New delhi/ Islamabad : After a 90-hour military standoff between India and Pakistan, the two countries announced a full and immediate ceasefire on 10 May 2025. The agreement was confirmed by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at a press briefing in New Delhi, stating that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries held talks at 15:35 and agreed to cease all military actions on land, air, and sea from 5 PM. The ceasefire is a significant step towards reducing tensions that escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack (22 April 2025) and India's "Operation Sindoor". In this article, we analyze the causes, effects, and future prospects of the ceasefire.
Background of the ceasefire
The terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 that killed 26 tourists strained India-Pakistan relations. India blamed Pakistan-backed terror groups for the attack, while Pakistan rejected these allegations. In response, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on 7 May 2025, striking nine terror camps in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Pakistan retaliated with drone and missile attacks, leading to firing and civilian casualties along the Line of Control (LoC). The death of four people in a drone attack on a gurdwara in Poonch further aggravated the situation.
Announcement of ceasefire
On 10 May 2025, Pakistan's DGMO called the Indian DGMO, following which both sides agreed to halt military actions. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "Both sides have decided to cease all military activities with effect from 5 pm. Both DGMOs will talk again on May 12 at 12 noon." Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X, "India and Pakistan have agreed to cease firing and military actions today. India will maintain its firm and unwavering policy against terrorism.
" Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also wrote on X, "Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region." Dar told Geo News that the ceasefire is "complete and permanent", with diplomatic involvement of 36 countries including Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Mediation controversy
US President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that the ceasefire happened after "US mediation". He wrote, "After a long night of talks, I announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a complete and immediate ceasefire." However, the Indian government clarified that the agreement was bilateral between the two countries, and not brokered by any third party.
Effects on Kashmir
The ceasefire has provided immediate relief in Kashmir. Firing has stopped on the LoC, and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to return to normal. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq welcomed the decision. Mirwaiz wrote on Twitter, "This ceasefire is a big relief for those living on both sides of the LoC, where many lives and livelihoods were destroyed."
However, the ceasefire only halts military actions; India has not withdrawn steps such as the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and the cutting of diplomatic ties with Pakistan. The Indian Army has warned that it is "fully prepared and alert".
Benefits and challenges
The ceasefire will reduce civilian casualties in Kashmir and give sectors such as tourism a chance to regenerate. However, it is only a temporary pause. The core issues between India and Pakistan such as the Kashmir dispute and terrorism remain unresolved. The lack of trust between the two countries and frequent ceasefire violations (such as Pakistan firing on LoC on 27 April 2025) may pose challenges in the future.
Conclusion
The India-Pakistan ceasefire is a welcome step that has brought immediate peace in Kashmir. But it is only a beginning. For lasting peace, both countries will have to increase diplomatic dialogue and cooperation against terrorism. The international community, especially Saudi Arabia and the United Nations, can play an important role in this process.
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