The repercussions of the May 7-10 India-Pakistan armed conflict are still unfolding, a fortnight after the ceasefire. Now a battle of narratives is underway.

Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, declared a “win” following the ceasefire. This resulted from US president Donald Trump’s misguided and repetitive claims of mediation. Pakistan was naturally delighted over the resurrection of the Kashmir issue. This undermines the BJP argument that the 2019 constitutional changes, dealing with Kashmir as an internal matter, had already resolved the issue.

Pakistan, thus, succeeded in projecting its point of view, at home and abroad. In India, on the other hand, the government was unwilling to convene the Parliament, allow discussion and, thus, generate a political consensus on the future course. Prime Minister Narendra Modi did address the nation and visit an airbase in Punjab to counter Pakistani propaganda about extensive damage. The US claims of mediation were also subtly rejected.

Pakistan, meanwhile, got its IMF bailout and now has elevated its chief of the army staff, General Asim Munir, as field marshal. President Ayub Khan last held that rank. This may reflect the Pakistani military’s mounting control over the civilian government, but publicly it will be projected as a reward for “winning” the military encounter with India. Pakistan’s government, apparently, will rebuild the........

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