How did the international media portray the potential risks of nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan

International media coverage consistently portrayed the potential risks of nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan as one of the gravest dangers in contemporary geopolitics. Outlets such as the BBC, Al Jazeera, and The Economic Times emphasized that even limited hostilities or miscalculations could rapidly escalate into a catastrophic nuclear exchange, given both nations' substantial arsenals and history of military standoffs. Reports highlighted several key themes: Fragile Deterrence and Escalation Risks: Media coverage underscored that while neither side openly threatened nuclear use, strategic signaling-such as Pakistan convening its National Command Authority-served as a reminder of the ever-present nuclear backdrop. Analysts warned that escalation could occur inadvertently due to human error, cyberattacks, technological failures, or miscommunication, especially during periods of heightened tension. Historical Precedent and Simulation Studies: International outlets referenced chilling scenario studies, such as the widely cited 2019 research predicting a nuclear war between India and Pakistan in 2025, triggered by a major terror attack. These studies described how anger, panic, and rigid military protocols could lead to a chain reaction culminating in a full-blown nuclear exchange, with tens of millions of immediate deaths and global climatic consequences. Global Anxiety and Calls for Restraint: Coverage on platforms like Al Jazeera and CFR noted mounting international concern, with world powers urging restraint and mediation to prevent escalation. The specter of nuclear conflict was consistently framed as not just a regional, but a global threat, with potential fallout affecting billions worldwide. Conventional vs. Nuclear Thresholds: Media also reported on official clarifications from India that its military actions remained within the conventional domain, aiming to reassure both domestic and international audiences and to counter speculation about imminent nuclear conflict. In summary, the international media depicted the risks of nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan as real, persistent, and deeply alarming, with even minor crises having the potential to spiral out of control-a narrative reinforced by both expert analysis and the region's volatile history