THE KASHMIR CONFLICT: ITS GEOPOLITICAL IMPACT ON INDIA- PAKISTAN RELATIONS AND REGIONAL STABILITY IN SOUTH ASIA (2019–2024)

Abstract

The Kashmir issue, as the political hot area between the two India and Pakistan, has remained one of the major considerations in the structure of South Asian geopolitics. The so called transformative phase is from 2019 to 2024 starting with the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which downgraded Jammu and Kashmir to a union territory. As this move was unilateral it definitely increased the tensions between Indian and Pakistan which culminated in more frequent military encounters, cross border firings violations and no diplomatic relations. The conflict also resonates at the regional level it has impacts on nuclear posturing, insurgency and un-stablizing South Asia. Apart from bi-Lankisational context, other changes that include the penetration of the Global powers such as China that has displayed operational interests in the territory of Pakistan controlled Kashmir as well as the CPEC. International actors, particularly American ones at that, have traditionally done little to assist with the problem but have slowly started to increase their involvement. This research examines the role of the continuing conflict within the contested South Asian state of Kashmir on the relations between India and Pakistan and looks at the sociopolitical and economic costs of maintaining enmity in this volatile area. The research also outlines the path to resolving a conflict; speaking, understanding, and cooperative measures, building confidence and regional integration. In conclusion, for the South Asian nations to experience economic prosperity the source of conflict; the Kashmir issue has to be addressed.