India-Pakistan Tensions Show Signs of De-Escalation
PM Narendra Modi presided over a key meeting on Saturday (Image credit PMO, X)
Geopolitical Experts Highlight Diplomatic Efforts to Ease India-Pakistan Conflicts
By MANISH ANAND
NEW DELHI, May 10, 2025 – Amid recent missile strikes between India and Pakistan, geopolitical experts are detecting signals of potential de-escalation, suggesting both nations may be stepping back from further escalation following intense retaliatory actions.
Christopher Clary, a professor at the University of Albany, noted on X: “Statements by Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, and Asim Munir are encouraging, as is India’s presser this morning. No recent word from DG ISPR, though.” Clary was referencing Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statement on Saturday, which declared, “Today, we have given India a befitting response and avenged the blood of innocent lives,” issued via his office after consultations with political leaders. Notably, Pakistan denied convening a meeting of its nuclear deterrence security group, a move seen as restraint.
Hussain Haqqani, former Pakistani ambassador to the U.S., posted on X: “India and Pakistan seem prepared to pause drones and missiles for now and engage diplomatically. If this holds, de-escalation is possible, though both will claim victory.”
This follows reports of diplomatic outreach, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s calls to Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The G7 also issued a statement urging both nations to reduce tensions.
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and senior military officials. While no official details were released, sources suggest the meeting resolved to treat future terror attacks as acts of war, signaling a firm stance.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who declined questions at a Saturday press conference—unlike previous briefings—reiterated that India’s actions, including Operation Sindoor, were “non-escalatory.”
Operation Sindoor, launched to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, targeted terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, eliminating key Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives.
Rubio reportedly urged both Munir and Jaishankar to pursue de-escalation. Experts argue that with Operation Sindoor achieving its objectives, India has established a hardline anti-terror policy, placing the onus on Pakistan to scale back.
A White House readout on Rubion’s phone call with Jaishankar stated: “Both sides need to identify methods to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation.” Rubio further “proposed U.S. support in facilitating productive discussions to avert future disputes”.
“India’s drawn a clear line—terror attacks will trigger retaliation. Pakistan needs an exit strategy,” said Priyanka Deo on X. on May 10, 2025. Similarly, Shiva Makki commented: “Operation Sindoor hit its mark. Pakistan’s rhetoric about ‘befitting response’ is face-saving. Diplomacy via Rubio and G7 might give them a way out.”
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