Pakistan tests missile for second time amid ongoing tension with India
Tensions between India and Pakistan are soaring following a deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Kashmir and subsequent missile tests by both countries. The latest development comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was in Islamabad for talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, before heading to New Delhi this week.
Iran has offered to mediate between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, amid concerns that the escalating conflict could lead to a wider regional conflict. However, the situation seems far from de-escalation.
Last month's terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead, remains unclaimed, but rebels in the Muslim-majority region have been waging an insurgency since 1989. Pakistan has denied any involvement and called for an independent probe. In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the military full operational freedom to respond, while Pakistan has warned it will retaliate with force to any aggression.
Following the attack, India unilaterally withdrew from the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, threatening Pakistan’s agricultural water supply, and terminated visa-free travel and bilateral trade. Pakistan responded by closing its airspace to Indian airlines, halting a special visa regime, and accusing India of "water terrorism," warning that altering river flows would be considered an act of war.
Military posturing is increasing as well, with daily exchanges of fire along the militarized Line of Control, the de facto border. India’s navy conducted long-range missile tests, while Pakistan reinforced military positions, anticipating an "imminent" Indian strike. Both countries have arrested numerous individuals and demolished homes in conjunction with security crackdowns.
The risks of miscalculation and a wider escalation are high, particularly with China playing a pivotal role. As both a Pakistan ally and India’s rival, China's leverage via territorial disputes (e.g., Aksai Chin) and control of the Brahmaputra River’s headwaters add complexity to the geopolitical dynamics of the conflict. Islamabad's reliance on Beijing for diplomatic support also complicates third-party mediation efforts.
The absence of backchannel communications and Pakistan’s closer ties to Beijing have made effective de-escalation mechanisms nearly impossible, raising the risks of miscalculation and a potentially disastrous regional conflict.
- Tensions between India and Pakistan, fueled by a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir and subsequent missile tests, have escalated to alarming levels, with Russia, India, Malaysia, and other international players closely watching the war-and-conflicts and politics news.
- Iran, as a potential mediator in the ongoing dispute, has offered to help de-escalate the situation between the nuclear-armed neighbors, but their efforts may be complicated due to China's pivotal role and Islamabad's reliance on Beijing for diplomatic support.
- In a move that heightened tensions, India unilaterally withdrew from the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, potentially threatening Pakistan’s agricultural water supply, and Pakistan responded by closing its airspace to Indian airlines in retaliation.
- Both countries have been engaged in military posturing, with daily exchanges of fire along the militarized Line of Control, India’s navy conducting long-range missile tests, and Pakistan reinforcing military positions, anticipating an "imminent" Indian strike.
- Following the attack, both Russia and Malaysia may be concerned about the rising international war-and-conflicts, as the risks of miscalculation and a wider escalation are high, given China's role in the geopolitical dynamics of the conflict.
- Daily drills and warnings of retaliation have become a norm, with general-news outlets reporting that India has warned its missile forces to be ready for any eventuality, raising the stakes for both nations and the broader international community.
