Author – Tanuja Goria , A student at National law Institute University (Bhopal)
Abstract
The India-Pakistan conflict of 2025 was one of the most intense military and diplomatic standoffs in recent years. It began with a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which India blamed on Pakistan-based militant groups, leading to Operation Sindoor—India’s biggest military strike since 2019. The situation quickly escalated, with cross-border airstrikes, drone battles, and political tensions rising. After several days of intense conflict, diplomatic intervention from major international actors resulted in a mutual ceasefire agreement between the two countries. After active hostilities ceased, an unforeseen legal issue arose regarding the attempt to register “Operation Sindoor” as a trademark, prompting a Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court. seeking to bar the trademark This article explores this Trademark Dispute, historical background, military strategies, diplomatic efforts, and global impact of the conflict, shedding light on how such crises shape international relations.
Background and History of India Pakistan Conflict
The conflict between India and Pakistan, especially over Kashmir, stems from historical facts that are often distorted by political narratives. In 1947, the partition of British India allowed princely states to choose between joining India, Pakistan, or remaining sovereign. Jammu and Kashmir, governed by Hindu monarch Maharaja Hari Singh despite its Muslim-majority population, initially opted for independence during the 1947 partition. In October 1947, following an incursion by tribal fighters supported by Pakistan into Kashmir, the region’s ruler requested military assistance from India. He signed the Instrument of Accession, legally merging the state with India in exchange for military protection. This document was accepted by the Governor-General of India, making Kashmir a legitimate part of the Indian Union under international and domestic law.
Despite this legal accession, Pakistan refused to recognize Kashmir’s status and instead occupied a portion of it, now referred to as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This triggered the first Indo-Pak war (1947–48), ending with a UN-mediated ceasefire, which left the region divided. However, the United Nations resolution called for Pakistan to first vacate the occupied territory before any plebiscite could be held. Pakistan always avoided this kind of precondition so no such voting wqas made possible. Yet, it continued to falsely claim Kashmir as its own, turning the region into a long-term battleground.
Over the decades, Pakistan’s repeated military aggression has led to multiple wars: in 1965, when it launched Operation Gibraltar, infiltrating soldiers into Kashmir to incite rebellion; in 1971, when India intervened in support of Bangladesh’s liberation from Pakistan’s brutal regime, leading to Pakistan’s defeat and the creation of Bangladesh After the war, the Simla Agreement was signed in 1972, reinforcing the idea that Kashmir was a bilateral issue to be resolved peacefully. But peace proved elusive.; In 1999, during the Kargil War, when Pakistani soldiers disguised as militants illegally occupied Indian army posts in Kashmir’s Dras and Batalik sectors. These wars not only exposed Pakistan’s violations of peace agreements, such as the Simla Agreement, but also its unwillingness to settle disputes through dialogue.
Beyond open warfare, Pakistan has adopted a sustained strategy of proxy war by supporting terrorist groups operating in India. Over the decades, terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen have carried out dozens of attacks across India, from the 2001 Parliament attack to the 2008 Mumbai carnage that killed over 170 people, and the 2016 Uri and 2019 Pulwama attacks targeting Indian soldiers and now Pahalgham which led to killing of 26 Civilians on basis of religion. These groups enjoy safe havens, training, and funding from within Pakistan, as confirmed by international intelligence and even Pakistani officials at times. These actions are not isolated—they are part of a long-term strategy to destabilize Indian-administered Kashmir and internationalize the issue.
India has exercised significant restraint, repeatedly extending diplomatic efforts and confidence-building measures such as ceasefire agreements, people-to-people exchanges, trade links across the LoC, and cultural diplomacy. However, these efforts have often been derailed by cross-border attacks, infiltration attempts, and ceasefire violations. Despite signing multiple ceasefires—the most recent reaffirmed in 2021—Pakistan has frequently broken these agreements, targeting civilians and Indian troops along the LoC.
Legally, historically, and morally, the position of India is clear and justifiable. Kashmir’s accession to India is based on a documented agreement, ratified by the sovereign ruler and accepted by the Indian government under lawful terms. Continuous cross-border aggression and the fostering of militancy have breached global norms and extended the hardships endured by civilians in the region.
India Pakistan Conflict 2025 and ceasefire
The 2025 India-Pakistan conflict was triggered by one of the most horrifying terror attacks in recent years. On April 22, militants opened fire on a group of tourists in Baisaran, near the scenic town of Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir. The assault, which left at least 26 dead—including children and a local pony handler—was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a terror outfit linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. This was not only the first major terror attack of the year but also one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the Kashmir Valley in recent times. The assault on defenseless tourists in a well-known travel spot triggered widespread anger throughout India, leading to urgent calls for a strong countermeasure.
In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, a massive and swift military campaign aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure operating across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The mission was named “Operation Sindoor,” drawing symbolic meaning from the vermillion mark traditionally worn by married Hindu women, representing honor, strength, and safeguarding. It served as a tribute to the victims and a bold warning to terrorism sponsors.It was India’s most expansive cross-border military strike since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. On May 7, Indian forces hit nine key terror camps using precision-guided missiles, drones, and coordinated artillery fire. The operation was designed to avoid civilian casualties while inflicting maximum damage on terror networks and their support systems. Simultaneously, Indian special forces were placed on high alert along the LoC to prevent retaliation and infiltration.
Pakistan, as expected, responded with aggression. The Pakistani army initiated attack in the border district of Poonch in Jammu & Kashmir, where Pakistani shelling targeted civilian settlements. Mortar shells and heavy artillery fire rained down on villages close to the Line of Control (LoC), leading to the tragic deaths of 15 Indian civilians, including women and children. Dozens were injured. On May 8, the conflict escalated sharply as Pakistan launched drone swarms and missile strikes at Indian targets, including key army logistics bases. India retaliated by destroying several air defence installations near Lahore and neutralizing incoming threats along its western front. The exchange of fire continued for days, spreading panic in border regions and prompting the Indian Premier League (IPL) to be suspended for security reasons.
Despite the rapid escalation, diplomatic efforts began working in the background. Iran offered to mediate, calling both India and Pakistan “brotherly nations,” while the United States Interfered for ceasefire proposal And Trump urged both countries to behave maturely and to settle and announced ceasefire and both countries agreed to a ceasefire on May 10 following direct talks between their army chiefs. While guns fell silent at 5 PM that evening, India made it clear that its stance against terrorism remained firm, and any future provocation would be met with equal or greater force But Pakistan Again violated the ceasefire But after that situation is under control unless Pakistan Again violates it.
Dev Ashish Dubey v. Union of India & Others. 2025 (Trademark Case) – Still pending
Amidst India’s military retaliation to the devastating 2025 Pahalgam terror incident that claimed 26 civilian lives, controversy arose over attempts to trademark the term “Operation Sindoor.”As national sentiment surged, multiple individuals applied to register “Operation Sindoor” as a trademark, raising concerns about commercializing a sensitive military action. Petitioner Dev Ashish Dubey filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Supreme Court of India, arguing that allowing trademark registration would dishonor the sacrifices of soldiers and exploit public emotions. The plea seeks to prevent registration under Class 41, which covers education and entertainment services, ensuring that military operations remain free from commercial appropriation.
Legal opposition to the trademark is based on Section 9 of the Trademarks Act, 1999, which prohibits the registration of marks contrary to public order and morality. The plea noted several individuals applying for the trademark, such as Mukesh Chetram Agrawal from Mumbai, retired Group Captain Kamal Singh Obreh from Jammu & Kashmir, Alok Kothari from Delhi, Jayraj T from Kerala,and Uttam (Gujarat), with applications filed in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad registries. Additionally, Reliance Industries, which had initially sought registration, withdrew its application following public backlash, further strengthening opposition to the trademark’s approval.
The PIL requests the Supreme Court to direct trademark registries to reject and remove all applications for “Operation Sindoor.” It raises critical questions about whether military operations should ever be subject to commercial branding, setting a precedent for intellectual property law and national security discourse. The dispute underscores the complex relationship between law, nationalism, and trademark rights, reflecting broader concerns about how military operations are legally protected in India’s evolving commercial landscape.
Requested Relief: Prohibition and cancellation of all trademark filings for “Operation Sindoor.”
Conclusion –
The India-Pakistan conflict of 2025 serves as an important event in History of India and Pakistan conflicts yet India must ensure that future resolutions should :
1. Prioritize national interests over external pressures like third party involvement of foreign diplomats should not be there India must be capable in resolving its own conflicts
2. Strengthen cybersecurity, intelligence-sharing, and pre-emptive counterterrorism measures should be a priority to avert similar crises before they escalate into military confrontations like advanced drone surveillance, a rapid response task force etc
3. Regarding the Operation Sindoor trademark case, the Supreme Court must set a clear legal precedent ensuring that military operations and national security events remain protected from commercial misuse. Trademarking such terms for entertainment or private business is not only unethical but also risks distorting historical narratives and undermining the sacrifices made by the armed forces.
4. Strengthen diplomatic ties with global allies like Russia, U.S., France, and Japan, leveraging international support for India’s stand against terrorism.
5. Push for Pakistan’s blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) if credible evidence links its government or military to terror activities in India.
6. Invest in indigenous defense technology—especially in quantum computing, AI-driven surveillance, and advanced weapon systems.
7. Strengthen public awareness through counter-terrorism legal education, ensuring citizens understand their rights, responsibilities, and national security laws.
The 2025 India-Pakistan standoff, along with the legal battle over the “Operation Sindoor” trademark, showcases the overlap of military actions, legal interpretations, and international diplomacy. While the ceasefire provided a temporary halt to hostilities, the underlying tensions between the two nations remain, reinforcing the need for long-term conflict resolution mechanisms rather than reactive solutions.
FAQ’s
1. What led to the India-Pakistan conflict in 2025?
The conflict was triggered by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed, allegedly by Pakistan-based militant groups. This led to a severe escalation in tensions, with India launching Operation Sindoor, its largest military strike since 2019, targeting terror infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC) and Pakistan’s territory.
2. How many wars have India and Pakistan fought?
India and Pakistan have fought four major wars since their independence in 1947:
- 1947–1948 (First Kashmir War): Fought over Jammu and Kashmir, ending in a ceasefire mediated by the United Nations.
- 1965 (Second Kashmir War): A full-scale war that ended with the Tashkent Agreement, brokered by the Soviet Union.
- 1971 (Bangladesh Liberation War): Led to the creation of Bangladesh, marking India’s most decisive victory over Pakistan.
- 1999 (Kargil War): A conflict triggered by Pakistan’s intrusion into Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir, ultimately repelled by India.
3. What was Operation Sindoor, and why was it significant?
Operation Sindoor was India’s military response to the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, aimed at eliminating terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). It was the largest military strike since Balakot (2019) and marked a significant escalation in India’s counterterrorism strategy. It also led to a legal dispute, as multiple individuals attempted to trademark the operation’s name for commercial purposes, prompting a Supreme Court case questioning the ethical use of military operation names.
4. What is the Operation Sindoor trademark controversy?
Several individuals and companies filed applications to register “Operation Sindoor” as a trademark, primarily for education and entertainment services. Concerned about the commercial misuse of a sensitive military operation’s name, petitioner Dev Ashish Dubey filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court of India to block the registrations. The case raises questions about whether military operations should be trademarked for commercial purposes.
5. How many terrorist attacks have Pakistan-based groups carried out in India?
Pakistan-based terrorist groups have carried out multiple attacks on Indian soil, targeting civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure. Some of the most devastating incidents include the 2008 Mumbai attacks (166 killed), where Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives carried out coordinated strikes across the city, and the 2019 Pulwama bombing (40 CRPF personnel killed), which led to India’s retaliatory Balakot airstrikes. Earlier, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack (9 killed) had brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war. The 2016 Pathankot airbase attack (7 killed) further exposed security vulnerabilities, while the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack (26 civilians killed) reignited cross-border tensions, prompting India to launch Operation Sindoor against terror camps.
