Could the India-Pakistan Conflict Spiral Into Nuclear War? An Expert Analysis

India and Pakistan, where a recent conflict has erupted, possess nuclear capabilities. Nevertheless, both nations are expected to avoid deploying these weapons, according to Natalia Butyrska, an expert on East Asia with a master’s degree in foreign policy, during her appearance on the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.

The specialist observed that both nations have activated their armed forces due to escalating tensions. Pakistan sent naval ships to the sea and shifted troops nearer to the terrestrial frontier.

“Such movements raise serious concerns that any accidental gunfire could escalate into a major clash, especially if there’s a trigger, if there’s a spark, and especially with both sides’ forces looking at each other,” Butyrska emphasized.

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As she puts it, the global community is closely monitoring this dispute, worried about the possibility of it spiraling into an all-out war. Currently, there are two potential outcomes: a restrained reaction from India or a significant armed clash.

The specialist additionally highlighted that the topic of nuclear concerns is currently surfacing. India’s policy prohibits initiating the use of nuclear arms, yet it endorses conducting a counter-strike following an attack. Conversely, Pakistan’s stance authorizes the preemptive employment of these armaments.

"I believe that there will continue to be a system of specific deterrents and an awareness of repercussions among these nations. My hope is that this situation does not result in a significant confrontation, but rather leads to increased tensions which will ultimately subside, enabling both parties to revert to their previous state," she stated.

India–Pakistan conflict

On April 22, the militant organization Kashmir Resistance targeted a group of tourists, resulting in the deaths of 25 Indian citizens and one person from Nepal.

India thinks Pakistan was responsible for the terrorist attack. However, the Pakistani government refutes this claim.

For more details on the conflict, refer to the information provided by RBC-Ukraine.