[Baron von Kriterium]

Some observations:

1. The continuing clashes between two nuclear powers is concerning with no real indication of deescalation. However, this doesn't seem to warrant much time in western media. These skirmishes are under-reported or reported as seemingly insignificant. Why? There have been many casualties along the LoC and hospitals are reporting shortages of blood. The latter isn't confirmed, which leads to point 2.

2. Unlike Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan or Israel, videos and pics of what is happening in Kashmir are few and far between. IND and PAK aggressively control information. I find it difficult to verify what is true or not. There is lots of honour and emotion involved with these two countries.

3. With reference to point 2 and the air forces of the two nations. It seems odd to me that, along probably the most dangerous border in the world and in what is arguably the most contested region in the world, neither side seems to employ an air defence system capable of denying enemy aircraft interdiction.

4. At this point in time - meaning as I write - I still really do not know what actually happened with the air combat resulting in the capture of the IND pilot.

- IND states they shot down PAK F-16.

- PAK now states F-16 not involved, but they won't say what was involved. There are those that speculate JF-17 and I have seen some video of JF-17 doing some hot scrambles from their PAK bases. However, official Chinese state response is no comment. Thus, I assume JC-17 was involved.

- Now, PAK claims the pilot they captured is an Su-30 pilot. Thus, they shot down an Su-30. Su-30 is a two-seater. Do they have the second pilot? Is he MIA? If PAK does have the second pilot, IND now has a problem because they insisted it was an MiG-21 that crashed. In the big scheme of things it doesn't really matter but, as I mentioned above, there is much pride and emotion and Modi would have to explain to his people right before a Spring election that he lied.


5. There supposedly was another IND Su-30 shot down (on 27 Feb). I don't believe the PAK government has claimed that, though. However, like everywhere else, people leak info. The pilots have been named (I won't name them here). An IND Mi-17 also crashed that day. IND claims it was a tech malfunction, Kashmiri rebels claim they shot it down.