India-Pakistan Ceasefire: A Fragile Path to Peace

On May 10, 2025,

India and Pakistan announced an immediate ceasefire following a significant escalation in hostilities that had brought the two nuclear-armed neighbors to the brink of war. The truce, brokered by the United States with support from 36 countries, aimed to halt four days of intense cross-border fighting triggered by a deadly militant attack on Hindu tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Background: Escalation Leading to the Ceasefire

The immediate cause of the escalation was a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups and launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC). These strikes reportedly killed Abdul Rauf Azhar, a senior Jaish-e-Mohammed commander. Pakistan responded with missile and drone attacks on Indian military installations, including cities like Amritsar.

The ensuing conflict led to at least 60 deaths and mass civilian displacement, marking the worst military confrontation between the two countries in nearly three decades.
The Scottish Sun

Ceasefire Agreement and Immediate Violations

The ceasefire was announced after intensive diplomatic efforts, with former U.S. President Donald Trump stating that both nations had agreed to a “full and immediate” cessation of hostilities. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the agreement, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace.

However, within hours of the announcement, explosions and drone intrusions were reported in Indian-administered Kashmir, particularly in Srinagar and Jammu. India accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire, stating that its armed forces were responding to these breaches. Pakistan denied the allegations and called for diplomatic communication to resolve the issues.

International Reactions and Ongoing Tensions

The international community, including the G7, called for immediate de-escalation and emphasized the need for sustained dialogue between India and Pakistan. Despite the ceasefire, both countries maintained high operational readiness, and previous punitive measures, such as suspended trade and visas, and the halt of the Indus Waters Treaty, remained in place.

While the ceasefire agreement on May 10, 2025, was a significant diplomatic achievement, its immediate violations underscore the fragility of peace between India and Pakistan. The situation remains volatile, and sustained diplomatic efforts are essential to prevent further escalation and to address the underlying issues fueling the conflict.