April 13: The Diplomat report by Amina Afzal states that Conflict along the line of control (LoC) — the dividing mark between Indian and Pakistani-controlled portions of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir — has become a permanent feature of India-Pakistan relations. There are numerous reasons for improving relations. Both countries only stand to gain from better relations. For one, it would lessen the pressure to constantly increase military budgets. The Indian Army vice chief recently informed the Indian Parliament that 68 percent of the army’s military equipment was vintage and also that its capital budget does not cover the committed payments of 125 ongoing procurement deals. There is no budget allocation for emergency procurements and not enough funds exist to procure material for 10 days of warfighting.
The Diplomat: Overcoming India and Pakistan's Perpetual Standoff in Kashmir
