ABSTRACT
The chapter investigates the conflict's dynamics in the 21st century, by analysing the post-9/11 situation and referring to the years 2010–2020 as the decade of lost hope, during which the bilateral relations between India and Pakistan further deteriorated. The regular eruption of massive protests in the Valley and unilateral bifurcation of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) by New Delhi were followed by India's iron-fisted policies and Pakistan's persistent attempts to internationalise the conflict with focus on HR violations in IaJK (Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir). After a short-lasting post-2001 rapprochement, largely thwarted by 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack, bilateral relations entered the rollercoaster pattern, with confrontation mixed with cooperative initiatives. In the second decade of the 21st century, the new leadership in both states engaged in mainstreaming religiously motivated nationalisms as tools in hostile interactions, which exacerbated mutual distrust and escalated the animosities.
With ferocious belligerence, disdain for compromises, coupled with costly arms race, incessant cultivation of historically inherited geopolitics instead of expanding socio-economic collaboration, the chances for conflict settlement and peaceful bilateral relations have been so far thwarted.
