- India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire after days of military escalation.
- Explosions were reported in Indian-administered Kashmir hours after the announcement.
- India accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire, while Pakistan denied the claims.
- The ceasefire was brokered by the U.S., with over 30 countries involved in diplomacy.
- Tensions remain high as both nations exchange accusations.
Ceasefire Announced Amid Rising Tensions
India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbors with a history of conflict, announced a ceasefire on Saturday following days of intense cross-border military confrontations. The agreement came after U.S.-brokered negotiations involving over 30 countries, aimed at de-escalating one of the most severe military confrontations in decades.
The ceasefire followed a series of retaliatory strikes between the two nations, which began after a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam region last month. The attack, which claimed 26 lives, was blamed by India on Pakistan, a charge that Islamabad denied.
Explosions Reported Hours After Ceasefire
Despite the announcement, reports of explosions in Indian-administered Kashmir emerged just hours later. Residents in Srinagar and Jammu reported hearing loud blasts and seeing flashes in the sky, raising concerns about the ceasefire’s immediate implementation.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri accused Pakistan of violating the agreement, stating, “For the last few hours, there have been repeated violations of the understanding we arrived at earlier this evening.” Misri added that India’s armed forces were responding appropriately to the situation.
Pakistan, however, denied these allegations. A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Pakistan remains committed to faithful implementation of the ceasefire… notwithstanding the violations being committed by India in some areas.”
International Mediation and U.S. Involvement
The ceasefire announcement was made by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform. Trump highlighted the role of American diplomacy in bringing the two sides to the negotiating table. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later acknowledged Trump’s “pivotal and paramount role” in facilitating the agreement.
While the exact details of the U.S. involvement remain unclear, both Indian and Pakistani officials confirmed that the agreement was reached through direct communication between the two nations. However, the involvement of over 30 countries in the diplomatic process underscores the global concern over the escalating conflict.
Military Escalation Leading to Ceasefire
The recent escalation began with India’s targeted strikes on alleged militant camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. These strikes were in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. In response, Pakistan launched artillery and drone attacks on Indian military bases and civilian areas.
The cross-border exchanges resulted in dozens of casualties and significant damage to infrastructure on both sides. India’s Ministry of Defence reported that its air defense systems intercepted multiple drones, while Pakistan accused India of targeting civilian areas.
Statements from Leadership
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level meeting with defense and foreign affairs officials to discuss the situation. Following the meeting, Indian Foreign Secretary Misri emphasized that India would take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister reiterated the country’s commitment to the ceasefire while urging India to address any violations through diplomatic channels. “We believe that any issues in smooth implementation of the ceasefire should be addressed through communication at appropriate levels,” the spokesperson added.
The explosions in Kashmir have cast doubt on the durability of the ceasefire agreement. Both nations have a history of fragile truces that often unravel due to mutual distrust and accusations.
While the international community has welcomed the ceasefire, it remains to be seen whether the agreement will hold in the coming days. Analysts suggest that sustained dialogue and confidence-building measures will be crucial for long-term peace between the two nations.
Source: BBC News, Reuters, AFP