Diplomacy Amid Destruction

India and Pakistan, two major emerging nuclear powers of South Asia, remain arch-rival neighbors with a long-standing and unresolved conflict over the disputed region of Kashmir, which both claim in full. The two countries have already fought three wars over the Kashmir dispute, and tensions once again flared after a deadly terrorist attack on April 22 at the Pahalgam tourist site in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed. India promptly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting evidence, while Pakistan demanded an impartial and transparent investigation into the incident. Ignoring Pakistan’s call, India launched Operation Sindoor, a military assault targeting multiple locations across the Line of Control (LoC). Although India claimed it struck only militant camps, the operation also hit civilian areas in Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of 36 innocent people. This aggressive move was a clear violation of international law and Pakistan’s sovereignty, as Indian forces crossed the LoC into Pakistani territory. In response, Pakistan invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter, asserting its right to self-defense against external aggression, and warned of potential retaliatory measures if violations continued.

On the night of 9th and 10th May 2025, India escalated the conflict by launching a coordinated attack on Pakistan using fighter jets, ballistic missiles, and armed drones. In a swift and powerful response, Pakistan initiated Operation Bunyān-ul-Marsoos, targeting key Indian military assets and installations across multiple regions. Pakistan's air defense systems effectively neutralized 91 Indian drones. Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder hypersonic missile destroyed India's S-400 air defense system in Adampur, a system valued at $1.5 billion. Additionally, key Indian strategic assets such as the BrahMos missile storage site in Nagrota and Indian Army's Brigade Headquarters in Bhimber Gali (IIOJK) were obliterated. Indian forward posts across the LoC, including Dharam Sal 1, Khawaja Bhibak Complex, Danna 1, Patheli Top, Rabtanwali, and KG Top, were also destroyed, resulting in over 20 Indian military casualties. Simultaneously, Pakistan's cyber warfare division launched a major offensive crippling India’s Northern Command network, breaching key government and defense websites, including those of the UIDAI, Indian Railways, BJP, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Earth Movers, and Atomic Energy Department. Over 1,744 web servers were destroyed, with 150 sensitive databases stolen, 70% of India’s energy grid disabled, 2,500 surveillance systems hacked, and India’s stock market suffering an estimated loss of $83 billion.

However, India and Pakistan's recent drone conflict marks new and dangerous phase in their rivalry; introduced loitering munitions and stealth UAVs into cross-border strikes; experts warn this shift could escalate tensions rapidly between two nuclear-armed states. International actors realize the intensity of the conflict between India and Pakistan and played the role of mediation. Various states including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar having strong diplomatic relation with both India and Pakistan dispatched their diplomats to deescalate the tension between two South Asian nuclear weapon states. The US Secretary of the State Marco Rubio’s role as a mediator between India and Pakistan is a remarkable; he approached India and Pakistan and urged both states to de-escalate the tensions and re-establish direct communication channel to prevent miscalculation. He also offered to facilitate productive discussions aimed at averting future disputes. The ceasefire was finalized through backchannel and direct negotiations facilitated by the U.S. and Gulf states. On May 10, both India and Pakistan issued statements confirming the ceasefire. India’s Ministry of External Affairs described it as a “step toward peace,” while Pakistan’s Foreign Office emphasized the need for “meaningful dialogue.” Trump’s public announcement on X and other platforms reinforced the U.S.’s role as the primary mediator.

Global and regional states including international organization welcomed the India-Pakistan step towards peace and stability of the regional and declare ceasefire. UN issued Press Release titled "Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on India and Pakistan" that highlighted UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed India-Pakistan ceasefire; hoped it paves way for lasting regional peace. He also hoped ceasefire advances India-Pakistan dialogue and affirms UN support for regional peace. Western journalist Derek J Grossman, while citing US President Trump’s statement on Kashmir, claimed that US unintentionally sided with Pakistan by offering to mediate; aligned with Pakistan' stance for international involvement in Kashmir dispute, in contrast to Indian insistence on bilateral resolution.

In short, Kashmir remains at the heart of enduring tensions between India and Pakistan, and the continued refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue only deepens instability in the region. A lasting peace demands a just and negotiated settlement, not unilateral actions or coercive diplomacy. India must reverse its one-sided measures, restore full diplomatic relations, and commit to sincere engagement with Pakistan to resolve all outstanding disputes. Furthermore, India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty poses a grave threat to regional harmony. Water must not be turned into a weapon—millions depend on these resources, and breaching such long-standing agreements undermines international legal frameworks. Pakistan urges India to return to compliance with treaty obligations and embrace dialogue as the only viable path to peace and regional cooperation.