On this day, 26th October: Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu signed the Instrument of Accession to join India

On October 26, 1947, the signing of the Instrument of Accession by Maharaja Hari Singh marked a crucial turning point in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. Faced with the threat of invasion by tribal forces from Pakistan, the Maharaja sought military aid from India, which led to his decision to accede. The Instrument formalized the region's entry into India, granting New Delhi authority over defense and foreign affairs while allowing the Maharaja to retain control over local governance. This event sparked the first Indo-Pakistani War and set the stage for ongoing territorial disputes and conflict over Kashmir.

The signing of the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947, by Maharaja Hari Singh was a response to an urgent crisis. Following the invasion of tribal militias from Pakistan, the Maharaja faced mounting pressure to secure his state’s safety. The document effectively allowed Indian troops to enter Jammu and Kashmir, marking the start of military conflict that would last for several months. This decision was controversial and sparked a longstanding dispute between India and Pakistan over the region's sovereignty, leading to multiple wars and ongoing tensions. The implications of this accession continue to influence geopolitics in South Asia today.

The Instrument allowed India to deploy military forces, leading to the first Indo-Pakistani War. This event established Kashmir's disputed status, fueling conflict between India and Pakistan that persists to this day. Various UN resolutions and ongoing negotiations have attempted to address the issue, but a permanent resolution remains elusive, influencing regional dynamics significantly.