DEVELOPING confidence-building measures is a time-tested practice to reduce tensions between adversaries. The term was first used during the Cold War. Ever since, CBMs have sought to manage the risk of conflict escalation. In that sense, they are a kind of preventive diplomacy.
Since the signing of the 1972 Shimla agreement, India and Pakistan have undertaken several measures to build mutual trust with a view to keeping peace and preventing wars. Although many of these CBMs have helped reduce the risk of military confrontation, the two countries have failed to build a lasting peace, mainly because of deep-rooted mutual distrust. There have been three broad categories of CBMs that have sought to promote peace and security between India and Pakistan: nuclear, conventional, and Kashmir-related.