Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD

Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD

Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just

$149.99
 
$74.99/Year

Try GOLD - Free

India-Pakistan ceasefire shouldn't disguise fact that norms have changed in South Asia, making future de-escalation much harder

The Island

|

May 13, 2025

India and Pakistan have seen the scenario play out before: a terror attack in which Indians are killed leads to a succession of escalatory tit-for-tat measures that put South Asia on the brink of all-out war. And then there is a de-escalation.

- BY FARAH N. JAN Senior Lecturer in International Relations, University of Pennsylvania

India-Pakistan ceasefire shouldn't disguise fact that norms have changed in South Asia, making future de-escalation much harder

The broad contours of that pattern have played out in the most recent crisis, with the latest step being the announcement of a ceasefire on May 10, 2025.

But in another important way, the flare-up — which began on April 22 with a deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed — represents significant departures from the past. It involved direct missile exchanges targeting sites inside both territories and the use of advanced missile systems and drones by the two nuclear rivals for the first time.

As a scholar of nuclear rivalries, especially between India and Pakistan, I have long been concerned that the erosion of international sovereignty norms, diminished U.S. interest and influence in the region and the stockpiling of advanced military and digital technologies have significantly raised the risk of rapid and uncontrolled escalation in the event of a trigger in South Asia.

These changes have coincided with domestic political shifts in both countries. The pro-Hindu nationalism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has heightened communal tensions in the country. Meanwhile Pakistan’s powerful army chief, Gen. Syed Asim Munir, has embraced the “two-nation theory,” which holds that Pakistan is a homeland for the subcontinent’s Muslims and India for Hindus.

This religious framing was even seen in the naming of the two countries’ military operations. For India, it is “Operation Sindoor” — a reference to the red vermilion used by married Hindu women, and a provocative nod to the widows of the Kashmir attack. Pakistan called its counter-operation “Bunyan-un-Marsoos” — an Arabic phrase from the Quran meaning “a solid structure.”

The role of Washington

MORE STORIES FROM The Island

The Island

Kadugannawa road repairs: NBRO submits report to RDA, DS

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has submitted a report with recommendations on immediate and long-term measures for the landslide affected site at Pahala Kadugannawa to the Kegalle District Secretary, Mawanella Divisional Secretary, and the Road Development Authority (RDA).

time to read

1 min

November 26, 2025

The Island

Police probe removal of name boards from archaeological sites in Batticaloa using tractors

Police in Kiran and Pattipalei say they have launched an investigation, based on complaints into the removal of five name boards erected at five archaeological sites located within Batticaloa Manmunai South and Korale Pattu — Valaichchenai Pradeshiya Sabha areas.

time to read

1 min

November 26, 2025

The Island

The Island

Sri Lankan pride, global glory: Solar Booze sweeps Service and Performance Excellence Awards

Solar Booze (Pvt) Ltd has emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s most recognized renewable energy companies in 2025, celebrating two prestigious awards on both international and national platforms.

time to read

1 min

November 26, 2025

The Island

Cabinet nod for renewed agreement with Italy on mutual recognition of driving licences

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the signing of a renewed agreement with the Italian government on the mutual recognition of driving licences, updating a pact that lapsed in 2021.

time to read

1 min

November 26, 2025

The Island

Modi hoists the flag at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday marked the completion of the Ayodhya Ram temple by hoisting the saffron Suryavanshi.

time to read

2 mins

November 26, 2025

The Island

The Island

Namal condemns CID for intimidaing media

SLPP National Organiser MP Namal Rajapaksa has condemned the summoning of Aruna Editor-in-Chief Mahinda Ileperuma to the CID, calling it a blatant act of media suppression and a warning to journalists across the country.

time to read

1 min

November 26, 2025

The Island

India brings four labour codes into force, promising reforms amid sharp opposition

India on 21 November 2025 implemented four consolidated labour codes that the government says will modernise decades-old workplace laws, expand social security and simplify compliance —a move welcomed by employers but denounced by trade unions and the opposition as harmful to workers’ rights.

time to read

2 mins

November 26, 2025

The Island

Lanka on UN's 2026 anti-torture mission list

Sri Lanka will be one of six countries visited by the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) in 2026, as part of a renewed global push to strengthen safeguards against torture and ill-treatment.

time to read

1 min

November 26, 2025

The Island

How CSE is designed to fail retail investors

Six Charges, 700% More Expensive:

time to read

7 mins

November 26, 2025

The Island

The Island

UNP finally admits MR saved country from terrorism

Former UNP Minister Harin Piers publicly declared for the first time that Mahinda Rajapaksa led the country, ignoring all those pundit nay sayers and brought the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to a successful end.

time to read

10 mins

November 26, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size