Sino-Indian War 1962: Impacts on Foreign Policy of Pakistan towards Kashmir

Abstract

This paper analyzes Pakistan’s foreign policy evolution concerning Kashmir following the 1962 Sino-Indian war, investigating influencing factors. The Sino-Indian war’s aftermath profoundly impacted Pakistan’s foreign policy, particularly regarding the Kashmir dispute with India. The “enemy of my enemy is my friend” principle bolstered Sino-Pak ties, affecting Kashmir. The study examines Pakistan’s foreign policy through various lenses, including its US defense alliance, President Ayub Khan’s policies, military strategies, operations, and bilateral relations with China and the Soviet Union. It scrutinizes Pakistan’s 1962-1969 relationship with the US, focusing on the 1965 India-Pakistan war and its Kashmir implications. Results indicate that the Sino-Indian war significantly shaped Pakistan’s foreign policy, fortifying its Kashmir stance against India and influencing alliances and strategies. The study underscores the importance of historical context and international alliances in comprehending foreign policy shifts and advocates further research into the lasting impacts of such events on regional geopolitics.