The Indo-Pak Equation

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Sources

• India–Pakistan drone and missile conflict: differing and disputed narratives | IISS | Rahul Roy Chaudhury

• Lessons for the next India-Pakistan war | The Brookings Institution | Joshua T. White

• Escalation Gone Meta: Strategic Lessons from the 2025 India-Pakistan Crisis | Belfer Center | Rabia Akhtar

• Operation Sindoor: a turning point for India in addressing terrorism in Kashmir? | ICCT | Tanya Mehra

• What Led to the Recent Crisis Between India and Pakistan? | CSIS | Diya Ashtakala

• Kashmir: Renewed India-Pakistan tensions | UK Parliament House Of Commons Library | John Curtis

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Discussion Questions

1. The podcast highlighted the "fragility of nuclear deterrence" and the unprecedented role of drone warfare in the 2025 crisis. How do these new technological realities fundamentally alter the risk of escalation between nuclear-armed states, and what are the most immediate dangers this poses?

2. Both India and Pakistan engaged in significant "misinformation and disinformation campaigns." How do these conflicting national narratives hinder effective de-escalation and international mediation, and what responsibilities do nations bear in fostering more accurate information during crises?

3. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty was a highly escalatory move. Beyond military actions, what other non-military tools or strategies, such as those impacting critical resources or economy, could be employed in future conflicts between these states, and how might they impact the escalation ladder?

4. The podcast noted an "evolving Indian posture" towards more high-intensity responses to terrorism. What are the long-term strategic implications of this shift for regional stability, and how might Pakistan adapt its own strategies in response?

5. Considering the recommendations from the various think tanks, if you could prioritize one single action for either India, Pakistan, or the international community to undertake now to prevent a repeat of the 2025 crisis, what would it be and why?

Leave your thoughts below, we’d love to hear your perspective on this subject!