Tensions Persist Between India and Pakistan Over Long-Standing Disputes

New Delhi/Islamabad, May 1, 2025 —

The primary point of contention remains the Kashmir issue, a territorial conflict that dates back to the partition of British India in 1947. While both countries claim the region in full, each administers parts of it. Periodic ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), along with militant activity, continue to destabilize peace efforts.

In addition to Kashmir, cross-border terrorism remains a critical concern for India, which accuses Pakistan of supporting extremist groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir — a charge Pakistan denies. Diplomatic ties have weakened significantly since the Pulwama terror attack in 2019, and bilateral dialogue has largely stalled.

Water sharing under the Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, has also emerged as a renewed source of friction, with India exploring greater usage of its allocated share, raising alarm in Islamabad.

Despite sporadic backchannel talks and international calls for peace, there has been limited progress in de-escalation. Analysts believe that meaningful dialogue is unlikely without concrete steps from both sides to address terrorism and regional stability.

As the South Asian neighbors continue their geopolitical tug-of-war, global attention remains fixed on the subcontinent, with hopes that diplomacy may one day override hostility.