India-Pakistan Standoff Eases After Ceasefire Amid Nuclear Risks, China’s Role, and Calls for Peace Efforts

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated to the brink of war in May 2025, causing widespread concern about the potential for a nuclear conflict between the two countries. Despite stepping back from immediate hostilities, a lasting resolution to the intermittent standoff remains elusive. Analysts and experts emphasize the urgent need for real diplomacy to prevent further escalation, noting that both nations are prepared for future conflict, but an all-out war would be devastating given their nuclear capabilities. The conflict has also drawn attention to China's role, with Indian officials and analysts debating whether China's support for Pakistan could sour its relations with India.

Chinese weapons underperformance in the conflict has been highlighted, raising questions about China's strategic ambitions, especially in the context of Taiwan. The ceasefire reached is viewed by some as a tactical retreat for Pakistan amid shrinking geopolitical space and international fatigue. Various experts, including Harsh V Pant and Vinay Kaura, stress that the conflict exposed the broader regional dangers posed by China. Calls have been made for professional bodies, civil society, and academia in both India and Pakistan to initiate peace efforts. Military analysts have also commented on the Indian Air Force's challenges during the conflict and the strategic risks India faces within Pakistan's missile range. The situation remains volatile, with heightened tensions expected to continue, underscoring the complexity and fragility of peace in South Asia.