The attack on Indian civilians in the heavily disputed Kashmir region on April 22 stirred up emotions in India, notes Arild Engelsen Ruud, professor of South Asian studies at the University of Oslo, to Norwegian TV2. In previous attacks, soldiers have been killed – now it was innocent civilians.
It created a very strong emotional reaction on the Indian side – and a great popular demand for a counter-reaction.
India wants to see itself as a geopolitical major player in the same league as China and the USA, says the professor. Therefore, Pakistan is an irritation.
He believes that the clashes between the old arch-enemies – who are also both nuclear powers – will continue for at least a few days.
There is a high probability of escalation. It seems there is very little room for concessions from both sides.
South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman notes that Wednesday's Indian attack on Pakistani targets is one of the most intense in years. He raises a warning finger for a major counter-attack from Pakistan.
This is two strong armies that, even with nuclear weapons, are not afraid to deploy significant conventional military forces against each other, he says to the news agency AP.
The risk of escalation is real. They can very well increase the whole thing – and quickly.
