On May 10, 2025, India and Pakistan formally agreed to a ceasefire after weeks of intense military confrontations that had escalated fears of a larger conflict in South Asia. This ceasefire brought a tentative halt to hostilities that erupted following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, and subsequent retaliatory strikes by the Indian Armed Forces on Pakistani territory. While the agreement was widely welcomed by the international community, the fragile peace has been punctuated by mutual accusations of violations, underscoring the complex and volatile nature of Indo-Pakistani relations.
The Path to Ceasefire: Conflict Escalates
The conflict began on April 22, 2025, with the Pahalgam attack, a violent assault attributed to militant groups operating from Pakistani soil. In retaliation, India launched missile strikes against alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan on May 7. This marked the beginning of a rapid escalation, with Pakistani forces responding with operations targeting Indian military installations.
International concern mounted as demonstrations erupted worldwide, reflecting fears of a full-scale war between two nuclear-armed neighbors. Diplomatic pressure, particularly from the United States, intensified. On May 9, senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, engaged directly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, urging restraint and offering mediation to de-escalate tensions.
The next day, both countries announced a complete ceasefire, signaling a critical, if fragile, step toward reducing hostilities.
Terms and Conditions of the Ceasefire
India’s central demand for the ceasefire was the cessation of Pakistan-based terrorist activities on Indian territory. Pakistan agreed to this condition alongside a mutual cessation of hostilities. However, reports indicate the ceasefire was immediately tested by incidents of firing and drone activity, particularly in the sensitive Jammu and Kashmir region.
Both governments claimed victory in the aftermath. Indian Prime Minister Modi highlighted the elimination of over 100 terrorists, framing the strikes as a successful counterterrorism operation. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared the ceasefire a historic victory, announcing celebrations and extending gratitude to supportive nations.
Mutual Accusations and the Ceasefire’s Fragility
Almost immediately after the ceasefire’s enforcement, both countries accused each other of violations. India reported Pakistani attacks in Srinagar and the broader Jammu and Kashmir region. Pakistani officials denied these allegations and accused India of breaching the truce in Azad Kashmir.
This tit-for-tat dynamic is reflective of the deep mistrust that has historically characterized India-Pakistan relations. Jammu and Kashmir’s status remains a highly contentious issue, with both sides viewing it through sharply divergent narratives. Such mutual recriminations threaten to undermine the ceasefire and complicate efforts toward lasting peace.
Regional and Global Reactions
The ceasefire was met with relief and cautious optimism across the globe. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the agreement as a positive step toward easing tensions. Countries including China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United States called for continued diplomatic engagement.
Neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka expressed strong support for the truce and urged the two nations to sustain peace efforts. Western nations, including the European Union, France, Germany, and the UK, underscored the importance of counterterrorism measures and lasting stability in the region.
The United States played a particularly active role in mediation, with President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Rubio publicly endorsing the ceasefire and diplomatic dialogue. This reflects Washington’s strategic interest in maintaining peace between these nuclear neighbors to ensure regional stability.
Challenges Ahead: From Ceasefire to Sustainable Peace
While the ceasefire provides a crucial breathing space, it falls short of resolving the underlying issues fueling the conflict. The core dispute over Kashmir’s status remains unsettled. Both India and Pakistan continue to assert their claims, and nationalist sentiments run deep on both sides.
Additionally, the recent events have underscored the challenges of managing non-state militant actors who operate transnationally and complicate state-to-state relations. India’s insistence on eliminating Pakistan-based terrorism as a prerequisite for dialogue reflects this critical concern.
Sustained peace will require more than temporary halts in military action. It demands robust, continuous diplomatic engagement that addresses core political grievances and fosters mutual trust. Confidence-building measures, humanitarian exchanges, and possibly third-party facilitation may be needed to break the long-standing impasse.
Timeline of the 2025 India-Pakistan Conflict and Ceasefire
Reactions
India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian public for the first time since Operation Sindoor began, asserting that over 100 terrorists had been killed in Indian strikes. He emphasized that any future talks with Pakistan would focus solely on terrorism and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a celebration day (‘Yaum-e-Tashakkur’) to thank Allah and the Pakistani Armed Forces, reiterating the claim of historic victory. He expressed gratitude to countries including the USA, Turkey, China, and Saudi Arabia for their support during the regional tensions.
International and Supranational Responses
- United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ceasefire as a positive step toward reducing hostilities.
- Algeria: Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf commended the diplomatic efforts that prioritized dialogue.
- Armenia: Appreciated the ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of communication.
- Australia: Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for adherence to the truce and counter-terrorism efforts.
Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, European Union, France, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Maldives, Nepal, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, United Kingdom, United States: Expressed support for the ceasefire and urged sustained diplomatic engagement and peace.
Prominent statements included:
- Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus commended both Prime Ministers and pledged continued support for diplomatic resolution.
- The U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Rubio praised the ceasefire and the wisdom of leaders involved.
The 2025 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan marks a significant, albeit delicate, moment in the region’s turbulent history. The immediate diplomatic success in halting large-scale conflict offers a window of opportunity, but the path to lasting peace remains fraught with historical grievances, regional rivalries, and mutual distrust.
The international community’s strong support underscores the global importance of South Asian stability. However, meaningful progress hinges on the political will of both nations to engage constructively beyond military ceasefires and address the core issues at the heart of the conflict.
As both India and Pakistan navigate this fragile truce, the world watches cautiously—hopeful that peace may someday prevail where decades of conflict have held sway.
