Kashmir Borderline conflict and its geopolitical and economical impacts

The Kashmir dispute is perhaps the world's most complicated and longest-running geopolitical crisis. It was ignited by the Partition of British India in 1947, and since then has been a cause of competition between India and Pakistan, which both claim the entire but administer only sections of it. Aside from the border controversy and fighting, war has deep geopolitical repercussions on South Asian geopolitics, economic development in the subcontinent, and Kashmiri cultural heritage.

History of the Kashmir conflict

During the British colonial period, there was a hindu muslim conflict. The main phenomenon behind the Kashmir conflict is the religious aspects. Muhammad Ali Jinnah used to work with the two-nation theory based on religion. He liked to think about a separate nation for Hindus and muslims. Then, the governance of India, Patel tried to attach Hyderabad, Kashmir to the mainland of India. The Nizam of Hyderabad assured that they would associate themselves with the Indian mainland. But the government of Kashmir has not yet responded. Neheru and Gandhi do not want to establish Kashmir with Pakistan. They want to prove that Mohammad Ali Jinnah was wrong by establishing that Muslims and Hindus can live together on the same continent peacefully. The Indian government has applied Article 370 to give independence to Kashmir. Under this article, Kashmir will have their own flag, and any decision for Kashmir should be taken by the state government, not by the central one. Even an outsider can not buy land in Kashmir under this Article. Another subdivision applied named Article 35A, under this article, no one from outside of Kashmir can be a permanent resident of Kashmir.

Geopolitical Conflict nowadays

There is a geopolitical conflict between India, China, and Pakistan over the land area of Kashmir. The portion of Pakistan known as Azad Kashmir, the Indian portion known as Jammu and Kashmir, and the Chinese portion known as Aksai Chin. In 2019, Article 370 was revoked; as a result, the central government can now interfere in the internal affairs of Kashmir without the permission of the state government.

Recently, on 22 April 2025, A war of 3 days occurred in Jammu and Kashmir between Pakistan and India due to a terror attack on the border of Kashmir. In this attack, around 34 people died, and most of them were Hindus.

• If Pakistan successfully claims the land area of Kashmir, what will happen? - A new nuclear war will knock on the border. - The global market will be affected due to the war. - China will directly enforce India to suppress them because Pakistan and China both share the same ideology against India. - On the other hand, from a religious background, Afghanistan also stands with Pakistan due to religious similarities. - Then Kashmir will be another chicken neck for India.
• If India successfully claims the land area of Kashmir, what will happen? - A sudden terror attack can be prevented on the Pakistan border. - Kashmir will be a militarized zone and will become a headache for both China and Pakistan. - In order to become a superpower of this subcontinent, India will take one step forward.

A Nuclear Flashpoint
The Kashmir conflict has taken Indo-Pak relations to the brink, and the two states have fought multiple wars and conflicts over it. The latest clashes in May 2025, following the terrorist attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, rekindled international concern at the nuclear threat. India blamed Pakistan for the attack and retaliated with air raids, one close to the headquarters of the Pakistan army. Both nations possess roughly 170 nuclear warheads, and war was at hand until a U.S.-mediated ceasefire ended a fragile peace. Militarization and Border Tensions

The Line of Control (LoC), the actual division between Kashmir dividing India and Pakistan, is one of the most heavily militarized borders on the globe. Pakistan and India are both close to withdrawing their forces along their border to pre-war levels after their recent conflict, according to reports. There is no crisis management system and no major communication between the two countries, and this increases miscalculation.

International Diplomacy and Mediation

The global community has, at some point in time, intervened as a mediator in the Kashmir conflict. The recent US-sponsored ceasefire is a clear case of the interests involved on an international scale. Yet, Indian policy has been to treat Kashmir as a bilateral problem, not desiring third-party interventions. This kind of policy limits the means of international diplomacy, sometimes plunging the region into an endless cycle of conflict.

Economic Impact

Tourism Industry Struggles

Once referred to as "Paradise on Earth," Kashmir's tourism industry too suffered greatly due to the prevailing unrest. The terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 led to a downturn in the arrival of tourists and risked shooting schedules in Kashmir. Despite this, efforts are being made to rejuvenate the industry to its pre-attack trajectory, with the 'Tap & Konnect Kashmiriyat' campaign having been initiated to restore tourists' trust and to encourage the cultural diversity of the state.

Agriculture and Handicrafts Under Pressure

Agriculture, one of the main sources of livelihood for the majority of Kashmiris, is facing a toll because of environmental degradation as well as conflict-related disruption. Apple farming, one of the major contributors to the state's GDP, has been impacted because of lockdowns and suspensions of trade. The handicraft industry, famous for its beautiful carpets and shawls, has also been hit, with shutdowns of the internet and reduced demand leading to the loss of jobs.

Infrastructure and Investment Challenges
The prolonged crisis has repelled foreign investment, resulting in crumbling infrastructure and poor public facilities. Economic insecurity enhances grievances and adds to the cycle of violence and instability.

Effect on Culture

Decline of Kashmiriyat
Kashmiriyat, the syncretic centuries-old religious culture of communal harmony in the Valley of Kashmir, is being undermined in the conflict. The traditional cultural ethos, symbolized by joint festivals and cross-communal respect among different religious groups, is being disfigured by the growing chasm.

Disruption of Cultural Exchanges

Despite recurring efforts at diplomacy and cultural contacts, relations between India and Pakistan have only deteriorated further, resulting in a virtual disconnection of cross-cultural contact across the border. Visa rejections, Pakistani material censorship in India, and heavy taxation of artworks have also stifled bilateral art cooperation. It is an attitude reflective of a general hardening of nationalist sentiment, which has replaced previous instances of friendship with fear and silence.

Impact on Education and Youth

Terrorism, attacks, demonstrations, and closures have impacted education in Kashmir. The turbulent environment led to complete disruption in the academic calendar and a high rate of dropout, as well as a generation brought up in conflict.

Conclusion

The Kashmir problem is not just a political controversy surrounding land but a complicated matter with deep geopolitical, economic, and cultural stakes. The problem can be met only by a comprehensive solution that adheres to the aspirations of the people of Kashmir, promotes economic development, and ensures the rich cultural heritage of the region. Only through sustained dialogue, respect, and commitment to peace is it possible to break the cycle of bloodshed and lead the region to a future of peace and prosperity.