The ceasefire between India and Pakistan, after a fortnight of confrontation has brought a big relief especially for Pakistan as it suffered casualties in terms of men and materials. The ceasefire may be fragile in view of the historical legacy of conflict between the two countries, and Pakistan’s record of provocations, but indications are that it is likely to hold for now. However, the US President Donald Trump claimed credit for helping stop hostilities between the two warring nations. The development was all the more surprising as Trump had earlier shown his unwillingness to intervene. The question now arises whether New Delhi has been able to extract a promise that Pakistan will not repeat the Pahalgam episode again? The circumstances point to the prodding of both countries by the US. The ceasefire will no doubt be tested on a daily basis, but the US has driven its point home: It has big stakes in the region and can’t afford to let two nuclear-armed neighbours spark a wider conflict. Nonetheless, the government should break its silence on the claim made by US leaders.
