Islamabad/New Delhi, May 17 (2025) – A fragile ceasefire brokered by the US on May 10 remains in place despite mutual allegations of violations and rising tensions between them. It followed a period of intensified military escalation sparked by April’s Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 27 dead; Politico/AP News reports it has continued holding. Indian military forces responded to Pahalgam by initiating Operation Sindoor on May 6, targeting what it characterized as terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan, using missile strikes and air raids against what they perceived to be terror networks within that nation’s territory. Casualties from this operation and infrastructure damage resulted; Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyan al-Marsus targeting Indian military installations; both operations lasted ten days each before Pakistan launched “Operation Bunyan al-Marsus,” targeting Indian military installations, according to The Times of India +6 Moneycontrol +6 mes Wikipedia +6 Wikipedia The United States played an instrumental role in brokering the ceasefire agreement, with former President Donald Trump making public statements emphasizing its significance for preventing further escalation between nuclear-armed neighbours. Military.com AND Axios Even after signing a ceasefire agreement, both nations have accused each other of breaking it. India reported explosions in Srinagar shortly after signing, attributing them to Pakistani actions; Pakistan denied these allegations while asserting its commitment to the ceasefire agreement. Sky News/ Al Jazeera +2 Al Jazeera On May 12, Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both countries held talks and agreed to uphold and observe a ceasefire and refrain from any aggressive actions, while discussing measures to reduce troop presence along the Line of Control. Deseret News +4 The Times of India +4 @EconomicTimes = India Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India has temporarily “paused” military actions and warned of potential retaliatory measures should its sovereignty be threatened in any way by Pakistan. Any dialogue between both nations would focus exclusively on counter-terrorism measures as well as issues surrounding Pakistan-administered Kashmir, he stated. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed support for the ceasefire but cautioned against any violations to its sovereignty, emphasizing his country’s readiness to defend its territorial integrity. AP News The international community has welcomed the ceasefire with open arms, with groups like the UN and countries like Britain and Qatar encouraging both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue. Al Jazeera However, the situation remains tenuous as residents in border regions, particularly Kashmir, live under constant threat of renewed hostilities. Many have been displaced as a result of recent escalated hostilities; furthermore, humanitarian needs remain dire. As both nations negotiate this tenuous truce, its path toward lasting peace remains unclear. The next few days will be crucial in determining if this ceasefire can open a space for sustained dialogue and the resolution of longstanding issues.
