What Happened
On May 10, 2025, India and Pakistan agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire following several days of intense cross-border fighting—the worst escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in years.
The violence was triggered by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, that killed 26 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists.
India blamed Pakistan-based militants and launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir with 24 missile strikes in 25 minutes.
Pakistan responded with drone and missile attacks, claiming to have downed five Indian jets. The ceasefire, announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, was the result of diplomatic efforts led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with support from the UK and Saudi Arabia.
Why It Happened
The ceasefire was driven by mounting international concern over the risk of a full-scale war between India and Pakistan. Vice President Vance’s initial remarks downplaying the crisis alarmed the White House, prompting urgent intervention to prevent a potential nuclear conflict.
Pakistan had deployed hundreds of drones to test India’s defenses, and India retaliated by bombing a Pakistani air base near its nuclear command center. The hostilities began after a terrorist attack in Kashmir killed 22 people, mostly Hindu tourists.
Fears of nuclear escalation increased when Pakistan reportedly convened its nuclear command authority, though this was later denied. Recognizing that passive calls for calm were insufficient, Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged directly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani officials.
These efforts led to a negotiated ceasefire. Pakistan praised former President Trump’s leadership in securing the truce, whereas India did not publicly acknowledge U.S. involvement.
The Big Picture
While the ceasefire has brought a temporary halt to hostilities, underlying tensions remain high. Both India and Pakistan have accused each other of violating the truce, with reports of drone sightings and shelling in border areas. India has warned of retaliation if violations continue, while Pakistan denies any breaches.
Civilians on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) have suffered immensely, with tens of thousands displaced and significant damage to property. Despite the ceasefire, many residents are hesitant to return home, fearing further violence.
Internationally, the ceasefire has been welcomed, but there is skepticism about its durability. The core issue – the disputed region of Kashmir – remains unresolved, and without a long-term solution, the risk of future escalations persists.
What’s Next
Military officials from both countries are scheduled to assess the ceasefire’s effectiveness through discussions. India has reopened 32 airports that were shut during the clashes, and markets have rebounded, with Pakistan’s bonds and shares rising significantly.
However, political leaders in India, including opposition figures, are calling for parliamentary discussions on recent developments, reiterating India’s stance on Kashmir as a bilateral matter. While Pakistan has welcomed U.S. mediation, India has declined to comment on it.
The international community, particularly the U.S., UK, and Saudi Arabia, is expected to continue diplomatic efforts to ensure the ceasefire holds and to encourage both nations to engage in dialogue aimed at a long-term resolution.
Sources: The Guardian, Reuters, APNews
Read More : Justice is served’: India Strikes 9 Terror Sites in Pakistan & PoK After Pahalgam Attack