Editorial | Peace talks only option for India and Pakistan

Tension and animosity between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan have long been an abiding global security concern. Divided Kashmir, claimed by both sides, is the flashpoint. It exploded in terrorist gunfire last month that killed 25 tourists and a resident of the Indian-administered region. New Delhi blamed Pakistan-based militants. Hopes of avoiding a military response and a deadly escalation were dashed by Indian missile strikes on suspected terrorist targets deep into its neighbour’s territory. They led to the worst military exchange in many years, in which Pakistan claimed victory for its Chinese-armed air force and air defences. At least 31 people were killed in Pakistan or on its side of Kashmir, and 12 on the Indian side. Thankfully, international pressure on both sides to exercise restraint helped bring about a ceasefire after four days.

China has since rightly urged them to resolve differences through negotiation. Further escalation may have geopolitical implications, with China and the United States having deepened security ties with Pakistan and India respectively. Both have urged restraint. Their concern over escalating tensions is well founded. The Indian strikes follow the worst terrorist attack on Indian civilians since the Mumbai assaults that killed 166 in 2008, which was linked to Pakistan-based militant supporters of Kashmiri reunification.

If evidence of the danger of escalation is needed, it is to be found in tit-for-tat strikes triggered by the 2019 killing of 40 Indian paramilitary soldiers by a suicide bomb. It is time for calm heads to prevail. The US and China both have legitimate strategic interests in stability – China through a Belt and Road Initiative partnership with Pakistan and the US through security and economic ties.

Despite the ceasefire, experts say the situation remains on a knife’s edge. US President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate may not be helpful, since India considers it foreign interference in an issue with its neighbour. Moreover, sadly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the conflict with Pakistan has merely “paused”. Otherwise the de-escalation is positive. Ultimately the only solution is through talks between the nuclear-armed neighbours that will enable them to live together in peace. The alternative is unthinkable.