Thursday Briefing: What’s Next for India and Pakistan?

The conflict between India and Pakistan appears to be escalating after India's airstrikes in contested Kashmir and Punjab Province resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Pakistan swiftly retaliated with its own airstrikes, claiming the downing of Indian jets and inducing further tension. While neither side has yet launched a full-scale invasion, the situation remains highly volatile. Diplomats and analysts express cautious optimism that an all-out war could be avoided, with Pakistan welcoming U.S.-mediated efforts to de-escalate tensions.