A ceasefire between India and Pakistan appeared to hold through the night into Sunday, following mutual allegations of breaches just shortly after the truce was agreed upon.
The agreement came after several days of intense cross-border attacks, which marked one of the most serious military escalations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in recent decades. The United States played a key role in brokering the truce.
President Donald Trump commended the leadership of both nations for agreeing to halt hostilities, stating on Sunday that the ceasefire potentially prevented a large-scale loss of life.
Despite the ceasefire, explosions were reported in Indian-administered Kashmir soon after the announcement, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement. The conflict intensified after India launched strikes on targets within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in retaliation for a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam the previous month. Pakistan has denied any role in the attack.
Trump confirmed the “full and immediate” ceasefire on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, emphasizing U.S. diplomatic efforts. Pakistan’s foreign minister later verified the deal, mentioning that dozens of nations had contributed to the mediation process.
Nevertheless, reports of blasts and flashes in the skies over Srinagar and Jammu surfaced just hours later. Indian Foreign Secretary Misri criticized Pakistan for what he described as repeated violations, pledging a fitting response from Indian forces.
In contrast, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry stated it remained committed to upholding the ceasefire, despite what it claimed were Indian infractions, and called for restraint among troops.
The region of Kashmir remains a contentious area, with both countries claiming it in full but each controlling only part of it since their separation from British rule in 1947. The dispute has already sparked two wars.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that both countries had come to an understanding to cease military engagement. He reiterated India’s strong stance against terrorism, stating that this commitment remains unchanged.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the nation, emphasizing that the ceasefire had been achieved for the benefit of all parties involved.
Following the announcement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that both nations agreed to begin discussions on a range of issues at a neutral venue. He noted that he and Vice-President JD Vance had spent two days in talks with the Indian and Pakistani leadership.
President Trump, in another Truth Social update, again applauded the decision, stating it was time to end the ongoing conflict and praised both nations for making a “historic and heroic” move toward peace.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed all international efforts aimed at reducing tensions. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK had also been involved in discussions for several days and welcomed the ceasefire, stressing the need to make it lasting.
The recent escalation followed the killing of 26 tourists, including 25 Indians and one Nepali, in Pahalgam on April 22. Survivors claimed the attackers targeted Hindu men specifically.
India’s defense ministry said its operations were intended to bring those responsible to justice. Pakistan, however, labeled the strikes as unjustified. According to Pakistani authorities, Indian strikes and gunfire had resulted in 36 deaths in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Meanwhile, India reported 21 civilian casualties due to Pakistani shelling.
Hostilities peaked late Friday night, with both sides accusing each other of targeting military bases and installations.
