Tensions between Pakistan and India have long dominated South Asian geopolitics, marked by decades of conflict, border skirmishes, and deep-rooted mistrust. But in 2025, renewed dialogue and back-channel diplomacy have sparked global speculation: Has Pakistan ended its conflict with India?
The short answer is: there is no official war, and there hasn’t been a formal declaration of peace, but there have been promising developments toward de-escalation.
Background: A History of Conflict
Since the partition of British India in 1947, Pakistan and India have fought three full-scale wars—in 1947, 1965, and 1971—and numerous skirmishes, particularly over the disputed Kashmir region. Most recently, the Pulwama-Balakot crisis in 2019 brought both nations dangerously close to another war. Despite a ceasefire agreement in 2003, violations have been frequent.
What’s Happening in 2025?
In early 2025, both countries renewed their commitment to a 2021 backchannel truce, agreeing to maintain the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir with minimal troop escalation. Several indicators suggest that the situation, while still fragile, is more stable than it has been in years:
- Joint Humanitarian Initiatives: Cross-border medical cooperation during recent natural disasters has thawed tensions and allowed for people-to-people contact.
- Suspension of Aggressive Military Drills: Both armies have notably reduced large-scale exercises along the border, suggesting a mutual de-escalation approach.
- Diplomatic Engagement: There have been secret meetings facilitated by neutral nations, with an aim to establish a framework for long-term peace negotiations.
No Formal End to the “War”
It’s important to clarify that India and Pakistan have never been in an officially declared war since 1971. The term “war” is often used in media and politics to describe ongoing hostilities and unresolved disputes. What’s happening now is not an official end to war, but rather a diplomatic freeze on open conflict and a shift toward dialogue.
Both countries still maintain heavy militarization in Kashmir, and deep political and ideological differences remain. Nationalist sentiments in both capitals often reignite tension, especially around elections or incidents involving cross-border violence.
Public Opinion & Political Risk
Leaders in both countries face domestic pressure. In Pakistan, the military has historically played a dominant role in foreign policy, and public opinion is divided on engaging with India. In India, any suggestion of negotiation with Pakistan is often met with skepticism from right-wing factions.
Yet, there is a growing realization on both sides that continued hostility is economically draining and diplomatically isolating. Younger generations in both countries are more focused on jobs, education, and global integration than historic animosities.
What Comes Next?
While the current calm is not the end of conflict, it could be the beginning of a longer-term thaw if both sides choose diplomacy over militarism.
Key developments to watch:
- Establishment of formal diplomatic channels or peace summits
- Reduced incidents along the LoC
- Confidence-building measures like trade restoration and cultural exchanges
- External mediation or incentives from global powers like the U.S., China, or the UN
Conclusion
Pakistan has not officially ended any war with India—mainly because there is no active, declared war in place. However, in 2025, both nations appear to be moving away from confrontation and toward cautious diplomacy. Whether this leads to a real peace process or is just another temporary pause in a long history of conflict remains to be seen.
The world is watching. And for now, hope outweighs hostility.
