India and Pakistan have been experiencing ongoing military tensions recently, stemming from a terrorist attack targeting Indians in the Kashmir region controlled by India. The attack resulted in at least 26 deaths and dozens of injuries. Currently, Indian and Pakistani forces continue to exchange gunfire and artillery shelling, with both air forces frequently deploying fighter jets to patrol the border. This incident marks the deadliest terrorist attack in the region since the Pulwama attack in 2019, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of military conflict between India and Pakistan.
The India-Pakistan dispute has deep roots, primarily revolving around territorial issues, particularly regarding the northern Kashmir region. The two countries have engaged in three major wars and numerous smaller armed conflicts over this region.
Kashmir, located at the western end of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, at the northern tip of India and Pakistan, was initially seeking independence during the partition of British India in 1947. However, both India and Pakistan claimed Kashmir to be part of their territory. After the British withdrawal, Pakistani forces invaded Kashmir, sparking the first India-Pakistan war in the Kashmir region, also known as the First Kashmir War.
The war lasted for over a year, with India having the upper hand but unable to fully defeat Pakistan, eventually leading to a ceasefire agreement. Kashmir was divided among multiple countries, with India controlling approximately 45.5% of the southeastern part, Pakistan controlling 38.5% of the western part, and China holding the remaining northeastern territories. However, the ceasefire was just temporary, as India, Pakistan, and China all believed that Kashmir should belong entirely to them, fueling ongoing border disputes.
After gaining independence, India maintained strong relations with the Soviet Union. Following the rift between China and the Soviet Union, the Soviet Union strengthened ties with India. The primary equipment of the Indian Air Force was originally manufactured by the Soviet Union, including MiG-21, MiG-25, MiG-27, MiG-29, and post-21st century, the Su-30MKI fighter jets were also introduced.
Due to the close relationship between the Soviet Union and India, Pakistan previously relied on Western equipment and weapons, such as the French Mirage 3 and Mirage 5 fighter jets, as well as the American F-16. However, after developing nuclear weapons, relations with the United States began to deteriorate gradually. Additionally, Pakistan maintained relatively friendly relations with China and purchased the J-7 fighter jets. Subsequently, Pakistan collaborated with China to upgrade the J-7 fighter jets, resulting in the long and complex development process of the JF-17 Thunder, which Pakistan refers to as the Lightning.
Pakistan recently acquired 36 Chengdu J-10CE fighter jets from China, although delivery has not been completed. Pakistan is preparing to use the J-10CE to counter India’s acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter jets, even though they are not at the same technological level.
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