensions due to border skirmishes that escalated into a full-scale war[4]. During this period, both the United States and the United Kingdom were major material allies to both countries, supplying them with military resources[5]. The USSR, however, maintained neutrality and played a critical role in negotiating a peace agreement between the two nations[1]. In 1971, another significant war broke out, this time over the territory of East Pakistan. Indian forces intervened to support East Pakistan's independence movement, leading to the eventual creation of Bangladesh as a separate nation[4][6]. This conflict resulted in substantial loss of life and displacement, with thousands of soldiers and millions of civilians affected[7][6]. These major wars have significantly shaped the political and social landscapes of both India and Pakistan, with continued skirmishes and tensions remaining a hallmark of their relationship[10]. Despite several attempts at negotiation and peace-building, the conflict over Kashmir and related issues continues to influence their bilateral relations[11].