Ceasefire Holds Between India and Pakistan: The Role of the US and China
Date: May 13, 2025
In a significant development for South Asian geopolitics, India and Pakistan have agreed to adhere to a mutual ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and other contested borders. The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect recently, marks a notable step toward easing long-standing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Initially, the implementation of the ceasefire saw sporadic incidents and accusations of violations from both sides. However, as of today, both New Delhi and Islamabad appear committed to maintaining peace along the borders, a move welcomed by the international community.
US Influence in the Ceasefire Agreement:-
The United States has publicly taken partial credit for brokering the ceasefire, suggesting that diplomatic channels between Washington and both South Asian nations played a behind-the-scenes role in de-escalating tensions. In addition, the US supported Pakistan’s recent request for funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), casting its vote in favor of Islamabad’s appeal during a critical phase of its economic crisis. While this decision attracted mixed reactions, Washington maintained that economic stability in Pakistan is essential for regional peace and global security.
China’s Strategic Alignment with Pakistan:-
Unlike the United States, China has remained largely silent in public forums regarding the ceasefire. However, its influence in the region—particularly over Pakistan—remains undeniable. Beijing continues to be Islamabad’s closest strategic ally, with significant investments in infrastructure, ports, and economic zones under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Analysts note that China’s economic footprint in Pakistan has grown to such an extent that many strategic assets, including ports and key logistics hubs, are effectively under Chinese operational control. While China did not publicly mediate the ceasefire, its backing of Pakistan—diplomatically and financially—has given it considerable leverage in the regional equation.
Looking Ahead
The current ceasefire presents a rare opportunity for India and Pakistan to recalibrate their bilateral ties, which have long been marred by hostility, cross-border skirmishes, and stalled diplomatic dialogues. The involvement of global powers such as the US and China, each with its own strategic interests in South Asia, underscores the complexity of peace efforts in the region.
For now, the world watches with cautious optimism as India and Pakistan navigate this delicate moment, with hopes that this ceasefire can evolve into sustained peace and dialogue.
