India-Pakistan Relations After the Revocation of Article 370: A Diplomatic Deadlock
Abstract
The revocation of Article 370 in August 2019 marked a turning point in India-Pakistan relations, intensifying long-standing tensions over Kashmir and triggering a diplomatic freeze. This article examines the fallout of India’s constitutional changes, analyzing Pakistan’s political, diplomatic, and military responses, including the downgrading of bilateral ties, international lobbying, and media-driven nationalist narratives. It explores the fragile 2021 ceasefire agreement and backchannel talks, revealing how both nations balance hostility with pragmatic restraint. The study also assesses the role of regional organizations like SAARC and the SCO in facilitating or hindering dialogue. Despite deep-seated mistrust, the article identifies potential pathways for limited normalization, emphasizing incremental confidence-building measures (CBMs) such as trade resumption, humanitarian corridors, and climate cooperation. However, domestic politics, electoral cycles, and rigid positions on Kashmir continue to obstruct meaningful progress. The analysis concludes that while a comprehensive resolution remains unlikely, transactional engagement on non-political issues could prevent further escalation and lay the groundwork for a fragile but functional coexistence.
Keywords: Article 370, India-Pakistan Relations, Kashmir Conflict, Diplomatic Stalemate, Ceasefire Agreement, Backchannel Diplomacy, Confidence-Building Measures (CBM’s), SAARC, Regional Security
