India-Pakistan wars: A historical timeline

Markets stay cool amid tension — here’s why investors aren’t bracing for escalation

Indian military forces struck nine terrorist targets inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir on May 7, 2025 in retaliation to the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people — mostly tourists — were killed. Pakistan has called India's retaliation an "act of war" and has promised to give a response, raising the risk of escalation in the region.

India-Pakistan War History: A look back at decades of conflict

1947–1948: The First Kashmir War

Just months after India and Pakistan gained independence in August 1947, war broke out over Jammu and Kashmir. The princely state's Hindu ruler chose to accede to India, but Pakistan laid claim to the region, citing its Muslim-majority population. A United Nations-mediated ceasefire in 1949 established the Line of Control (LoC) but tensions between the two countries over Kashmir continued with Pakistan needling India time and again over the region.

1965: The Second War Over Kashmir

In August 1965, Pakistani troops crossed the ceasefire line into Indian-administered Kashmir, aiming to incite rebellion. India responded with a large-scale counter-offensive. The war expanded beyond Kashmir, resulting in some of the largest tank battles in history. The conflict ended in September 1965 following international mediation and the signing of the Tashkent Agreement.

1971: The Bangladesh Liberation War

In December 1971, India and Pakistan entered their third war, this time over East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), where a civil uprising had turned into a full-fledged independence movement. India supported the Mukti Bahini (freedom fighters) in East Pakistan. After a brief but intense conflict, India emerged victorious, leading to the creation of Bangladesh on December 16, 1971.

1999: The Kargil War

The two nations clashed again in May 1999, when Pakistani soldiers and terrorists occupied strategic heights in Kargil inside Indian territory. The high-altitude conflict saw fierce fighting until Indian forces reclaimed the positions. The war ended in July 1999 with diplomatic pressure from global powers playing some role in de-escalation.

2016: Surgical Strikes After Uri Attack

On September 18, 2016, Pakistan-based terrorists attacked an Indian Army base in Uri, killing 19 soldiers. In response, India carried out "surgical strikes" against terrorist launchpads across the LoC on September 29, 2016. The episode led to heightened diplomatic and military alertness on both sides.

2019: Pulwama Attack and Balakot Air Strikes

A suicide bombing by a terrorist on February 14, 2019, in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 40 Indian CRPF personnel. India retaliated with air strikes on a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, Pakistan, on February 26, 2019. The next day, Pakistani jets entered Indian airspace, and a brief aerial dogfight ensued, resulting in the capture of Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman and downing of a Pakistani fighter jet. His release helped defuse the immediate crisis.

2025: Pahalgam Attack and India's Response

The latest flare-up occurred after the April 22, 2025 killing of 26 civilians — mainly tourists — in Pahalgam. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Force (TRF), a proxy front of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. India, which has long called out Pakistan for harbouring terror groups, launched precision strikes on May 7, 2025, targeting nine locations across the border, including areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It has struck the headquarters of terror groups like JeM, LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen.