Executive Summary

Militancy in the regions of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) has been a security challenge for decades, despite Sino-Indian de-escalation efforts and the broad attention of an international audience. J&K remain among the world’s most militarized areas, with profound territorial disputes and political dynamics involving India, Pakistan, and China. In 2024, the state of security worsened, and Indian efforts to securitize the area and limit insurgency are being continuously challenged. 

On the diplomatic side, the Sino-Indian front made formal progress by reaching a new agreement regarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The current counterinsurgency measures are criticized by the international audience for neglecting civilian and human rights, and the support mechanisms are not achieving the desired result. As the main actors involved are three nuclear powers, the situation deserves careful examination. 

Images sourced from – Alisdare Hickson, Kris Liao, Abhishek Kumar