Foreign Policy Live Will India and Pakistan Go to War?
24 snips
May 9, 2025 
Tanvi Madan, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and host of the Global India podcast, dives into the escalating tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan. The discussion reveals the severe implications of recent military actions triggered by a deadly attack in Kashmir. Madan explores the historical context of the Kashmir dispute, potential de-escalation strategies, and the influence of external powers on the conflict. Insightful commentary on the strategic constraints both nations face and the media’s role in shaping public perception adds depth to this critical analysis.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
April 22 Pahalgam Attack Impact
- The April 22nd attack in Pahalgam targeted predominantly civilian tourists, many on their honeymoons, with a religious dimension to the violence.
- The attack generated a nationwide outpouring of anger and rare cross-party political unity in India.
India's Military Shift Since 2016
- India historically accused Pakistan of backing insurgents in Kashmir but refrained from military retaliation until 2016.
- Since 2016, India has shifted strategy to include surgical and air strikes as responses to militant attacks.
Significance of May 7 Strikes
- The May 7 Indian strikes were notable for scale and depth, including strikes into Pakistan's Punjab province.
- This represented a qualitative change with strikes encroaching into Pakistan’s heartland and ethnic power base.
