A concerning forecast from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) suggests that India and Pakistan could face renewed armed conflict as early as 2026, with rising terrorist activity cited as the key driver. The report, released on December 18, emphasizes the volatile nature of the region. This warning comes on the heels of a brief but intense military exchange in May, triggered by a devastating terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. India responded with ‘Operation Sindoor,’ effectively targeting and destroying numerous terror launch pads and eliminating significant numbers of JeM and LeT militants. Pakistan’s attempts at aerial retaliation were met with successful interceptions by Indian air defenses. A ceasefire was subsequently established after direct communication between the military operations directors of both nations. Additionally, the CFR report flags the Afghanistan-Pakistan border as another potential flashpoint, predicting conflict stemming from an increase in cross-border militant incursions, echoing recent clashes over the Durand Line.
2026 Conflict Alert: India-Pakistan & Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions Rise
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