EU urges India and Pakistan for de-escalation in the Kashmir conflict!
EU urges India and Pakistan for de-escalation in the Kashmir conflict!
On May 8, 2025, the EU, together with Germany and 26 other member states, issued an urgent appeal for the de -escalation of the military conflict between India and Pakistan. The Union expresses great concern about the intensive tensions resulting from a recent terrorist attack and asks both sides to practice restraint in order to protect the life of civilians. The EU also offers to work with all parties involved in order to contribute to de -escalation. This happens against the background of a continuously critical conflict that is rooted in the Kashmir border region and both the countries are heavily polarized.
The conflict about Kashmir, which is considered one of the oldest territorial disputes in the world, is still strongly shaped by military incidents and sharp rhetoric. The trigger of the current tensions was a terrorist attack on April 22, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in Jammu and Kashmir. India blames Pakistan for this, while Islamabad rejects these allegations. In the days after the attack, India carried out air strikes to several Pakistani destinations, which prompted Pakistan to pace.
origins of the conflict
The conflict has its roots in British colonial history and the division of British India in 1947, which led to the foundation of the two states of India and Pakistan. Jammu and Kaschmir's Maharadscha, Hari Singh, signed the "Instrument of Accession" to India on October 26, 1947, but Pakistan does not recognize this agreement. The cashmere conflict has not only political, but also economic dimensions, since the region is known for its high-quality Kashmir wool.
In the course of history, India and Pakistan have waged three wars, two of which have been killed. Die Linie von Kontrolle (LoC), die Kaschmir seit dem ersten Krieg 1947/48 unterteilt, gilt als eine der gefährlichsten Grenzen der Welt. The tense military activities of both countries have recently aroused the concern of international actors, including the EU.
atomic risk factors
In view of the fact that both countries have nuclear weapons, the conflict is also an increased risk of a comprehensive military collision. India pursues a “No First Use” doctrine, so that it has explained not to use nuclear weapons, while Pakistan considers an initial use of nuclear weapons possible. It is estimated that India has 172 nuclear warheads, Pakistan around 170. The military armament of both nations and the threat of Pakistan with retaliation measures after Indian air strikes increase the concerns about a possible escalation of the conflict.In addition, India suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, which regulates the use of water between the two countries, in May 2025. These measures further increase the likelihood of tensions, since water shortages in the region also represents a explosive topic. The competition for water resources could lead to an explosive situation in combination with military conflicts.
diplomatic efforts
Die EU und internationale Beobachter warnen vor der Zuspitzung der Lage. The diplomatic channels between India and Pakistan are largely blocked, and quickly implementable solutions seem unrealistic. Historically speaking, earlier proposals for conflict resolution, such as the Shimla Agreement of 1972 or the referendums required by the United Nations, have had no effect. Increased military activities and political tensions in the region make the situation particularly tense in spring 2025.
The situation in Kashmir remains worrying in view of the ongoing violent conflicts and the political differences between the two countries. In view of this complexity, the EU's efforts are of central importance to reduce the risk of a larger conflict and to protect the suffering civilian population in the region.
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| Ort | Jammu und Kaschmir, Indien |
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