A series of military strikes last week by India and Pakistan brought the nuclear-armed rivals closer to a broader war.

For decades, if there's one thing that's been a taboo in the Indian foreign ministry, it is third-party mediation - particularly in the long-running dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir. Those in the know,

India considers Kashmir an integral part of its territory and not open for negotiation, least of all through a third-party mediator. India and Pakistan both rule the scenic Himala