Defusing a Calibrated Clash, Pakistan Releases Indian Pilot
Nuclear rivals keep confrontation limited while intensifying retaliatory strikes
Pakistan released an Indian pilot in a gesture the appeared to de-escalate a standoff between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Is the return of the pilot enough to calm tensions? WSJ’s Eric Bellman explains. Photo: AP
Pakistan released a captured Indian fighter pilot on Friday, aiming to end a cycle of retaliatory attacks that brought the nuclear-armed foes close to war and could set a precedent for future clashes.
Wing Cmdr. Abhinandan Varthaman was released at the border and walked into India in a dramatic evening handover that was broadcast on television in both countries. His release lowered the immediate tensions caused by several days of back-and-forth airstrikes and his capture.
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