India-Pakistan Conflict: Ceasefire Announced After Escalation Triggered by Pahalgam Attack

New Delhi/Islamabad | May 15, 2025

In a major diplomatic breakthrough, India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire after nearly ten days of escalating hostilities that began following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on May 5. The attack, which claimed the lives of 17 Indian soldiers and injured dozens of civilians, triggered a series of retaliatory military exchanges across the Line of Control (LoC), raising fears of a full-scale war between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

The Spark: Pahalgam Attack

The conflict ignited when heavily armed militants ambushed an Indian Army convoy near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in South Kashmir. Indian security agencies quickly attributed the attack to the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claiming it had received “active cross-border support.” In a swift response, Indian forces launched “Operation Trident,” a series of precision air and artillery strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Escalation on Both Sides

Over the following days, both nations exchanged intense artillery fire across the LoC, with multiple casualties reported on both sides. Pakistani authorities claimed several civilian deaths in Neelum Valley, while India reported cross-border shelling in Uri, Tangdhar, and Poonch.

On May 9, Pakistan responded with aerial maneuvers near the LoC, prompting India to scramble fighter jets in response. The situation further escalated with reports of cyberattacks targeting key infrastructure in both countries.

International Community Steps In

Global powers, including the United States, Russia, China, and the United Nations, urged both countries to exercise restraint. UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement calling the situation “deeply concerning,” and offered to mediate peace talks.

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Backchannel diplomacy, primarily facilitated by the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, helped bring both parties to the negotiating table. High-level military talks began on May 12 and culminated in a joint ceasefire declaration late last night.

Ceasefire Announced

In a coordinated announcement made in New Delhi and Islamabad, both countries agreed to “honor the 2003 ceasefire agreement in letter and spirit” and committed to de-escalation.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated, “While our forces acted with strength and precision, India remains committed to peace in the region. However, we will not hesitate to act against terrorism.”

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the ceasefire and reiterated Pakistan’s stance of “supporting peace and regional stability while denying any involvement in the Pahalgam incident.”

Conditions of the Agreement

As part of the ceasefire deal:

  • Both sides will resume hotline contact between Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO).
  • A joint investigation mechanism involving neutral observers is under discussion.
  • India has demanded the immediate dismantling of terrorist infrastructure in PoK.
  • Pakistan has insisted on addressing the Kashmir issue through dialogue.

Ground Reality

Despite the ceasefire, ground tensions remain high, with Indian troops on heightened alert in border areas. Civilians along the LoC have begun returning to their homes, though many remain skeptical of how long peace will last.

Local Kashmiri leader and former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated, “While we welcome the ceasefire, the Pahalgam attack has once again shown the vulnerability of peace in the Valley. A long-term solution is the need of the hour.”

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What Lies Ahead

While the ceasefire has brought momentary relief to millions living along the volatile border, analysts warn that without a genuine commitment to dismantling terror networks and resolving political disputes, peace will remain fragile.

For now, the guns have fallen silent—but for how long remains to be seen.

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