PAKISTAN-INDIA PEACE AND CONFLICT: ANALYZING THE TWO DECADES OF TURBULENCE (1999-2019)

Abstract

India and Pakistan maintain one of the most challenging diplomatic partnerships at present, as their relationship frequently degenerates into military clashes and diplomatic impasses and irregular peace negotiations. India-Pakistan relations underwent profound changes from 1999 to 2019, becauseof Kargil conflict developments, South Asian nuclear proliferation, border terrorism, and strategic policy shifts. The region initially benefited from nuclear deterrence because it was supposed to prevent big wars, but both countries have fought restricted battles because of their nuclear postures. Peace and conflict patterns in this area result from the strategic combined effects of military position-taking, diplomatic engagement, and international mediation mandates. The research examines critical crises, primary diplomatic activities, and transforming strategic doctrines that affected India-Pakistan relations in the past twenty years. This evaluation considers how international entities such as the United States and China, along with multilateral organizations, participated in crisis management as well as conflict resolution efforts. The research demonstrates that India-Pakistan diplomacy consists of alternating periods between open confrontation and peaceful reconciliation, yet continuing disagreement about border terrorism together with conflicting territorial interests and strategic distrust.