he humanity heaved a collective sigh of relief on May 10, following a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in South Asia, India and Pakistan, brokered by the United States. As highlighted by President Donald J Trump, the breakthrough was the result of intense diplomatic efforts initiated after his team purportedly received alarming intelligence.

According to CNN, a core group of top US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, “while they declined to describe the nature of the information, citing its sensitivity,” said it was critical in persuading the three officials that the US should “increase its involvement.”

According to The Washington Post, “for four nerve-racking nights, missiles and drones streaked across the skies of major cities in India and Pakistan, as the nuclear-armed neighbours appeared to be sliding toward all-out war.” The most recent escalation, rooted in a long history of unresolved disputes and military posturing, intensified when India launched BrahMos missiles across Pakistan’s sovereign airspace, a move that received immediate and proportional response.

Pakistan’s retaliation, grounded firmly in Article 51 of the UN Charter, highlighted its adherence to international law and its capability to respond with strategic discipline. The conflict erupted after unprovoked and unjustified Indian airstrikes from May 7 to May 10, following a terrorist incident in Pahalgam on May 2 for which it blamed Pakistan. Pakistan has categorically denied being involved.

The strikes led to tragic civilian casualties, including women, children and the elderly, as well as damage to religious landmarks. Pakistan demanded an impartial international inquiry into the Pahalgam attack, an offer India refused, further exposing the diplomatic chasm between the two countries. President Trump’s intervention was instrumental not only in de-escalating the immediate conflict but also in steering the dialogue toward peace and trade.

President Trump’s offer for more trade, positioned as a historic economic opening, included a commitment to increase market access for Pakistani goods, eliminate certain tariff barriers and initiate investment programmes in high-tech sectors, agriculture and textiles.

The opportunity arrived at a........

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