The tenuous ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, heralded earlier today as a diplomatic breakthrough, has disintegrated within mere hours, reigniting hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The collapse has plunged South Asia back into a state of heightened military alert, following weeks of deadly conflict and terror-linked violence in Kashmir.

The ceasefire, reportedly brokered with behind-the-scenes mediation from the United States, was expected to come into effect at 5 PM IST. Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) had communicated the commitment to their Indian counterpart earlier in the day. The move followed India’s forceful military campaign — Operation Sindoor — launched in retaliation to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians, including many tourists.

But optimism proved short-lived.

By Saturday evening, fresh reports emerged of drone incursions from across the border and renewed cross-border shelling in Jammu and Kashmir. Air raid sirens rang out across Srinagar, Udhampur, and Jammu, with explosions reportedly heard near civilian settlements. The Indian Army’s anti-drone units successfully neutralized several UAVs near the Naushera and Mendhar sectors, though sporadic artillery fire continued into the night.

A senior Indian military official confirmed, “The ceasefire has effectively collapsed. Pakistan violated the terms within hours by resuming offensive actions, including drone surveillance and shelling.”

Earlier in the day, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had stated that the ceasefire was a bilateral agreement, denying claims of foreign involvement. However, U.S. President Donald Trump had claimed credit, calling the ceasefire a “testament to American diplomacy,” a statement now cast in doubt by the ground reality.

The renewed escalation has thrown the May 12 peace talks into uncertainty. Diplomatic observers believe the trust deficit between the two nations is now deeper than ever. Pakistan’s Defense Ministry, in a statement late Saturday, accused India of “provocation and war hysteria,” vowing to respond “decisively to any aggression.”

Meanwhile, India’s armed forces remain on high alert, with reinforcements rushed to forward posts along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC). Military convoys, drone jammers, and surveillance units have been spotted moving across several northern districts.

The United Nations and European Union have both appealed for de-escalation, urging restraint and a return to dialogue. But analysts warn that the rapid unraveling of this ceasefire highlights the fragile, mistrust-laden nature of India-Pakistan relations — especially in the wake of acts of terrorism and deep-seated territorial disputes over Kashmir.

With both militaries bracing for further conflict, the region teeters on the edge, and the hope of lasting peace seems more distant than ever.

After days of intense military exchanges, India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC), effective from 5 PM IST on Saturday. The move marks a temporary de-escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, following a communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of both nations. Despite this step toward peace, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty remains a major point of contention, with both nations on edge over unresolved issues.

According to sources from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the ceasefire agreement was reached without any pre-conditions and came after direct communication between Indian and Pakistani military officials. While the United States has claimed a role in facilitating the talks, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that the ceasefire was a bilateral arrangement. The two countries are set to meet again on May 12 to discuss a broader range of issues, with the possibility of further steps toward de-escalation.

The latest round of hostilities began after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based terrorist groups, a claim that Pakistan has denied. In response, India took significant steps, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23, 2025, which governs the allocation of water from the Indus River system. India’s decision to halt the flow of water from the Ravi River into Pakistan in March 2025 had already strained relations, and the treaty’s suspension has exacerbated tensions, with Islamabad reporting a drastic 90% reduction in water supply from the Chenab River.

The ceasefire follows escalating military actions earlier in May. On May 7, India conducted airstrikes on nine military targets in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab, including several Pakistani air bases. Pakistan responded with strikes on 26 Indian military and civilian sites, resulting in casualties on both sides. India claimed to have successfully neutralized key Pakistani military assets, including air defense systems, while Pakistan reported at least 10 civilian casualties from Indian shelling.

Despite the ceasefire, the Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended, with no clear timeline for its reinstatement. India has reiterated that the treaty’s suspension is tied to national security concerns, particularly Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism. The MEA emphasized that India’s stance on terrorism remains unchanged and called on Pakistan to take meaningful action against terrorist infrastructure within its borders.

The temporary ceasefire, which has been more of an informal arrangement than a formal agreement in the past, offers a brief respite in a region long marked by conflict. It remains to be seen whether this pause will lead to lasting peace or if the underlying issues—particularly the unresolved Kashmir dispute, terrorism, and water rights—will lead to renewed tensions.

As the two nations prepare for further talks, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. The United States has expressed hope that the ceasefire could open the door to broader dialogue, but analysts caution that resolving the deep-rooted issues between India and Pakistan will require sustained diplomatic efforts.

In a decisive military action following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead, India launched “Operation Sindoor”, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, which was conducted with precision between 1:05 AM and 1:30 AM, aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure linked to recent attacks on Indian installations.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a distinguished helicopter pilot with over 2,500 flying hours in the Indian Air Force (IAF), co-led a tri-services media briefing alongside Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. During the briefing, Singh provided an overview of the successful operation, emphasizing the substantial damage inflicted on critical Pakistani air bases, including Skardu, Jacobabad, and Bholari, as well as Pakistan’s air defense weapon systems and radar installations.

“Over the past few days, Pakistan has suffered very heavy and unsustainable losses,” Wing Commander Singh remarked, underscoring the operation’s effectiveness in neutralizing terrorist threats and disabling key offensive and defensive military capabilities across the Line of Control (LoC). Singh emphasized that the strikes were carefully calibrated to minimize collateral damage to civilian areas, reinforcing India’s commitment to conducting measured military actions despite the ongoing threat.

The military operation marks a significant escalation in the enduring tensions between India and Pakistan, drawing comparisons to previous conflicts such as the Kargil War of 1999, when military strikes were similarly launched in retaliation for cross-border terrorism. While the Indian government has made clear its objective of eliminating terrorist infrastructure, it also stressed the importance of regional stability, reiterating that its actions remain focused on neutralizing immediate threats without escalating the broader conflict.

The involvement of high-ranking female officers like Vyomika Singh and Sophia Qureshi at the forefront of this operation underscores the growing role of women in strategic military leadership in India. Singh’s participation in this mission follows her historic involvement in the 2021 all-women mountaineering expedition to Mount Manirang, highlighting the expanding gender diversity within the Indian Armed Forces.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, given the potential for further escalation in light of the long-standing Kashmir dispute and the nuclear capabilities of both India and Pakistan. While India has reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism, global observers have expressed concern over the long-term impact of such military actions on regional peace and security.

As the situation unfolds, the Indian government remains resolute in its call for national unity and a firm response to terrorism, stressing the need for collective action to safeguard the nation’s security and uphold its sovereignty.

In a recent press briefing, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army firmly rejected Pakistan’s claims that India’s military operations had resulted in significant damage to critical defense installations, including the S-400 missile system and BrahMos missile bases. Pakistan had alleged that Indian airfields and ammunition depots were also targeted in the operations, but Colonel Qureshi labeled these reports as part of a broader misinformation campaign by Pakistan.

The briefing, held on May 10, 2025, came in the aftermath of India’s launch of Operation Sindoor, a military action aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK), which followed a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April 2025. The operation, a retaliatory measure by India, escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, drawing attention from the international community due to the potential for broader conflict.

Colonel Qureshi was quick to assert that the claims of Pakistan’s military damage were baseless, emphasizing that India’s defense capabilities, including the advanced S-400 and BrahMos systems, remained intact and operational. The BrahMos missile, a key component in India’s strategic deterrence, was specifically mentioned in the briefing as an advanced, world-class defense asset developed in collaboration with Russia.

In addition to refuting the military claims, Colonel Qureshi took the opportunity to emphasize India’s secular values in the face of Pakistan’s accusations that Indian forces had deliberately targeted mosques during the operations. “India is a secular nation, and our army is a beautiful reflection of the constitutional values of India,” she stated, countering the notion that religious sites were purposefully targeted.

The conflict, rooted in the long-standing territorial dispute over Kashmir, has seen several spikes in military confrontations, including the 1971 war and the 1999 Kargil conflict. Both nations’ nuclear capabilities have heightened global concerns about the potential for large-scale conflict, with the international community urging both sides to prioritize dialogue and peace-building measures.

As tensions persist along the Line of Control (LoC), both nations remain on high alert. While military exchanges continue, global powers, including the United Nations and prominent international figures, have stressed the importance of de-escalation and renewed efforts for a diplomatic resolution. The situation remains fluid, and many hope that the ongoing diplomatic dialogue will lead to a reduction in hostilities and a path toward a peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue.

In a major breakthrough following weeks of deadly escalation, India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border. The agreement was reached after a direct communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries earlier on Saturday.

“Pakistan’s DGMO called Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, in the air & sea with effect from 1700 hours IST. Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. They will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours,” said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

According to defense sources, the ceasefire proposal was initiated by Pakistan’s DGMO and accepted by India with the understanding that it would be limited to halting military hostilities. No further talks or meetings are scheduled at this stage. The ceasefire comes after an intense period of cross-border violence triggered by the April 22 terror attack on Hindu pilgrims in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed several civilian lives and was attributed to Pakistan-backed militants.

India responded with Operation Sindoor, launched on May 6, which involved precision airstrikes on alleged terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian government claimed that over 100 militants were neutralized. Pakistan’s retaliation included strikes on Indian military assets, with both sides reporting casualties and damage. One of the deadliest incidents occurred on May 7 in Muzaffarabad, where Indian airstrikes reportedly killed 31 individuals and damaged a mosque, drawing international concern and outrage from Islamabad.

The situation had reached a critical point with missile alerts and explosions reported in Indian cities like Pathankot, Amritsar, and Jalandhar. Civilian populations along the border began preparing underground bunkers amid fears of a broader conflict.

The ceasefire was reportedly influenced by strong diplomatic intervention from the United States. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who remains a prominent figure in U.S. foreign affairs, is believed to have played a key role in urging Pakistan to de-escalate. Washington’s engagement has drawn comparisons to past instances where third-party diplomacy helped ease India-Pakistan tensions, though often without resolving underlying disputes.

Both sides remain cautious. India, wary of Pakistan’s track record on ceasefire violations and continued support for terrorist groups, has made it clear that any future peace process must be based on verifiable action against terrorism. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to call for international involvement in resolving the Kashmir dispute, a stance India consistently rejects in favor of bilateral dialogue.

The fragile ceasefire offers a momentary pause in hostilities, but experts warn that without addressing core issues—including militant infiltration, cross-border terrorism, and the status of Kashmir—the risk of renewed violence remains high.

Residents near the border have expressed cautious relief, while Indian security agencies remain on high alert. Airports, including Delhi International, have resumed normal operations, though airspace monitoring remains intensified.

The coming days will test the durability of this ceasefire and determine whether this diplomatic window can evolve into meaningful dialogue or be added to the list of short-lived truces in the turbulent history of Indo-Pak relations.

In a major diplomatic breakthrough, US President Donald Trump announced that India and Pakistan have agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire,” following a night of intense negotiations mediated by the United States. The agreement aims to halt the latest wave of hostilities between the two nuclear-armed rivals and stabilize the South Asian region after weeks of escalating violence.

The ceasefire, announced from the White House early Saturday, comes after both nations engaged in retaliatory military operations, including missile strikes and cross-border shelling, particularly around the disputed Kashmir region. Tensions peaked following India’s Operation Sindoor, a military campaign launched in early May to dismantle terror camps in Pakistan-administered territory, which was followed by Pakistani counterstrikes on over 25 Indian military installations.

President Trump, who personally led the diplomatic outreach, commended both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for what he described as “common sense and great intelligence in the interest of global peace.” In his remarks, Trump underscored the United States’ role as a peace broker, calling the agreement a “testament to diplomacy over destruction.”

This marks a rare occasion where India has accepted third-party mediation, deviating from its longstanding policy of bilateral engagement with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Analysts attribute the shift to a combination of intense international pressure and the re-election of President Trump, whose administration had previously signaled interest in easing South Asian tensions.

The historical backdrop of India-Pakistan conflict continues to loom large. Since partition in 1947, the two countries have fought multiple wars and experienced repeated flare-ups over Kashmir. While ceasefires have been declared in the past—most notably in 2003—these have often broken down due to unresolved underlying issues, including terrorism, border incursions, and political mistrust.

Just days prior to the announcement, India had maintained that any de-escalation would require the dismantling of terror infrastructure operating from Pakistani soil. Whether this demand was addressed in the final ceasefire framework remains unclear, though observers suggest it may surface in follow-up diplomatic engagements.

Global reactions to the ceasefire have been cautiously optimistic. The United Nations, European Union, and several regional powers have welcomed the move while calling for sustained efforts to resolve core disputes and ensure humanitarian protections for civilians affected by the recent violence.

Experts warn that the ceasefire, while significant, is only a first step. “This is not a resolution—it’s a pause,” said South Asia analyst Dr. Neha Kapoor. “Unless the underlying grievances are addressed through dialogue and structural change, the risk of relapse into conflict remains high.”

As South Asia holds its breath, the success of this ceasefire will depend not only on continued diplomatic engagement but also on the political will in New Delhi and Islamabad to pursue lasting peace over military brinkmanship.

In a stunning revelation that could further destabilize South Asia, a Pakistani military official has reportedly admitted the country’s involvement in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, which killed 40 personnel of India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The admission, captured in a video now circulating widely, contradicts Pakistan’s long-standing denial and labels the attack an act of “tactical brilliance.”

The Pulwama bombing, executed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group based in Pakistan, marked a dark chapter in India-Pakistan relations. It sparked a military confrontation that culminated in the Balakot air strikes by India and raised the specter of a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Here is the video:

The recent acknowledgment comes amid rising hostilities, with India launching Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, in retaliation for a deadly terror strike in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives. The operation involved precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), reinforcing India’s hardline stance against cross-border terrorism.

Indian officials have yet to issue a formal response to the Pulwama admission, but sources within the Ministry of External Affairs indicated that this could dramatically reshape New Delhi’s diplomatic and strategic calculus. The revelation is expected to be brought up in global forums, with India likely to renew its demand for international sanctions and heightened pressure on Pakistan for harboring and sponsoring terror groups.

This development is already influencing regional diplomacy. Security analysts warn that such a public shift in Pakistan’s narrative not only escalates tensions but also undermines past peace initiatives, including the Kartarpur Corridor talks and various back-channel dialogues. The Pulwama attack has long been a sensitive and painful memory in India, and an admission of guilt is likely to harden public sentiment and political resolve.

As both nations brace for the fallout, global powers including the United States, United Nations, and European Union are closely monitoring the situation. The international community has consistently condemned the Pulwama attack, and a confirmed admission by Pakistan could prompt fresh rounds of diplomatic isolation or censure.

The Pakistani military official’s statement may prove to be a watershed moment in the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict narrative. If formally acknowledged by Islamabad, it could alter the regional security landscape and reinforce India’s long-standing claim that cross-border terrorism is state-sponsored.