On Saturday, May 10, 2025, India and Pakistan announced an immediate ceasefire following intense military escalations that raised fears of an all-out conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations. The ceasefire agreement, facilitated by U.S.-led mediation, aimed to halt weeks of violence that had resulted in numerous civilian casualties and widespread destruction along the border.
The ceasefire was confirmed by both countries after a series of missile exchanges that began earlier that day. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that there had been repeated violations of the ceasefire understanding, asserting that India would respond firmly to any further incursions. “We call upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility,” he said during a press briefing in New Delhi.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, reports of explosions and skirmishes quickly emerged from the region. Residents in Srinagar and Jammu reported multiple loud explosions shortly after the ceasefire was declared, prompting concerns about the stability of the truce. Omar Abdullah, the region's top elected official, expressed his disbelief on social media, asking, “What the hell just happened to the ceasefire?”
In the wake of the ceasefire, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in facilitating the agreement. “We appreciate the United States for facilitating this outcome, which we have accepted in the interest of regional peace and stability,” Sharif stated. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry also confirmed the ceasefire, noting that it was reached after a series of discussions between military officials from both sides.
Amidst the tensions, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ceasefire, urging both nations to pursue peace and stability in the region. “This ceasefire agreement is a positive step toward ending current hostilities and easing tensions,” Guterres remarked. The UN had previously expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, which had seen at least 26 tourists killed in an attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.
As the ceasefire came into effect at 4:30 p.m. local time, celebrations erupted in many cities across Pakistan. Residents in Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar expressed relief and joy, with some firing guns in the air to celebrate the cessation of hostilities. “This is a big day for Pakistan,” said Mohammad Fateh, a young man in Lahore. “Our forces responded with strength, and India had no choice but to agree to a ceasefire.”
However, the situation remained precarious. Reports indicated that cross-border exchanges of fire were still occurring, with Indian artillery fire resuming in certain areas of Kashmir. Local sources reported that projectiles had entered Pakistani airspace, further complicating the situation. Sahar Khan, a security analyst, noted the fragility of the ceasefire, stating, “This is still a very delicate and fragile ceasefire, but I think most people on the ground are relieved to see it.”
In addition to the military tensions, the ceasefire has broader implications for diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that his country remains open to constructive dialogue, stating, “Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Despite this, the Indian military maintained a vigilant posture, with Commodore Raghu R. Nair asserting that the armed forces would adhere to the ceasefire while remaining prepared to respond to any provocations. “Every misadventure by Pakistan has been met with strength,” he stated.
As the day unfolded, reports continued to emerge of ongoing violence, with at least 11 people killed and dozens wounded in artillery exchanges near the Line of Control, according to Pakistani officials. The Pakistani information minister accused Indian troops of deliberately targeting civilians, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
The ceasefire agreement has also prompted discussions about broader issues, including the Indus Waters Treaty, which regulates water sharing between the two nations. With the treaty currently suspended, experts have warned that addressing such fundamental political issues will be crucial to ensuring lasting peace.
In the immediate aftermath of the ceasefire, residents in both Indian and Pakistani-administered Kashmir expressed hope for a return to stability. “For us, peace means survival,” remarked Zulfikar Ali, a resident of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. “We’ve suffered enough. I’m glad that both Pakistan and India have made a sensible decision.”
As the situation evolves, the international community remains watchful, with the G7 foreign ministers calling for immediate de-escalation of hostilities and urging both nations to engage in direct dialogue. With tensions still simmering, the path to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges, but the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope amid the turmoil.
