14. The Kargil Conflict (1999)
In May 1999, Pakistani forces infiltrated the Kargil district along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to intense military confrontations with India. The conflict raised concerns about potential escalation between two nuclear-armed nations. The United States, under President Bill Clinton, played a pivotal role in urging Pakistan to withdraw its forces, thereby preventing a broader war. This intervention marked a significant shift in U.S.-India relations, fostering closer ties in the subsequent years. For an in-depth analysis, refer to the Brookings Institution’s overview of the Kargil conflict (brookings.edu).
