Introduction
The issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been a long-standing dispute between India and Pakistan. India considers PoK an integral part of its territory and has consistently voiced its claim at various international platforms, including the United Nations (UN). The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 further strengthened India’s stance, as the government reaffirmed its commitment to reclaiming PoK.
India’s diplomatic and strategic approach to PoK includes raising the issue in the UN, increasing military preparedness, diplomatic isolation of Pakistan, and strengthening internal infrastructure near the border. The question remains: What is India doing to take back PoK?
In this article, we will explore India’s position at the UN, the steps it is taking to regain PoK, and the possible future scenarios in this ongoing geopolitical conflict.
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India’s Official Stand on PoK at the United Nations
India has consistently asserted that PoK is a part of its sovereign territory, illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1947. At the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and UN Security Council (UNSC), India has taken a firm stance on the matter.
1. India’s Arguments at the UN:
PoK is illegally occupied: India claims that Pakistan violated the Instrument of Accession signed in 1947.
Pakistan sponsors terrorism: India has accused Pakistan of harboring terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed in PoK.
Violation of human rights: India has raised concerns about human rights violations in PoK, including discrimination against ethnic minorities and lack of democratic governance.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is illegal: India has protested against China’s investments in PoK, as they violate India’s territorial sovereignty.
2. Key Developments at the UN:
In 2019, after the revocation of Article 370, Pakistan tried to internationalize the Kashmir issue at the UN but failed to gain support.
India has countered Pakistan’s allegations by highlighting its internal development efforts in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and exposing Pakistan’s involvement in cross-border terrorism.
In recent UN meetings, India has called PoK an “integral part” of the country and reaffirmed its commitment to reclaim it diplomatically and strategically.
India’s Strategy to Reclaim PoK
While India aims to resolve the issue peacefully, it has a multi-faceted approach to reclaiming PoK.
1. Diplomatic & Political Pressure
International Alliances: India is working with global powers, including the United States, France, and Russia, to counter Pakistan’s influence and expose its activities in PoK.
Highlighting Human Rights Abuses: India is consistently raising the issue of ethnic persecution, lack of press freedom, and military repression in PoK.
Exposing Pakistan’s Terror Networks: India is actively providing evidence of terror training camps in PoK to international bodies like the UN and FATF (Financial Action Task Force).
2. Military Preparedness & Border Security
Enhanced Troop Deployment: The Indian Army has strengthened its presence along the Line of Control (LoC) to deter any aggression from Pakistan.
Surgical Strikes & Counter-Terror Operations: India has conducted surgical strikes (2016) and Balakot airstrikes (2019) to eliminate terrorist bases in PoK.
Modernization of Armed Forces: India is upgrading its defense capabilities with advanced weaponry, surveillance systems, and missile systems.
3. Economic & Infrastructure Development
Focus on Jammu & Kashmir Development: India is investing heavily in J&K’s infrastructure, education, and industries to set a strong example for PoK residents.
Revival of Gilgit-Baltistan Resistance Movements: Several groups in PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan are opposing Pakistan’s rule. India is extending diplomatic support to their cause.
Boycotting Chinese Investments in PoK: India is actively opposing China’s involvement in CPEC projects passing through PoK.
Challenges in Reclaiming PoK
1. Pakistan’s Resistance
Pakistan has repeatedly stated that any attempt by India to reclaim PoK would be considered an act of war. It maintains a strong military presence in the region.
2. Role of China
China is heavily invested in PoK through CPEC projects and is unlikely to support India’s claims. A conflict over PoK could escalate into a larger India-China-Pakistan dispute.
3. Lack of International Support for Military Action
While diplomatic efforts continue, military action against Pakistan remains a controversial option. Global powers, including the United Nations and the United States, advocate peaceful resolution.
Future Possibilities: Will India Take Back PoK?
Based on India’s growing global influence and strategic planning, there are three possible scenarios for PoK’s future:
1. Diplomatic Victory (Most Likely in the Long Term)
With continuous international pressure, Pakistan may be forced to withdraw from PoK or grant it autonomy.
Internal uprisings in PoK could lead to greater demand for integration with India.
2. Limited Military Action (If Diplomacy Fails)
India could conduct targeted military operations to weaken Pakistan’s hold over PoK.
Surgical strikes and hybrid warfare strategies may become more frequent.
3. Status Quo (Short-Term Possibility)
If global powers do not intervene, PoK may remain under Pakistan’s control for the foreseeable future.
India may continue using diplomatic pressure and economic measures to weaken Pakistan’s hold.
Outcomes
India has consistently maintained that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is an integral part of the country. While diplomatic channels remain India’s preferred method for reclaiming PoK, military preparedness and economic strategies are also in place.
With increasing global support, Pakistan’s weakening economy, and internal resistance in PoK, the chances of India regaining its lost territory are stronger than ever. However, any major geopolitical shift will require careful planning, strong alliances, and sustained international pressure.
As India continues to assert its claims on global platforms like the UN, the world is watching closely to see whether PoK will eventually reunite with India.
