Each India and Pakistan claimed they did not need all-out conflict, or for issues to escalate.
However on condition that these statements got here inside hours of airstrikes from both facet, it is simple to grasp why the world was sceptical.
Quick ahead only a few hours although and a ceasefire has been agreed – with the assistance of the US, who brokered talks and even introduced the deal.
India-Pakistan dwell: Newest updates as ceasefire agreed
The settlement has sparked celebrations in Pakistan, with folks in lots of cities, together with Lahore, taking to the streets. Chants of “Pakistan Zindabad” – “Long Live Pakistan” in English – are ringing out.
However the deal does not undo the occasions of the previous two weeks, which is able to proceed to weigh closely on the minds of many right here.
The navy motion has been essentially the most vital between the international locations in many years and dozens have died on each side.
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Pakistan fires missiles at India
Simply this morning, Pakistan inflicted some severe injury to India’s navy websites and New Delhi didn’t waste time responding with additional strikes.
It was a reminder, for a lot of, of the uncertainty of the scenario between India and Pakistan.
Picture:
A home broken in Indian shelling, in Shah Kot, in Neelum Vallery. Pic: AP/M.D. Mughal
Representatives from every nation will communicate once more on Monday and even with the strikes halted, for now, the subsequent 48 hours will likely be a really testing second.
Each side have usually proven hanging strategic restraint. And up to now fortnight, neither has launched a full-scale assault.
However their enmity has been enduring, and even with the settlement in place, it feels a bit complacent to imagine India and Pakistan will simply stroll again from the brink.