Timeline of the Kashmir Conflict – A Historical Overview

​The 2025 Pahalgam Massacre has reignited severe tensions between India and Pakistan, pushing the two nuclear-armed neighbors to the brink of conflict. On April 22, gunmen attacked a group of tourists near the scenic town of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, killing 26 civilians, including 25 Indians and one Nepali. The attack was claimed by a previously unknown group called the Kashmir Resistance, which Indian authorities allege is a proxy for Pakistan-based militant organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba .​ 

In response, India accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers and took several retaliatory measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, revoking visas for Pakistani nationals, and closing the main border crossing . Pakistan denied involvement, dismissed the allegations as "frivolous," and warned that interfering with water flow could be considered an act of war . Both countries have since exchanged gunfire along the Line of Control in Kashmir, raising fears of a broader military escalation .​ 

The United Nations and other international actors have urged both sides to exercise restraint and resolve the crisis through dialogue . However, with diplomatic ties deteriorating and nationalist sentiments running high, the situation remains volatile and fraught with the potential for further escalation.

The Kashmir conflict remains one of the most enduring and complex territorial disputes in modern history, shaped by colonial legacies, geopolitical rivalries, and nationalist aspirations. Nestled in the Himalayas, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir became the epicentre of tension between India and Pakistan following the end of British colonial rule in 1947. Since then, the region has witnessed multiple wars, insurgencies, diplomatic negotiations, and international interventions — all with profound implications for South Asian stability.

This timeline-based article aims to provide a detailed, step-by-step account of the key events that have defined the Kashmir conflict, from its origins in the mid-20th century to the latest developments in the 21st. Drawing from historical documents, international treaties, first-hand accounts, and contemporary analysis, the article is divided into chronological segments to make the complex narrative more accessible and comprehensible.

Whether you are a student, a researcher, or a curious reader, this comprehensive historical timeline will offer insights into how the Kashmir conflict has evolved — politically, militarily, and diplomatically — over the decades, and why it continues to remain at the heart of South Asian geopolitics today.

📜 Master Summary Table: All Key Events in the Kashmir Conflict Timeline

🕰️ Pre-1947: The Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir

Before the partition of British India, Jammu and Kashmir was one of the largest princely states, ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh. The state was characterized by a diverse population, with a Muslim majority and significant Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist minorities. Geographically, it shared borders with both India and Pakistan, making its political alignment crucial post-partition.​

🗓️ August 1947: Partition and the Dilemma of Accession

The British colonial rule ended in August 1947, leading to the creation of two independent dominions: India and Pakistan. Princely states were given the choice to accede to either country or remain independent. Maharaja Hari Singh initially opted for independence, aiming to maintain the state's autonomy amidst the communal tensions of partition.​ 

⚔️ October 1947: Invasion and the Instrument of Accession

In late October 1947, armed tribal militias from Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province invaded Kashmir, aiming to force its accession to Pakistan. Facing internal rebellion and external aggression, Maharaja Hari Singh sought military assistance from India. India agreed, on the condition that Kashmir accede to India. The Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession on 26 October 1947, ceding control over defence, foreign affairs, and communications to India. Indian troops were airlifted to Srinagar, leading to the first Indo-Pakistani war.​ 

🕊️ 1948–1949: UN Intervention and the Ceasefire Line

The conflict escalated, prompting India to approach the United Nations in January 1948. The UN Security Council passed resolutions calling for a ceasefire and a plebiscite to determine Kashmir's future, contingent on the withdrawal of Pakistani forces. However, the conditions were not met, and the plebiscite never occurred. A ceasefire was declared on 1 January 1949, establishing the Line of Control (LoC), which divided Kashmir into areas administered by India and Pakistan.​

🗓️ August–September 1965: The Second Indo-Pakistani War

In August 1965, Pakistan initiated Operation Gibraltar, aiming to infiltrate forces into Jammu and Kashmir to incite an insurgency against Indian rule. Disguised as locals, Pakistani soldiers crossed the ceasefire line, but the plan faltered as Indian forces detected the infiltration. ​

The situation escalated when India launched a counter-offensive, crossing the international border into Pakistan's Punjab province. This marked the beginning of the Second Indo-Pakistani War, which lasted until a ceasefire was declared on 23 September 1965. 

⚔️ Key Battles and Military Engagements

The war witnessed intense battles, notably the Battle of Asal Uttar and the Battle of Chawinda, involving significant tank engagements. Both nations suffered substantial casualties and equipment losses. While India managed to halt Pakistani advances and made strategic gains, the conflict concluded without a decisive victory for either side. 

🕊️ January 1966: The Tashkent Agreement

To restore peace, the Soviet Union mediated negotiations between India and Pakistan, leading to the Tashkent Agreement signed on 10 January 1966. Both countries agreed to withdraw to pre-war positions and restore diplomatic relations. However, the agreement did not address the core issue of Kashmir's status, leaving the dispute unresolved. ​ 

🗓️ March–December 1971: Prelude to War

In March 1971, political unrest in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) escalated when the central Pakistani government, led by President Yahya Khan, refused to recognize the electoral victory of the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This led to widespread protests and a brutal military crackdown, resulting in a humanitarian crisis with millions fleeing to neighbouring India.​ 

India, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, provided support to the Mukti Bahini (Bengali liberation forces) and called for international intervention. The influx of refugees and cross-border tensions strained India-Pakistan relations further.​

⚔️ December 1971: The Bangladesh (Indo-Pakistani) War

On 3 December 1971, Pakistan launched pre-emptive air strikes on Indian airbases, prompting India to declare war. The conflict, lasting 13 days, saw significant battles on both eastern and western fronts. In the east, Indian forces, in coordination with the Mukti Bahini, advanced rapidly, leading to the surrender of Pakistani forces in Dhaka on 16 December 1971. This resulted in the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.​ 

On the western front, including the Kashmir region, both sides engaged in fierce combat. India captured strategic territories such as Turtuk and Chalunka in the Ladakh sector. However, the primary focus remained on the eastern theatre.​

🕊️ July 1972: The Simla Agreement

In the aftermath of the war, India and Pakistan sought to normalize relations. On 2 July 1972, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto signed the Simla Agreement in Shimla, India. The key provisions included:​ 

Bilateral Resolution: Both nations agreed to resolve disputes, including Kashmir, through peaceful means and bilateral negotiations.​

Line of Control (LoC): The ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir was redefined as the Line of Control, with both sides committing not to alter it unilaterally.​

Return of Prisoners and Territory: India agreed to repatriate over 90,000 Pakistani prisoners of war and return captured territories, except for certain strategic areas in Kashmir.​

The Simla Agreement aimed to lay the foundation for durable peace between the two countries.​ 

🏔️ 1984: The Siachen Conflict – Operation Meghdoot

The Siachen Glacier, located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, became a contentious area due to the ambiguity in the demarcation of the Line of Control (LoC) beyond point NJ9842, as per the 1972 Simla Agreement. This lack of clarity led both India and Pakistan to claim the glacier.​ 

Operation Meghdoot: In April 1984, India launched Operation Meghdoot, preempting Pakistan's plans to occupy the glacier. Indian troops were airlifted to key passes and heights, securing strategic positions on the glacier. Pakistan responded by deploying its forces, leading to a prolonged military standoff in extreme conditions.​ 

The Siachen Conflict is notable for being the highest-altitude military conflict in the world. Despite numerous attempts, Pakistan has been unable to dislodge Indian forces from their positions. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, primarily due to harsh weather conditions, and continues to be a point of military and diplomatic tension.​ 

⚔️ 1999: The Kargil War – Operation Vijay

In early 1999, Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated positions on the Indian side of the LoC in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The intrusion was first detected in May 1999, leading to a full-scale military response by India.​ Timeline of Key Events:

• 3 May: Local shepherds report unusual movements in the Kargil sector.​
• 5 May: Indian patrols encounter infiltrators; five soldiers are captured and killed.​
• 9 May: Heavy shelling by Pakistan damages Indian ammunition dumps.​
• 26 May: Indian Air Force begins airstrikes against infiltrator positions.​
• 13 June: India captures Tololing peak.​
• 5 July: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announces withdrawal after meeting U.S. President Bill Clinton.​
• 26 July: India declares Operation Vijay a success; conflict officially ends.​

The Kargil War resulted in India regaining control of the infiltrated territories. The conflict led to significant casualties on both sides and heightened international concern due to the nuclear capabilities of both nations.​

🕊️ 2001–2002: Agra Summit and the Parliament Attack

In July 2001, Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf convened in Agra for a high-profile summit. The talks aimed to address bilateral issues, including Kashmir. Despite initial optimism, the summit concluded without a formal agreement, largely due to divergent positions on cross-border terrorism and the Kashmir dispute.​

The fragile diplomatic progress suffered a severe blow on 13 December 2001, when terrorists attacked the Indian Parliament in New Delhi, resulting in multiple casualties. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups, leading to a massive military mobilisation along the border. The ensuing standoff brought the two nuclear-armed neighbours perilously close to war, with international actors intervening to de-escalate tensions. 

🤝 2003–2007: Ceasefire and Backchannel Diplomacy

A significant breakthrough occurred in November 2003 when India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. This agreement paved the way for a series of confidence-building measures (CBMs), including:​

• Bus Services: The inauguration of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service in 2005 facilitated cross-border travel for divided families.​
• Trade Initiatives: Cross-LoC trade routes were established, promoting economic engagement between the two regions.
• Cultural Exchanges: People-to-people contacts were encouraged through cultural and sporting events.​

During this period, backchannel negotiations gained momentum. President Musharraf proposed the "Chenab formula," suggesting a demilitarised Kashmir with joint supervision by India, Pakistan, and Kashmiris. While the proposal was not officially adopted, it indicated a willingness to explore innovative solutions to the conflict.​ 

🔥 2008: Mumbai Attacks and the Collapse of Dialogue

The relative calm was shattered on 26 November 2008, when ten terrorists carried out coordinated attacks across Mumbai, killing 166 people. India held the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba responsible, leading to a suspension of the composite dialogue process. The attacks intensified global scrutiny of Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts and further strained bilateral relations.​ 

⚔️ 2010–2016: Civil Unrest and Escalation of Militancy

In 2010, widespread protests erupted in the Kashmir Valley following the killing of three civilians in a staged encounter by Indian security forces. The unrest resulted in over 100 civilian deaths and highlighted deep-seated grievances among the Kashmiri populace.​ 

The killing of Burhan Wani, a young commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen, in July 2016, acted as a catalyst for renewed unrest. His death sparked massive protests, leading to clashes between civilians and security forces, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries. The use of pellet guns by security forces drew widespread criticism due to the severe injuries inflicted on protesters.​

🔥 September 2016: Uri Attack and Surgical Strikes

On 18 September 2016, four militants attacked an Indian Army brigade headquarters in Uri, near the Line of Control (LoC), killing 19 soldiers. In response, India conducted "surgical strikes" on 29 September, targeting militant launch pads across the LoC. This marked a significant shift in India's military doctrine, signalling a more proactive stance against cross-border terrorism.​

🚫 5 August 2019: Revocation of Article 370

In a landmark move, the Indian government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution on 5 August 2019, revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This decision dissolved the state's autonomy, bifurcating it into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The government imposed a security lockdown, detained political leaders, and enforced communication blackouts to preempt unrest.​ 

The revocation was met with mixed reactions domestically and internationally. While some viewed it as a step towards greater integration, others criticised it for undermining democratic principles and exacerbating tensions in the region.​

🛑 2019–2021: Revocation of Article 370 and Its Aftermath

On 5 August 2019, the Indian government abrogated Article 370, revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This move led to the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The decision was accompanied by a security lockdown, communication blackouts, and the detention of political leaders.​

The revocation was met with mixed reactions. While some viewed it as a step towards greater integration, others criticised it for undermining democratic principles and exacerbating tensions in the region. The move also led to increased scrutiny of human rights practices in the region.​

🔄 2021–2023: Ceasefire Agreements and Diplomatic Engagements

In February 2021, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC), aiming to reduce cross-border tensions. This agreement led to a period of relative calm, with a decrease in ceasefire violations and an emphasis on diplomatic engagements.​

During this period, both nations engaged in backchannel diplomacy to address longstanding issues. However, progress was limited, and underlying tensions persisted, particularly concerning the status of Kashmir and cross-border terrorism.​

⚠️ 2024–2025: Renewed Violence and Escalating Tensions

In April 2025, a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including tourists. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups, leading to a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations. In response, India suspended parts of the Indus Water Treaty, revoked visas for Pakistani nationals, and initiated diplomatic expulsions. Pakistan retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian aircraft and suspending trade relations. Sporadic exchanges of fire along the LoC further exacerbated the situation.​ 

The international community, including the United Nations, expressed concern over the escalating tensions and urged both nations to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences.​ 

📚 Reference Table: Sources Used in "Timeline of the Kashmir Conflict"