A familiar and recurring pattern has once again unfolded in South Asia—every few years, as the region seems poised on the brink of enduring peace, destabilising forces with ties to Pakistan emerge to undermine such progress. Just as the Kashmir valley was settling into a climate of calm, order, and optimism for the future, terrorism resurfaced from obscurity. A firm and appropriate response was delivered. Yet, the attack fulfilled its intent: to derail the fragile prospects for harmony and collaboration between the neighbouring nations of India and Pakistan.

The roots of discord between the two nations predate their very existence. Within months of gaining independence, the neighbouring states engaged in war over the coveted region of Kashmir. Pakistan, unwilling to accept the decision of the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir decided to pursue an independent course, dispatched militias to seize control of the territory. In response, Maharaja Hari Singh appealed to Jawaharlal Nehru for assistance, offering accession to the newly established Indian Union.

The subsequent developments, including United Nations mediation, resulted in a provisional ceasefire line—later formalised in 1972 as the ‘Line of Control’ (LoC). Pakistan illegally occupied one-third of Kashmir, a position it continues to hold. A further violent conflict broke out in 1965 when Pakistan initiated an incursion across the ceasefire line. The following year, Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistani President Ayub Khan agreed to cease hostilities and pursue peaceful avenues for resolving their disputes.

The 1970s began with a devastating setback for Pakistan, as its eastern region, oppressed under Islamabad’s brutal governance, rose in rebellion to demand independence. India, motivated by both humanitarian concerns and strategic interests,........

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