1. Historical Background

Partition (1947): Pakistan created on religious lines. Assets divided (army, services, finance). Communal violence and refugee crisis (~14 million displaced).
Kashmir Issue (1947): Maharaja Hari Singh signed Instrument of Accession after tribal invasion from Pakistan. First India–Pakistan War (1947–48) → UN-brokered ceasefire, Line of Control (LoC).
Wars: 1965 War (Tashkent Agreement), 1971 War (Creation of Bangladesh, Simla Agreement), 1999 Kargil War (Pakistan’s infiltration, India recaptured territory).

2. Major Disputes

Kashmir Dispute – Pakistan claims Kashmir as unfinished agenda of partition.
Terrorism – State-sponsored terrorism (Jaish, LeT, ISI). Events: 2001 Parliament attack, 2008 Mumbai, 2016 Uri, 2019 Pulwama.
Sir Creek – Maritime boundary dispute (Rann of Kutch).
Siachen Glacier – World’s highest battlefield since 1984.
Water Disputes – Indus Waters Treaty (1960); disagreements on Kishanganga, Baglihar, Ratle projects.

3. Cooperation & Agreements

Indus Waters Treaty (1960).
Simla Agreement (1972).
Lahore Declaration (1999).
Kartarpur Corridor (2019).
Cultural Links – Bollywood, cricket, Sufi traditions (though limited).

4. Current Status (2016–2024)

2016 Uri attack → Surgical strikes by India.
2019 Pulwama attack → Balakot airstrikes.
2019 Article 370 abrogation → Pakistan downgraded ties, suspended trade.
2021 Ceasefire agreement along LoC → still holding.
2022–24: Relations frozen; only humanitarian exceptions in trade.

5. Challenges

Cross-border terrorism.
Military dominance in Pakistan politics.
China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in PoK.
External influence (US, China, Gulf).

6. Way Forward

Strong defence and intelligence preparedness.
Counter-terrorism pressure via FATF, UN.
Limited engagement in trade, water, environment.
Promote people-to-people contact.
Regional stability through SAARC, SCO.