DAILY

CLASS NOTES
International Relation
Unit 2 India- Pakistan Relations

Topics to be covered:
z India- Pakistan Relations
Unit 2 2

Space for Notes India-Pakistan Relations

Overview of Key Events in India-Pakistan Relations:

z 1947: Partition of India.

z 1948: Kashmir Conflict begins.

z 1960: Indus Water Treaty
signed.
z 1963: Shaksgam Valley was
ceded to China by Pakistan.
z 1965: India-Pakistan War.
z 1971: Bangladesh Liberation
War.
z 1984: Operation Meghdoot to
secure Siachen.
z 1991: LPG Reforms and Kashmir
issues intensify.
z 1999: Kargil War.
z 2001: 9/11 impacts global and
regional security.
z 2008: Mumbai Attacks.
z 2016: Uri Attacks and Surgical
Strike by India.
z 2019: Pulwama Attack followed
by Balakot Airstrike.
Pakistan’s Identity Crisis
z Identity Crisis: Pakistan’s identity crisis originates from its formation in 1947, which
was based on the Two-Nation Theory.
This theory justified the creation of
Pakistan as a homeland for Muslims in
the Indian subcontinent.
 Failure of Two Nation Theory:
However, the theory failed to hold
over time, as religion alone proved
insufficient to define national identity.
 The secession of Bangladesh in 1971

demonstrated this clearly. Moreover,

the continued existence of India as a
secular state with a diverse religious
population further undermines the
foundation of the Two-Nation Theory.
z Kashmir Issue: The Kashmir issue is
central to Pakistan’s identity, as the
region’s Muslim-majority population has
been key to its claim, rooted in the

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Two-Nation Theory. Since Pakistan’s population includes various ethnic communities, Space for Notes
Kashmir serves as a symbol of unity based on religious affiliation.

Extra Edge
Durand Line
z Border: The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is called the Durand Line.

z History: Initially, the Durand Line was the frontier between Afghanistan and British

India and was demarcated in 1893.

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
z Views of TTP: The Taliban is a fundamentalist group aiming to establish Sharia law

in Afghanistan. Within the Taliban, however, there is a faction called Tehrik-i-Taliban

Pakistan (TTP), which views Pakistan as part of Afghanistan, rejects the Durand
Line as the border and seeks to impose Sharia law in both countries.
z Attacks by TTP: The TTP is responsible for some of the bloodiest attacks in Pakistan,

including on churches, schools and the shooting of Malala Yousafzai.

 Pakistan says the TTP leadership has safe havens in Afghanistan, but the Afghan

Taliban administration denies this.

Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)
z Against Exploitation: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has been waging a campaign

against Pakistan’s government, accusing it of unfairly exploiting Balochistan’s rich gas

and mineral reserves without providing fair benefits to the local Baloch population.
z CPEC: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through

Balochistan, has increased local resentment, as many Balochs believe they are
excluded from its benefits. They argue that the region’s resources are being exploited
by the central government and China, while the local population remains marginalized.
Demand for Sindudesh
z Sindudesh is the demand for a separate homeland for Sindhis, proposed by Sindhi

nationalist parties. It advocates for the creation of an independent Sindhi state,

primarily focusing on the Sindh region in Pakistan.
Shia and Sunni Divide
z Iran-Pakistan: The majority of Shia Muslims reside in Iran, where they make up
around 80%-90% of the population. Iran considers itself as the leader of the Shia
world.
 Relations between Pakistan and Iran have been strained due to sectarian tensions,

as Pakistan’s Shia minority faces discrimination.

z Jaish al-Adl: One of the reasons for the conflict between Pakistan and Iran is the

terrorist group Jaish al-Adl. In January 2024, Iran launched an airstrike against Jaish
al-Adl that struck a remote mountainous area near Panjgur in Balochistan, Pakistan.
Kashmir: Historical Background
z Raja Hari Singh was the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state
of Jammu and Kashmir. He was a Hindu monarch ruling over a
Muslim-majority population.
z Standstill Agreements were signed by Hari Singh with both India
and Pakistan in an attempt to maintain the status quo and
keep Kashmir independent for the time being.

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Space for Notes z Strategic Importance: Kashmir held significant geopolitical value due to its location,
sharing borders with both India and Pakistan and also lying close to China and
Afghanistan.
z Operation Gulmarg: On 20 October 1947, around 2,000 tribal fighters, backed by the
Pakistani military, invaded Kashmir as part of Operation Gulmarg. This marked the
beginning of the first Indo-Pak war over Kashmir.

Areas Captured
z By the evening of October 23, Domel was captured. Garhi and Chinari were taken

within the following two days.

z Afterward, their main forces advanced toward Uri, and then along the Jhelum River
toward Baramulla, the gateway to Srinagar.
z Response of Hari Singh and India: Hari Singh approached India to intervene on behalf
of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. India refused to intervene because Kashmir was
not legally a part of Indian territory.
z Instrument of Accession and aftermath: Then came a hurried response from Hari
Singh who signed an Instrument of Accession with the Government of India. The Indian
army and the navy intervened. Jammu and Kashmir legally became an Indian territory.

Kashmir Issue in the UN:

z India moved to the United Nations and the United Nations Security Council
(UNSC) passed a resolution that called for a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir.
 It stated the final decision is to be taken as per the wishes of Jammu and
Kashmir.
Conditions of Plebiscite
z Pakistan will demilitarise Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). India will maintain a
minimum military presence and the people of Jammu and Kashmir will vote.
z However, the resolution has not been implemented because Pakistan has refused to
withdraw its forces from PoK.
Simla Agreement, 1972
z As per the Simla Agreement signed by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, all
issues were to be solved bilaterally. Hence, any interference from any other party
will be seen as going against the agreement.

Recent Developments:
z Article 370: In 5th Aug 2019, Article 370, which granted special autonomy to the
state was scrapped.
z Nature of Issue: For Pakistan, the Kashmir issue is primarily an identity issue, tied
to its religious and cultural unity. For India, it revolves around territorial sovereignty
and maintaining control over the region.
 The construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Chinese
strategic presence further complicates the situation and is a matter of concern for
India.

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z South Asian Perspective: The resolution of the Kashmir issue is often viewed as the Space for Notes
key to solving the broader South Asian crisis.
Indus Water Treaty, 1960

“Blood and water can’t flow together at the same time.”

— Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2016) during a review meeting on the Indus Waters Treaty

z The Indus Waters Treaty was signed

on September 19, 1960, between India
and Pakistan, with the World Bank
acting as broker.
z It is considered one of the most
successful and generous water-
sharing agreements globally, as India
(the upper riparian state) allowed
Pakistan to utilize 80% of the waters
from the Indus River system.
z Key Provisions:
 River Division: Western Rivers
(Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) are
allocated to Pakistan while eastern
Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) are
allocated to India.

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Space for Notes  India retains limited rights over the western rivers for domestic use, irrigation, and
run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects.
z Permanent Indus Commission: Formed with one commissioner from each country to
handle routine treaty affairs and resolve minor disputes.
z Recent Issues / Conflicts:
 Kishanganga Project (330 MW): India’s hydroelectric project that diverts water
from the Kishanganga River to the Jhelum basin.
 Pakistan’s Objection: Took the matter to the Court of Arbitration in 2011.

 India’s Response: Objected to this move, citing violations of treaty terms by

Pakistan.

Other Disputes
z Ratle Project: Run-of-the-river plant on the Chenab River.

z Baglihar Dam: Also on the Chenab, previously contested by Pakistan.

Dispute Resolution Mechanism:

 Commission-level resolution via the Permanent Indus Commission.
 Neutral Expert appointed by the World Bank if unresolved.
 Court of Arbitration as the final step.
z Current Development: The treaty has recently faced a significant shift following the
Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 civilians. India abeyance
the treaty on April 23, 2025, citing Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism, marking
the first such action in 64 years.
Sir Creek Dispute
z Geographical Context:
Sir Creek is a 96-km-long
marshy strip lying
between Gujarat (India)
and Sindh (Pakistan).
 It remains a disputed
territory, with both
countries claiming
ownership.
z India’s Response:
Proposes the mid-
channel boundary
following the Thalweg
Principle (international
norm).
z Pakistan’s Response: Claims the entire Sir Creek area, arguing it’s non-navigable
marshland.
z Importance: Rich in marine life and potential oil and gas reserves.
 Crucial in determining Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and maritime boundaries
in the Arabian Sea.

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Security Concerns Space for Notes

z The perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attacks were believed

to have entered India through Harami Nala, a waterway along

the India-Pakistan border.
z Ten terrorists from the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
traveled by sea in a Pakistani boat to reach Mumbai. They
hijacked an Indian fishing vessel, Kuber, off Sir Creek, and
used it to navigate towards the Indian coast. Once ashore, they
carried out the deadly attacks on various locations in Mumbai.

Siachen Glacier Dispute

z Operation Meghdoot (1984): Launched by the Indian Army to pre-empt Pakistani
moves and secure key strategic heights on the Siachen Glacier.
 India successfully occupied positions along the Saltoro Ridge, gaining a critical
advantage in the region.
z Strategic Importance: The glacier lies at the tri-junction of India, Pakistan, and
China, making it strategically vital for India to monitor movements across the region.
 Holding Siachen allows India to dominate the Saltoro Ridge and prevent any military
link between Pakistan and China in this sensitive zone.
z Positions of Both Countries
 Pakistan’s Stance: Advocates for demilitarization of the glacier.
 India’s Stance: Resists demilitarization without strong bilateral and international
guarantees, fearing Pakistan may reoccupy the area—especially given the history
of mistrust, including Kargil (1999).
z Likelihood of Resolution: Despite often being termed a “low-hanging fruit” in India-
Pakistan disputes (due to the limited civilian population and lack of direct economic
stakes), demilitarization remains unlikely in the near term due to strategic concerns
and lack of trust.
z Key Places:
 Saltoro Ridge: The Saltoro Ridge, part of the Karakoram Range, lies southwest of
the Siachen Glacier and is a disputed region between India and Pakistan.
 NJ 9842: NJ 9842 is a reference point on the Line of Control (LoC) in the
Kashmir region, marking the
northernmost point of the boundary
between India and Pakistan. It is
significant in the context of the
Siachen Glacier dispute.
 AGPL (Actual Ground Position
Line): Separates Indian and Pakistani
positions on Siachen. India controls
the higher ground along the Saltoro
Ridge, while Pakistan remains at
lower elevations.

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Space for Notes Gilgit-Baltistan Issue

“The western route of CPEC goes through GB (Gilgit-Baltistan) and it seems China is
advising Pakistan to move on and accept the status quo concerning the Kashmir conflict.
It wants to consolidate all areas under CPEC to use it productively for the project …
If Pakistan ends up converting GB into a province, then it will no longer have any
justification to protest India’s move to change the status of Kashmir under its control.”
– Dr. Ayesha Siddiqi
z Background: Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) is part of the larger Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
(PoK) and is claimed by India as an integral part of its territory.
z While Pakistan administers the region, it remains under disputed status as per the UN
resolutions and bilateral agreements with India.
z Pakistan’s approach towards the integration and demographic shift in Gilgit-Baltistan
(GB) raises concerns, particularly as it relates to the region’s disputed status. GB,
which is part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), remains a territorial issue for India.
z The construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through
GB intensifies these concerns, as India views the infrastructure project as a violation
of its sovereignty over the region.
z The shifting demographics and Pakistan’s moves to consolidate control in GB
(deeming it as the fifth province of Pakistan) only add to the territorial and sovereignty
disputes between India and Pakistan.
Junagarh
z In 2020, then-Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan unveiled a new political map that
included all of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Sir Creek, and Junagadh (coastal Gujarat).
z While Pakistan claims Junagadh, its claim remains largely symbolic, with little practical
action taken to assert control over the region.
z The claim over Junagadh, a princely state that acceded to India in 1948 via a Plebiscite,
is more of a political statement rather than a territorial dispute.
Terrorism
z Cross-border terrorism remains India’s greatest security threat, with terrorist launch
pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
z Terrorist Groups: Groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamaat-ul-Dawa, Jaish-e-Mohammad,
Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, and Jaish-ul-Adl continue to orchestrate attacks in India, often
with protection from Pakistan.
z Non-state actors, such as Masood Azhar, play a significant role in coordinating these
terror activities.

Current Developments:
z On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu, and Kashmir, targeted

tourists in Baisaran Valley, killing 26 civilians, mainly Hindu tourists.

 Five armed militants, using M4 carbines and AK-47s, attacked the popular tourist
spot, surrounded by dense pine forests.

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z Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist Space for Notes
attack, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian and
one Nepali tourist. Conducted on May 7, 2025,
it was a precise and non-escalatory military
strike by the Indian Armed Forces, targeting
nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-
occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
 The operation utilized drones and smart
munitions, with India exercising deliberate
restraint by avoiding Pakistani military
installations.
 It underscored India’s firm commitment to
holding cross-border terrorists accountable
while maintaining strategic discipline.

Other Issues

“Pakistan continuously tries to disturb peace in the country through its approach of
bleeding India with a thousand cuts”
z Rajnath Singh in 2022(Minster of Defence)
z Drug Trafficking: The Golden Crescent region, which includes parts of Afghanistan,
Pakistan, and Iran, remains a major source of illegal drug trafficking. This contributes
to a growing drug problem in India and exacerbates security concerns.
z Infiltration and Radicalization: The infiltration of militants into India and continued
support for radicalization are significant threats. These actions undermine India’s security
and contribute to increasing violence and instability, particularly in border areas.
z Organized Crime: The connection between terrorism and organized crime further
complicates India’s security challenges, with cross-border criminal networks operating
in and out of Pakistan.
z CPEC and Gwadar Port: The China-
Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
and the strategic Gwadar Port are
key concerns for India. CPEC is part
of China’s “String of Pearls” strategy,
increasing China’s influence in the
region and providing it with greater
strategic depth.
 Debt Trap and Economic Influence:
CPEC has led to Pakistan becoming
heavily indebted to China, creating

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Space for Notes a “debt trap” that compromises Pakistan’s economic sovereignty and could deepen
China’s influence in the region.
z Institutional Multilateral Issues: The growing China-Pakistan nexus and the potential
for a broader China-Russia-India-China (PRIC) Axis raise concerns about shifting
geopolitical dynamics.
 Pakistan continues to provide institutional support to anti-India terrorist groups
and entities, further destabilizing the region.
 Additionally, the ongoing Pakistan-Khalistan connection adds to India’s internal
security issues.
z Lack of Trade and trust between India and Pakistan has further created concerns
for South Asia. This has disrupted SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation) as well as regional growth and connectivity.

Religious Importance of Kartarpur Sahib

Kartarpur marks a very important and positive chapter in the life of Guru Nanak Dev.
z It was here on the banks of the river Ravi
that he laid the foundations of a new faith
in a commune he set up.
z The core principle of Sikh identity — “Service
before Self” — was established by Guru Nanak
at Kartarpur.

Most Favoured Nation

z Under the World Trade Organization’s General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

(GATT), 1994, the MFN clause requires that all WTO members treat each other
equally in terms of trade—offering the same tariffs, rules, and market access
without discrimination.
z India-Pakistan: After the Pulwama terrorist attack in February 2019, India withdrew
Pakistan’s MFN (Most Favoured Nation) status in less than 24 hours of the attack.

Way Ahead
z Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs):
To improve the trust deficit, confidence-
building measures like the Kartarpur Sahib
Corridor can be expanded. Such initiatives
can help create goodwill and foster
communication, offering a foundation for
future cooperation.
z Trade and Connectivity: Developing trade
and enhancing connectivity between India

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and Pakistan can promote interdependence, which may lead to economic and political Space for Notes
stabilization.
 India had granted Pakistan the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) status, which, despite
not being reciprocated, was a gesture toward improving relations. If revived, similar
measures could have a long-standing impact on bilateral ties, assuming terrorism-
related issues are addressed.
z Cultural Diplomacy: Bilateral exchanges in the form of music festivals, art exhibitions,
and joint literary projects can significantly contribute to bridging gaps.
z Track II Diplomacy: Prioritizing Track II diplomacy, which focuses on people-to-people
contact and informal dialogues, can help ease tensions. Leveraging soft power, such
as educational exchanges, media collaborations, and cultural interactions, can encourage
collaboration and foster goodwill.
 Cricket Diplomacy: Cricket, with its widespread popularity in both countries, has

the unique ability to unite people across borders.

z Multilateral: Additionally, India should engage with like-minded countries to exert
pressure on Pakistan to dismantle the shelters of terrorists within its borders.

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PRELIMS PYQS

1. Siachen Glacier is situated to the: (2020)

(a) East of Aksai Chin
(b) East of Leh
(c) North of Gilgit
(d) North of Nubra Valley
Ans: (d)

MAINS PYQS:

1. “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of
several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association
for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples. (2016)
2. Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of
soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries?
Discuss with suitable examples. (2015)

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DCN | International Relation | India- Pakistan Relations