Following a tense period of escalating military exchanges, India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire, effective May 10, 2025. The agreement, which halts all military actions on land, air, and sea, came after days of precision missile strikes, drone incursions, and artillery battles across the Line of Control (LoC). The announcement of the ceasefire has been welcomed with relief by politicians and residents in both countries.
The recent escalation was triggered by an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which led to a series of cross-border attacks. India accused Pakistan of supporting the militants behind the assault, a claim Islamabad strongly denied. India then launched airstrikes against what it described as militant training camps across the border. Pakistan retaliated by hitting Indian military facilities.
Amidst these rising tensions, the United States, under President Donald Trump, played a crucial role in brokering the ceasefire. Trump announced the agreement on Saturday, stating that it followed a long night of talks mediated by the U.S. He congratulated both countries for using "common sense and great intelligence".
Trump has also claimed that the promise of increased trade with the U.S. was a significant factor in persuading both sides to cease hostilities. He stated that he told both India and Pakistan that if they stopped fighting, the U.S. would increase trade substantially with them. He emphasized the role of economic incentives in the peace effort, suggesting that he has uniquely used trade as a diplomatic tool. Trump posted on Truth Social, praising the leaders of India and Pakistan for understanding that "it was time to stop the current aggression", and also pledging to increase trade "substantially" with both nations.
While the ceasefire has been generally holding, there have been reports and accusations of violations from both sides. Hours after the initial announcement, Pakistani drones were sighted and intercepted in Jammu and Kashmir, and parts of Gujarat. India has accused Pakistan of repeated violations, with Pakistani officials denying these claims. Despite these tensions, both sides have indicated a commitment to the ceasefire for now.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India had only paused its military action against Pakistan. He said India would make no distinction between governments that support terrorism and terrorist groups.
The international community has largely welcomed the ceasefire. Turkiye praised the agreement and called on both parties to establish a direct dialogue, especially regarding counter-terrorism. Pope Leo expressed his hope that negotiations could lead to a lasting agreement.
The Kashmir dispute, which dates back to the end of British colonial rule in 1947, remains a complex issue. Trump has offered to work with New Delhi and Islamabad to find a solution concerning Kashmir.
