The fact that India and Pakistan were able to agree to a ceasefire as escalations spiralled is reason for optimism. It shows that internal calculations and international pressure can pull the two parties back from the brink. However, the ceasefire represents an incredibly precarious peace. Can it be sustained?

India’s four-day military showdown with Pakistan set several new precedents. For military officials from outside the region, the most intriguing one was Pakistan’s use of advanced Chinese fighter jets and missiles in aerial combat with Western-made counterparts.