India Pakistan conflict remains unresolved despite global diplomatic efforts

Source: The post India Pakistan conflict remains unresolved despite global diplomatic efforts has been created, based on the article “The hazards of going global on India-Pakistan issues” published in “The Hindu” on 11 June 2025. India Pakistan conflict remains unresolved despite global diplomatic efforts.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: Operation Sindoor and the events that followed exposed the failure of both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy in resolving the India-Pakistan conflict over Jammu and Kashmir. The legacy of Cold War politics, UN literature, and Pakistan’s rigid position have complicated any sincere attempt at resolution.

Constraints of International Frameworks

1. Outdated UN References and Misleading Maps: India’s claim over Jammu and Kashmir clashes with outdated UN maps and documents. These maps often show disclaimers like “dotted line” for the Line of Control, suggesting that the final status is unresolved. Such representations make countries hesitant to endorse India’s territorial position.
2. Simla Agreement and Non-committal Responses: While India highlights the Simla Agreement as the basis for a bilateral solution, most countries avoid firm stances. They prefer non-intervention, often stating that a peaceful settlement between India and Pakistan would be ideal.
3. Conceptual Gridlock and Diplomatic Smokescreens: Pakistan uses historical resolutions and ideas—such as self-determination, terrorism, and peaceful dispute resolution—to confuse the global narrative. These longstanding yet outdated concepts make it harder for new approaches to emerge.

India’s Complicated Stand on Terrorism

1. Early Proposal for Global Convention: India had proposed a Comprehensive Convention on Terrorism at the UN over three decades ago. It was dismissed as a move targeting Pakistan. The global difficulty in defining terrorism—due to political considerations—undermined the initiative.
2. Post-9/11 Shift and Lost Momentum: After 9/11, terrorism became a global priority. However, international focus shifted to U.S. military operations in Afghanistan rather than creating a unified legal definition. Though the Taliban was removed initially, they returned after decades of war.
3. Questions Over India’s Surgical Strikes: India’s retaliatory strikes on terror camps raise legal questions. Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, countries can defend themselves. Yet the legality of such actions depends on whether they are proportionate and comply with humanitarian law.

The UN Security Council’s Stance

1. Existing Framework and Monitoring: The Security Council has issued resolutions obliging member states to combat terrorism. The Counter-Terrorism Committee monitors these measures. However, India’s appeals to treat terror attacks as acts of war find limited global support.
2. Legal and Human Rights Considerations: India’s actions must align with international law and human rights. Any disproportionate response could face criticism. The current global consensus is to avoid redefining military responses to terrorism.
3. Emphasis on Broad Cooperation: The Security Council advocates a “whole-of-society” approach to fight extremism. India often raises concerns, but there is no clear endorsement of its strategy.

Legacy of Hyphenation and Its Impact

1. UN Handling of Kashmir Issue: India’s 1947 referral to the UN was treated as a dispute under Article VI instead of aggression under Chapter VII. This led to broad interpretations and “hyphenation” of India with Pakistan on most issues.
2. Nuclear Context and Rising Risks: With both countries now nuclear-armed, Kashmir is seen as a nuclear flashpoint. India maintains a “no first use” policy, while Pakistan adopts a more aggressive stance.
3. Diplomatic Futility and Strategic Necessity: India limits talks to terrorism and PoK, but diplomacy yields little. Pakistan internationalises the issue, while India’s efforts get entangled in global narratives. India’s best option is to ensure security through appropriate military action.

Question for practice:

Examine why international diplomatic efforts have failed to resolve the India-Pakistan conflict over Jammu and Kashmir despite repeated initiatives.