To comprehend the Kashmir issue, we must first consider Kashmir’s geographic

significance. Kashmir is one of the most strategically important locations in the

world as this region is placed between Pakistan, India, and China, three countries
with nuclear weapons. It is important to note that Pakistan acquiring nuclear
weapons in 1998 helped to stabilize relations between India and Pakistan by
restoring balance of power.

Regarding Kashmir’s strategic location, the valley spans an area of 86,772 square
miles between some of the Karakoram’s and the Himalayas’ tallest peaks. Kashmir
also shares its border with Afghanistan, a country that connects South Asia with
Central Asia, while Central Asia serves as a physical link between Europe and the
rest of Asia. Also, the vital Indus River, which is crucial for Pakistani
agriculture, starts from Kashmir. In addition, Kashmir is crucial to China’s
interests, particularly considering the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-
Pakistan Economic Corridor. For all these reasons, Kashmir is in a vital
geopolitical position, with each nation claiming the entire area but only
controlling a portion of it.