India and Pakistan don’t fight wars like other countries. Here’s why

India and Pakistan have fought three full-scale wars since they gained independence from British India in 1947. The latest escalation follows a deadly gun attack on tourists that India blames Pakistan for — Islamabad denies any connection. The dominant factor is their nuclear weapons arsenal, a distinct way of deterring major attacks and a guarantee that fighting doesn’t get out of hand, even when the situation is spiraling.