by Abdul Haq
Concerns about the stability of South Asia have been rekindled worldwide by the military escalation between India and Pakistan in May 2025. India blamed militant groups based in Pakistan for the May 3 attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 Hindu civilians. On May 7, India began ‘Operation Sindoor’ in retaliation, focussing on purported terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. Pakistan’s ‘Operation Bunyan al-Marsus’, in response, sparked drone attacks and reciprocal missile strikes. Due to the swift escalation of hostilities, international diplomatic efforts resulted in a ceasefire mediated by the United States on May 10.
International Diplomatic Responses
The growing crisis prompted an immediate response from the international community. With Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio interacting with both countries to defuse tensions, the United States, under President Donald Trump, was instrumental in mediating the ceasefire. Pakistan welcomed President Trump’s offer to mediate the long-running conflict in Kashmir, but India, which insists that Kashmir is an internal matter, remained silent.
Through Foreign Minister David Lammy, the United Kingdom worked with the United States to promote communication between India and Pakistan and guarantee a sustainable ceasefire. Concerned about India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which Pakistan considered provocative, Lammy underlined the significance of upholding existing treaties.
Saudi Arabia, China, Iran, and EU members were among the other countries that offered to mediate and called for moderation. The UN Secretary-General urged both parties to be as restrained as possible and to settle disputes amicably.
Impact on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional security bloc made up of China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian countries, faced difficulties as a result of the escalation. The SCO seeks to advance counterterrorism and regional stability. Its unity has, however, frequently been hampered by the rivalry between India and Pakistan.
In 2023, India’s decision to host the SCO summit virtually was perceived as a move to avoid inviting the Pakistani Prime Minister, highlighting the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations. The May 2025 conflict further strained the SCO’s unity, with member states expressing concern over the potential derailment of the organisation’s objectives due to bilateral disputes.
Notwithstanding these difficulties, the SCO offers a distinct dynamic from other regional organisations due to its stronger base, which is headed by superpowers like China and Russia. According to analysts, the SCO’s wider objectives and diverse membership may help reduce bilateral tensions, even though the India-Pakistan rivalry puts the organisation’s resiliency to the test.
India’s Balancing Act with the Quad
Another dimension to India’s foreign policy dynamics is its participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which is made up of the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. In order to combat China’s expanding influence, the Quad works to advance an open and free Indo-Pacific region. Moscow and Beijing are concerned about India’s commitment to the SCO because of its strategic alliances with Western nations.
India’s careful balancing act between its engagements with the Quad and the SCO is highlighted by the May 2025 escalation. India must manage its relations within the SCO, where China and Russia have considerable influence, while simultaneously attempting to deepen its ties with its Western allies. India’s desire for strategic autonomy and its attempts to retain influence in a variety of geopolitical spheres are reflected in this dual engagement.
Legal and Humanitarian Considerations
Serious humanitarian and legal issues were brought up by the conflict. Pakistan saw the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a long-standing agreement governing water sharing between the two countries, by India as an act of aggression. Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission also denounced the Indian airstrikes as possible breaches of international human rights legislation.
Scholars of law argued over whether India’s military actions were justified under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which permits Pakistan’s self-defence in the case of an armed attack. There were still concerns regarding the strikes’ necessity and proportionality even after India informed the UN Security Council members of its plans.
The Role of China and the United States: A Strategic Perspective
The changing geopolitical roles of China and the U.S. in South Asia were also brought to light by the May 2025 crisis. Throughout the crisis, China, Pakistan’s longstanding strategic ally, reiterated its military and diplomatic backing. By conducting joint naval drills in the Arabian Sea and increasing intelligence cooperation, Beijing subtly signalled its support for Islamabad while pushing both sides to exercise restraint. China’s desire to curtail U.S. influence in the region and its Belt and Road Initiative projects, like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), are both connected to its interest in regional stability.
On the other hand, the US adopted a strong diplomatic approach, reaffirming its commitment to regional stability while mediating a ceasefire. However, worries about U.S. bias have grown in Pakistan as a result of Washington’s expanding strategic ties with India, which are evident in arms deals, intelligence sharing, and Quad initiatives. The U.S. administration countered these worries by calling for de-escalation and reaffirming that maintaining peace in South Asia is still a top security priority worldwide.
The rivalry between the two nations for influence in South Asia is exemplified by this comparison of Chinese and American roles. In addition to highlighting the region’s strategic importance to the new multipolar global order, their reactions to the India-Pakistan conflict raise the possibility that future crises will act as litmus tests for great-power diplomacy.
Conclusion
To sum up, the ongoing unpredictability in South Asia and the difficulties of international diplomacy are brought to light by the May 2025 escalation between India and Pakistan. A wider conflict was averted by prompt international interventions, but the fundamental problems of territorial disputes, cross-border terrorism, and mistrust still exist. The crisis highlighted the necessity of ongoing diplomatic engagement and conflict resolution mechanisms by putting the effectiveness of global alliances like the Quad and regional forums like the SCO to the test. The international community must keep fostering communication and supporting structures that advance regional peace and stability as both countries balance their strategic interests.
Author: Abdul Haq holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Jilin University, the People’s Republic of China.
This article reflects the author’s own opinions and not necessarily the views of Global Connectivities.
