Dan Snow's History Hit: Why Do India and Pakistan Fight Over Kashmir?

Release Date: May 29, 2025

In this compelling episode of Dan Snow's History Hit, host Dan Snow delves deep into the enduring conflict between India and Pakistan over the contested region of Kashmir. Through a blend of historical analysis and expert insights, Snow unpacks the complex origins, pivotal moments, and contemporary dynamics that continue to fuel this decades-long dispute.

1. Introduction: A Flashpoint in Modern Conflict

The episode opens with a harrowing account of recent violence in Kashmir. On April 22, 2025, gunmen attacked visitors near the tourist town of Pahalgam, killing 26 individuals—25 Indians and one Nepali. This tragic event reignited tensions between India and Pakistan, highlighting the region's volatile history of conflict.

Dan Snow [01:37]: "There has been a long-running history of violence in this part of the world. There's been an active insurgency since 1989 in this majority Muslim region of India."

2. Geographical and Demographic Landscape of Kashmir

To understand the conflict, Snow provides a detailed overview of Kashmir's geography and demographics. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, making it one of the most militarized and contested zones globally.

Andrew Whitehead [08:07]: "Kashmir itself is, well, it's ethnically diverse. It is a Himalayan region. It's very, very high. As you'll hear, the population is divided."

Kashmir is home to approximately 10 million people in the Indian-administered sector and 4.5 million in the Pakistani-administered area, with additional populations under Chinese control. The Kashmir Valley, central to the conflict, is predominantly Sunni Muslim, fostering further divisions.

3. Historical Origins: Partition and the Maharaja's Dilemma

The roots of the Kashmir conflict trace back to 1947, during the partition of British India. Kashmir, a princely state with a Hindu ruler and a Muslim-majority population, found itself at a crossroads as India and Pakistan emerged as independent nations.

Andrew Whitehead [16:25]: "What happened was... the Maharaja was still to make a decision."

The Maharaja of Kashmir delayed acceding to either India or Pakistan, aspiring for independence—an option that ultimately proved untenable. In 1947, tribal militias supported by Pakistan invaded Kashmir, prompting the Maharaja to accede to India in exchange for military assistance, leading to the first Indo-Pakistani war over the region.

4. Wars and Ceasefires: Shaping the Modern Conflict

The episode chronicles the subsequent wars between India and Pakistan, each leaving an indelible mark on the Kashmir issue:

• First Indo-Pakistani War (1947-48): Initiated by tribal invasions, resulting in Kashmir's division.

  Dan Snow [22:49]: "That's basically Kashmir was informally divided within a few months of independence between India and Pakistan."

• Second Indo-Pakistani War (1965): Triggered by Pakistan's Operation Gibraltar, aiming to incite an insurgency in Kashmir, which ultimately led to broader hostilities without achieving its objectives.

• Kargil Conflict (1999): Marked by high-altitude warfare in the Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield on Earth, showcasing the extreme challenges of military engagement in the region.

Andrew Whitehead [40:17]: "We have now a conflict, a highest altitude conflict in the world, a standoff, military standoff."

Each conflict reinforced the militarization of Kashmir, embedding a cycle of retaliation and distrust between the two nations.

5. The Insurgency Era: From 1989 to Present

A significant turning point occurred in 1989 when an armed insurgency erupted in Indian-administered Kashmir. This guerrilla movement, supported covertly by Pakistan, sought independence or unification with Pakistan.

Andrew Whitehead [34:17]: "In the late 1980s, a number of young and quite well-educated Kashmiris started moving over to Pakistan Kashmir where they were trained in military-style camps to stage a low-level guerrilla war."

The insurgency led to widespread violence, human rights abuses, and mass exodus of Kashmiri Hindus, drastically altering the region's social fabric. The Indian government's heavy-handed military response further entrenched animosities, creating a protracted conflict with tens of thousands of casualties.

6. Political Shifts: The Role of Leadership and Governance

Political maneuvers have significantly influenced the Kashmir dispute. Notably, in 2019, the abrogation of Kashmir's special autonomy by the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a severe shift.

Andrew Whitehead [46:36]: "The Indian government abrogated Kashmir's nominal autonomy within India's constitution... This really offended people in Kashmir."

This move was perceived as an affront to Kashmir's unique cultural and political identity, leading to intensified grievances and further isolation of the region. The BJP's rise in Kashmir, coupled with increased Hindu nationalism, has exacerbated tensions, making diplomatic resolutions more elusive.

7. Recent Developments: Escalation and International Involvement

The latest episode segments highlight the ongoing militarization and sporadic outbreaks of violence, such as the 2025 Pahalgam attack. These incidents not only destabilize the region but also pose the risk of escalating into broader conflicts between nuclear-armed neighbors.

Dan Snow [39:31]: "There's just so much room for friction, so much opportunity for friction... any of these incidents could ignite a wider conflict."

International efforts, notably by the USA in brokering ceasefires, have had limited success. Both India and Pakistan remain steadfast in their claims, with global powers often reluctant to intervene decisively.

8. Conclusion: The Future of Kashmir

Dan Snow wraps up the episode by reflecting on the persistent challenges facing Kashmir. Despite numerous wars, uprisings, and political shifts, the core dispute over sovereignty and self-determination remains unresolved. The region continues to be a flashpoint with profound humanitarian and geopolitical implications.

Dan Snow [49:56]: "Andrew Whitehead, thank you very much for coming on the podcast."

Key Takeaways

• Historical Complexity: Kashmir's strategic importance and diverse population make it a unique and challenging conflict zone.

• Enduring Tensions: From partition to modern-day insurgencies, the India-Pakistan rivalry over Kashmir remains deeply entrenched.

• Human Cost: The protracted conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, displacement, and human rights violations.

• Geopolitical Risks: The ongoing instability in Kashmir poses risks of wider regional conflicts, especially given the nuclear capabilities of India and Pakistan.

• Challenges to Resolution: Political shifts, nationalistic fervor, and mutual distrust between India and Pakistan hinder efforts towards a peaceful resolution.

About the Author: Andrew Whitehead is a seasoned historian, lecturer, and freelance journalist with over 35 years at the BBC. Author of "A Mission in Kashmir," Whitehead brings a wealth of firsthand experience and scholarly insight to the nuanced discussion of the Kashmir conflict.

This episode serves as both a historical record and a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for nuanced understanding and sustained efforts towards peace in one of the world's most contested regions.