CSAG STRATEGY PAPER
By: LTC Kashif Ehtisham, Pakistan Army (CSAG/CCJ5)
17 November 2023
Overview:
The dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir has resulted in decades of hostility, including three wars. The Kashmir dispute is the oldest pending dispute on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which merits earnest world attention for a permanent solution. The Kashmiris had looked to the international community/ UN for almost seven decades for a resolution to their plight without success. In the contemporary contested, multi-polar world, the US role is considered critical for preventing instability in the region.
Key Points:
- The Kashmir dispute is the oldest pending dispute on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC); South Asia may not see sustainable peace and economic growth until this conflict is resolved.
- Kashmir is declared as the most militarized region in the world, where both Pakistani and Indian militaries are deployed eyeball to eyeball against each other.
- Kashmiris are marginalized with their autonomous status by the Indian Government after recent revocation of Articles 370 and 35 A.
- China has become a vital stakeholder in the conflict after the Indian alteration of Kashmir’s status; it accused India of undermining its territorial sovereignty. This made the Kashmir issue a dispute between three nuclear states.
- Kashmiris are struggling to seek their identity and gain freedom for decades; disappointed with Global powers not providing essential support for their freedom.
- Owing to its influence and historical relations with both India and Pakistan, US can play a significant role in resolving the conflict to ensure lasting peace in the region.
- Mediating the Kashmir issue will not only ensure lasting regional peace but also grant US a high moral/ diplomatic standing in comparison to China.
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The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of a number of international officers within the Combined Strategic Analysis Group (CSAG) and do not necessarily reflect the views of United States Central Command, not of the nations represented within the CSAG or any other governmental agency.