Fragile Peace: Understand the challenges to maintain the ceasefire between India and Pakistan

Point of discord between Islamabad and Nova Delhi since the division of the two countries in 1947, Caxemira will be one of the questions at the negotiation table. Among other delicate issues is the Indian water treaty, signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, to share the waters of the river. The Indians suspended the agreement after the April 22 attack. A punitive measure described as an act of war for Pakistan, whose economy depends on this source of water.

Shortly after the Indian Caxemira attack, the United States offered themselves as a possible mediator as they have good relations with both countries. But it was after India attacked a Pakistani air base and Pakistan responded by attacking Indian facilities that things accelerated.

The climb mobilized Washington and Donald Trump spoke in a “whole night” of negotiations to reach an agreement about this truce. The Pakistani Prime Minister thanked him publicly. In addition, on the night from May 10th to 11th, the US President said he was “very proud” that India and Pakistan had agreed to cease their hostilities and announced that the United States would increase their trade with these rival powers in southern Asia.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured that the two governments “agreed to start negotiations on a wide range of issues at a neutral place.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also made numerous diplomatic approaches with both sides this week, but Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister, allegedly refused to talk to him. Guterres hoped the deal would lead to “lasting peace” and the creation of a dialogue to solve the problems that have long divided the two countries. Pakistan, which is part of the UN Security Council, was considering that the board endorsed the truce.

Concern in Nova Delhi

Since the beginning of the conflict between India and Pakistan, which has left at least 60 dead since May 7, the feelings of the inhabitants of Nova Delhi are divided between trust and fear of total war.