Context:

India and Pakistan recently engaged in military conflict after India launched airstrikes in response to a terrorist attack it linked to Pakistan. The strikes went deeper into Pakistan than any in recent decades, targeting areas associated with terrorist groups, and resulted in significant damage and casualties. Pakistan claims to have downed several Indian jets in response, but the details remain unclear, with both sides claiming some form of victory. Despite the escalation, there are hints of potential de-escalation, with back-channel communications reportedly occurring between the two nations. Analysts emphasize the need for international diplomacy to prevent a full-scale war, especially given the economic difficulties faced by Pakistan and the global geopolitical climate.

Dive Deeper:

• India launched airstrikes deep into Pakistan, targeting areas associated with terrorist groups following a deadly attack in Kashmir, resulting in extensive damage and over 20 casualties.

• Pakistan claims to have downed two to three Indian planes, although the details remain unclear, as both countries engaged in a tense military exchange along their border.

• Despite the escalation, there are signs that both countries may seek to avoid further conflict, with reports of back-channel communications between their national security advisers.

• India's actions were framed as limited and targeted, aimed at quelling public anger over the Kashmir attack while avoiding further escalation into a prolonged conflict.

• Pakistan faces significant economic challenges and lacks equivalent retaliatory targets within India, making prolonged conflict undesirable, yet it emphasizes deterrence to prevent future Indian strikes.

• There is broad consensus on the damage caused by Indian strikes, but uncertainty remains about the specifics of the reported downing of Indian aircraft by Pakistan.

• International diplomacy is crucial to managing tensions and preventing the crisis from spiraling into a full-scale war, as both nations navigate the aftermath of their military clash.