Article 370: Historical Background, Removal, and Its Impact on Jammu & Kashmir

Article 370 was incorporated into the Indian Constitution in 1949 to honor the unique circumstances under which Jammu & Kashmir acceded to India. After the partition of 1947, the state of J&K decided to join India through the Instrument of Accession, which granted the Indian government authority over defense, foreign affairs, and communications. All other powers remained with the state.