INDIA PAKISTAN RELATIONS IN GLOBAL GEOPOLITICS. (2012 TO 2022)

This study analyses the trajectory of India-Pakistan bilateral relations from 2012 to 2022, examining how persistent structural conflicts were amplified by domestic political shifts and evolving global geopolitics. The decade was characterized by "minimalist engagement"—a cycle of short-lived diplomatic overtures quickly derailed by major security crises. While the period began with a brief, cautious attempt at trade and visa liberalization (2012–2014), relations deteriorated sharply thereafter, culminating in a phase of kinetic military escalation. The 2016 Uri attack and India's subsequent "surgical strike," signaling a shift toward more assertive, proactive military responses. This article aims to analyze the significant geopolitical shifts in Pakistan-India relations from 2012 to 2022, focusing on key events and their implications for regional stability. The period witnessed fluctuating tensions and sporadic diplomatic engagements, marked by critical incidents such as the 2016 Uri attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack, which escalated military confrontations. Efforts towards peace, including the 2015 Ufa meeting and the Kartarpur Corridor initiative, reflected intermittent attempts at rapprochement. However, India's abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 further intensified the geopolitical rivalry, significantly affecting regional dynamics. The study employs a qualitative analysis of key diplomatic and military events, supplemented by a review of policy responses and their impact on bilateral relations. The research highlights the complex interplay of national security concerns, domestic politics, and international influences that shaped the trajectory of Pakistan-India relations during this decade. Strengthening diplomatic channels and confidence-building measures is essential to mitigate tensions and foster long-term regional stability.