Pakistan shooting down Indian jets shows it can harm India: US newspaper

Washington: The American newspaper Washington Post has written in its editorial that there is a way out of the current crisis for Pakistan and India, and the United States should also take further steps to make dialogue and restraint possible between the two countries.

In its editorial, the Washington Post said that both countries have a large number of nuclear weapons, and this is the first time since the 1971 war that India has attacked Punjab, Pakistan.

Regarding Pakistan's retaliatory action, the newspaper said that Pakistan apparently shot down several Indian fighter jets within its territory, which is an indication that it can harm India in response.

According to the newspaper, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is trying to mediate between the two countries and is urging dialogue and restraint, which should be further intensified in the context of the recent violence.

The newspaper said that a plausible solution to the crisis could also be for both sides to claim victory, as India has paid the price for its attacks due to the downing of the aircraft.

According to the newspaper, India maintains that its attacks were revenge for the Pahalgam incident. Pakistan's friends, including China, should find an acceptable narrative, which may include the claim that the downing of Indian aircraft established deterrence, and there are signs that this may be happening.

The newspaper claimed that if both countries step back from the brink of war, the diplomatic process should increase. India could revive the Indus Water Treaty, which has been suspended with Pakistan since the Pahalgam incident, in return for which Pakistan could also take some possible steps.

The Washington Post editorial said that New Delhi and Islamabad should re-establish diplomatic and military back channels. It could be very dangerous if the two nuclear powers do not talk.