August 1947: Britain grants independence to the sub-continent, but it is divided into mainly Hindu India and predominantly Muslim Pakistan, with the latter being made up of two geographically separate territories. The partition process gives rise to widespread violence. 1947-49: The two new states go to war over the Muslim-majority state of Kashmir, which is also partitioned, along a de facto border that neither accepts to this day. 1965: A new war over Kashmir ends inconclusively. 1971: The two countries go to war over East Pakistan, which secedes to form the new nation of Bangladesh. 1979-89: War in Afghanistan causes increased tension between India and Pakistan, with the former supporting its ally the Soviet Union against militant forces, which are backed by Pakistan and the United States. 1998: Both countries carry out tests of nuclear weapons. December 2001: Two months after the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States, militants attack the Indian parliament, killing 15 people and sparking a new crisis between the two states, which break off relations. 2003: Thaw in relations over Kashmir; diplomatic links are restored. November 2008: Militant gunmen attack the Indian city of Mumbai, killing 166 people. India blames Pakistan for the assault. Thursday, Feb 25, 2010: Talks take place between foreign secretaries in New Delhi. __
