Lord Sarfraz of Kensington asked about his reaction to the ceasefire announcement between India and Pakistan:
1. Economic strength does not automatically translate into operational dominance on the battlefield of the future. Many other factors come into play. One of those factors is clear: traditional Western defence primes are struggling to match the pace, price point, and combat-readiness of Chinese defence innovation. This shouldn’t come as a surprise.
2. Mediation remains effective. In this instance, Trump has been a force for peace. Like it or not: third-party mediation remains more effective than direct bilateral communication in managing high-stakes confrontations.
3. The Fog of War Persists in the Digital Age. Real-time coverage by dozens of South Asian television channels produced wildly divergent narratives. Social media amplified every unverified claim. Military briefings from both India and Pakistan, although obviously biased, greatly helped international media in presenting an accurate position. The ability to “craft victory” on both sides, by domestic media, has been maintained.
4. Boundaries of conflict. Despite the nuclear deterrence, both countries have repeatedly found space for conflict, and not all-out war. This is positive.
5. A new geographic battleground. In this instance, the battlefield has extended beyond traditional geographic zones, deep inside the two countries, instead of along the border, as in the past. This is not a good “new normal”.
6. Patriotism is at an all-time high. Nothing unites fragmented societies like War. In both India and Pakistan, there was overwhelming public support for their respective governments and militaries, despite significant public divide on other topics. Hopefully, this energy can be channeled into positive areas.
7. Both countries feel they have delivered their strategic objectives. India feels it has effectively responded to Pahalgam. Pakistan feels it has effectively defended its sovereignty. Both sides save face and can move on.
The planned bilateral talks present an opportunity to break from the repeated cycle of conflict.
The loss of innocent life on both sides has been incredibly tragic. May God bless the subcontinent with sustained peace.
