India and Pakistan can ill afford war, but who will talk them down?

The attack in Kashmir killed 25 Indian tourists, with both India and Pakistan blaming each other. Public outrage led to demands for decisive action against Pakistan, but uncertainty about immediate retaliatory moves persisted. Indian missile strikes targeted Pakistani soil and Punjab, signaling caution to avoid escalation. However, analysts believe these strikes may act as an 'off-ramp' for Pakistan to take further actions. With the US largely sidelined, tensions remain volatile, particularly with Pakistan's military resolute in countering India's aggression.