India-Pakistan conflict: How real is the risk of nuclear war?British Broadcasting CorporationBritish Broadcasting Corporation

The recent India-Pakistan military standoff, though ultimately resolved by a US-brokered ceasefire, highlighted the ever-present risk of nuclear war between the two nations. While neither side explicitly threatened nuclear use, Pakistan's actions, including convening its National Command Authority (which oversees its nuclear arsenal), raised concerns. Experts point to the lack of formal nuclear doctrines in Pakistan and the ambiguity surrounding India's "no-first-use" policy as contributing factors to the volatile situation. Although the risk of nuclear escalation remains relatively low as long as there's no major ground combat, accidental incidents, human error, or cyberattacks pose a significant threat. Both countries are also expanding their nuclear arsenals, further escalating the risk, although the deterrent effect of mutual assured destruction is currently holding. Despite past close calls, the inherent danger of nuclear weapons in the region means the risk, however small, is still unacceptable.