World War 3 fears: ‘Dangerous time’ predicted as tensions between India and Pakistan soar
RECENT border clashes between India and Pakistan has sparked fears of an outbreak of World War 3, with one expert predicting a “dangerous time” in the months ahead.
By STEVEN BROWN
PUBLISHED: 09:30, Sat, Sep 19, 2020
India-Pakistan is a ‘dangerous situation’ says Malloch Brown
The two countries have accused each other of provocations near the Line of Actual Control over recent weeks. And fears the conflict could lead to all-out war has been raised after the two nuclear-powered nations were reported to have fired shots across the contested border in Kashmir.
Daniel Markey, a senior research professor in international relations at John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, has warned spring could be a “dangerous time”.
He told Express.co.uk: “From the US perspective, any steps from either side which takes them closer to nuclear war is bad for all of us. It is something we would rather see avoided.
“In my view, both sides are not equally at fault but there are gaps in both sides approach and that’s what makes it worrisome.
“Here in the US, over the last year-and-a-half, we have been especially concerned this conflict could boil over into a nuclear conflict.
India/Pakistan conflict could lead to nuclear war (Image: Getty)
Indian troops in Kashmir as tensions rise (Image: Getty)
“While right now, I am not concerned about that as both India and Pakistan are too consumed with other concerns.
“Certainly last spring, a lot of us were concerned spring would be a really bad time with relations.
“When the snow melts again and we have got away from COVID, that may be a dangerous time.”
Despite both nations shelling each other across the border and having nuclear weapons in their arsenal, Mr Markey does not think India has a “great military solution” to the conflict.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan (Image: Getty)
He continued: “I’m not convinced India has a great military solution to the issue of Kashmir or Pakistan.
“Attempting to play the tough guy may, over time, become counter-productive rather than productive.
“It also runs the risk of raising the stakes in the region, as these are nuclear-armed powers.”
The border despite between New Delhi and Islamabad has been ongoing for years and the nations have both fought deadly conflicts over the region.
Largest militaries in the world (Image: Express)
Last year, the two countries engaged in cross-border strikes after India accused Pakistan of harbouring insurgents responsible for a suicide attack.
Pakistan continues to deny the allegations.
As tensions continue to grow, civilians in the Kashmir region are paying the price of the conflict.
It is believed around 24 civilians have been killed and more than 100 injured in more than 2,730 violations.
Indian troops in Kashmir as tensions rise (Image: Getty)
Back in June, there was intense shelling with mortars along the Line of Control on Nowshera of Rajouri.
The Indian Army accused the Pakistani Army of violating the ceasefire at three various locations along the border and shots were fired.
Mr Markey also suggested the ongoing conflicts could benefit India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He argued when Mr Modi takes violent actions against Pakistan, they are not “unpopular” and benefit him electorally.
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