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International Desk, May 12, 2025 : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his desire to hold talks with Pakistan, focusing solely on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In a national address on Monday, he stated, “If there is any dialogue between India and Pakistan, it will only be about terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Terrorism, trade, and talks cannot coexist.”
Quoting Gautam Buddha, Modi emphasized, “Lord Buddha showed us the path to peace, but strength is necessary to walk this path.” He blended the philosophy of peace with India’s firm stance on security.
The Kashmir conflict traces back to 1947, when India and Pakistan gained independence. Initially, Jammu and Kashmir’s ruler, Hari Singh, opted for independence, but Pakistan’s invasion prompted him to accede to India. Currently, India controls 43% of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan 37%, and China 20% (Siachen). Both nations claim the entire region, leading to three wars over the past 75 years.
In 2019, India revoked Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special autonomy. Tensions escalated after a terrorist attack on April 22 in Anantnag, where 26 tourists were killed. The Resistance Front (TRF), allegedly linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. India responded with ‘Operation Sindoor,’ claiming to have killed 70 terrorists, while Pakistan launched ‘Operation Buniyanum Marsus’ in retaliation.
Following U.S. mediation, a ceasefire took effect on Saturday. However, tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors remain high.
AI/MR
