India and Pakistan's major dispute is primarily over which region?

The major dispute between India and Pakistan primarily concerns the region of Kashmir. This conflict has deep historical roots, stemming from the partition of British India in 1947, when religious divisions led to the creation of two independent states: predominantly Hindu India and predominantly Muslim Pakistan. The princely states, including Jammu and Kashmir, had the autonomy to join either nation.

The ruler of Jammu and Kashmir initially chose to remain independent, but faced with an invasion by tribal militias from Pakistan, he sought military assistance from India. In return for military support, he agreed to accede to India, which Pakistan contested, leading to the first Indo-Pakistani war. Since then, the region has been a flashpoint for military conflict and diplomatic tensions between the two countries, with both claiming it in full but controlling only parts of it.

Kashmir is strategically significant due to its geographic location, diverse resources, and the diverse demographic composition of its inhabitants, which reflects both Indian and Pakistani identities. The ongoing dispute over Kashmir has led to multiple wars and continues to affect bilateral relations, making it central to understanding the rivalry between India and Pakistan. Hence, the emphasis on Kashmir in discussions about their major dispute is well-founded and highlights the complexities of national identities and territorial