The Partition of India, as outlined in the Indian Independence Act of 1947, marked the end of British rule in South Asia and resulted in the creation of two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, on August 14 and 15, 1947, respectively. This partition involved the division of the British Indian provinces of Bengal and Punjab based on religious majorities, with Muslim-majority areas becoming part of Pakistan and non-Muslim areas joining India. Along with territorial division, assets like the British Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, civil service, railways, and treasury were also divided.

This event led to massive and hasty migrations, with estimates suggesting 14 to 18 million people moved, and around one million dying due to the violence and upheaval. Refugees, primarily Hindus and Sikhs from regions like West Punjab and East Bengal, migrated to India, while Muslims moved to Pakistan, seeking safety among co-religionists. The partition sparked extensive communal violence, particularly in Punjab and Bengal, as well as in cities like Calcutta, Delhi, and Lahore. Approximately one million Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs lost their lives in these conflicts.

Efforts to mitigate the violence and support refugees were undertaken by both Indian and Pakistani leaders. Notably, Mahatma Gandhi played a significant role in promoting peace through fasts in Calcutta and Delhi.^[4] The governments of India and Pakistan set up relief camps and mobilized armies for humanitarian aid. Despite these efforts, the partition left a legacy of hostility and mistrust between India and Pakistan, impacting their relationship to this day.