Is War the Only Answer? Examining Alternatives to Armed Conflict in South Asia

South Asia, home to a fifth of the world’s population, has long stood at the edge of conflict, especially between its two nuclear-armed neighbors: India and Pakistan. With a history punctuated by wars, skirmishes, and political standoffs, the region finds itself once more facing the question: Is war inevitable—or can there be another way? As military rhetoric escalates and border clashes dominate headlines, the cost of another full-scale war would be catastrophic—not just for the two nations involved, but for the entire region and even the world. It’s time to examine viable, peaceful alternatives that could defuse tensions and promote long-term stability.