The Kashmir conflict is a territorial conflict primarily between India and Pakistan, and started just after the Partition in 1947. China has at times played a minor role. India and Pakistan have fought three wars over Kashmir, including the India-Pakistan wars of 1947 and 1965, as well as the Kargil war.
India claims the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, and, as of 2010, administers approximately 43% of the region. It controls Jammu, the Kashmir Valley, Leh, Ladakh, and the Siachen Glacier. India’s claims are contested by Pakistan, which administers approximately 37% of Kashmir, namely Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, popularly known as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). China currently administers Demchok district, the Shaksgam Valley, and the Aksai Chin region. China’s claim over these territories has been disputed by India since China took Aksai Chin during the Sino-Indian War of 1962.
The Kashmir dispute dates from 1947. The partition of the Indian sub-continent along religious lines led to the formation of India and Pakistan. However, there remained the problems of over 650 princely estates. These estates had the option of deciding which country to join, or of remaining independent.
Because of its location, Kashmir could choose to join either India or Pakistan. The then ruler of Kashmir Maharaja Hari Singh was a Hindu while most of his subjects were Muslims. He initially decided not to join either India or Pakistan. But subsequent invade by the Pakistan Army with help from tribals in the Valley forced him to join India which led to the first war between the two nations. Watch the video for the full history of the Kashmir dispute.