India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbors, agreed to a sudden ceasefire on Saturday following diplomatic efforts led by the United States.
The agreement aimed to halt a fast-escalating conflict that had raised fears of a full-scale war. However, just hours after the announcement, new ceasefire violations were reported in major cities of Indian-administered Kashmir, including Srinagar and Jammu. Residents and officials described hearing explosions and witnessing flashes in the night sky.
Neither country’s military provided immediate comment. The recent fighting had been the most intense in nearly 30 years and had raised concerns that nuclear weapons could be involved. Pakistan's military even mentioned a possible meeting of its nuclear command authority, but the defense minister later denied any such plans. The most recent round of violence resulted in 66 civilian deaths.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the ceasefire on social media, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to peace while emphasizing its sovereignty. India's foreign secretary said both sides' military leaders had spoken and agreed to stop hostilities from 5 p.m. Indian time, though the term "ceasefire" was not used in the official statement.
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the news, crediting overnight talks led by the U.S. for the breakthrough. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that several key officials from both countries, including Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif, were involved in the negotiations. Around 36 other countries also played a role in reaching the agreement.
India had launched airstrikes in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir earlier in the week, claiming to target terrorist sites in response to a deadly attack on Hindu tourists. Pakistan denied any involvement in the attack. The following days saw missile strikes and artillery fire exchanged across the border.
Despite the ceasefire, Indian government sources told Reuters that punitive measures such as the suspension of trade and visas would remain in place. The crucial Indus Waters Treaty, suspended by India, also remains inactive for now.
Future talks are planned to take place at a neutral venue and will address a wider range of issues, according to Secretary Rubio. Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar reaffirmed India's hardline stance against terrorism.
On both sides of the border, the news of the ceasefire was met with relief. Airports in Pakistan resumed full operations, and media showed tanks withdrawing from border areas. Omar Abdullah, chief minister of Indian-administered Kashmir, welcomed the ceasefire but lamented the delay that cost lives.
Analysts emphasized the importance of redirecting attention to socio-economic development in both countries. Experts also expect that the suspended Indus Waters Treaty will be a major topic in the upcoming negotiations.
India and Pakistan have long been in conflict over the Kashmir region since their partition in 1947. They have fought three wars, two of them over Kashmir and continue to face frequent border skirmishes. India accuses Pakistan of supporting terrorism in Kashmir, while Pakistan denies this, saying it only offers moral and diplomatic support to separatists.
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