Recent tension has arose in Pakistan and India over the constant disputes in Kashmir, which is split in half with a border called the ‘Line of Control’ separating the two countries. The tensions have been heightened due to a suicide attack in the Indian part of Kashmir, which killed 40 Indian soldiers. Two weeks after the attack, India launched air strikes that were targeted against militants in Pakistani territory. Pakistan promised to respond, “at the time and place of its choosing.” They had then launched an air strike over the Line of Control less than 24 hours later and shot down two Indian Air Force jets.

What has made many Indians upset is that the Pakistani army has taken a pilot as prisoner and has been posting pictures and videos of his distress. Pakistan has agreed to release the pilot on Friday in an attempt to decrease the tensions between both countries. Both countries possess nuclear powers, which is what many are fearful of due to the possibilities of it turning into something worse.

With the Indian parliamentary elections approaching, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to the current situation is very important since he is planning to run for another term as prime minister. There is an immense amount of pressure for him to appeal to voters and prevent another war between the neighboring countries. Due to this it will be hard to predict both countries’ response to the recent events.