The Pulwama attack, which took place on February 14, 2019, was a major turning point in the history of Indo-Pakistani relations. The attack, which was carried out by the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed, resulted in the deaths of 40 Indian security personnel and led to a significant escalation of tensions between the two countries.
India responded to the Pulwama attack with a range of measures, including diplomatic isolation of Pakistan, revocation of Most Favored Nation status, and increased military pressure along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government also launched airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed camps in Balakot, Pakistan on February 26, 2019.
The Pakistani government denied any involvement in the Pulwama attack and criticized India’s response as a violation of Pakistani sovereignty. Pakistan also retaliated with its own airstrikes on Indian military targets, leading to a dogfight between Indian and Pakistani fighter jets and the capture of an Indian Air Force pilot.
The crisis between India and Pakistan was ultimately defused through diplomatic efforts, with the intervention of the international community, including the United States, China, and Saudi Arabia. However, the Pulwama attack and its aftermath had a significant impact on the long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan.
The attack and India’s response highlighted the deep-seated mistrust and hostility between the two countries, as well as the challenges of resolving the long-standing disputes over Jammu and Kashmir. The crisis also raised concerns about the risks of military escalation and the potential for a larger conflict between the two nuclear-armed countries.
In the aftermath of the crisis, there have been some positive developments in Indo-Pakistani relations, including the resumption of cross-border trade and the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor. However, the underlying issues and challenges remain, and there have been several incidents of cross-border firing and ceasefire violations since the crisis.
In conclusion, the Pulwama attack had a significant impact on Indo-Pakistani relations, highlighting the challenges and risks of the long-standing conflict between the two countries. The crisis also underscored the importance of diplomatic efforts and international engagement in preventing a larger conflict in the region. While there have been some positive developments in the aftermath of the crisis, the underlying issues and challenges remain and will require sustained efforts to address.
