Two Nuclear Powers Walked Back From the Brink of War. Here’s What Everyone Is Missing

Indian paramilitary soldiers were seen patrolling a street in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on May 13, as tensions between India and Pakistan reached a dangerous level last week. The two neighboring countries had been exchanging ballistic missiles across their borders, resulting in casualties and displacements of civilians. The situation escalated to the point where both nations cut off diplomatic ties, with India even suspending a key water-sharing treaty with Pakistan.

Global powers such as China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United States intervened, urging for de-escalation. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which both countries confirmed. However, the peace was briefly disrupted when Pakistan conducted drone bombings over the city of Srinagar. Despite the tension, military leaders from both countries engaged in discussions about regional demands regarding trade and diplomacy.

The conflict stems from the historical dispute over the region of Kashmir, divided between India and Pakistan. Kashmiris have long sought independence, leading to clashes and tensions between the two nations. The recent escalation was triggered by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India-controlled Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in retaliatory measures and military actions from both sides.

The ongoing conflict in Kashmir, compounded by political ambitions and historical grievances, has raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further violence. The ceasefire brokered by the U.S. remains fragile, with uncertainties about the long-term resolution of the Kashmir conflict and the prospects for lasting peace in the region.