Top military officials from India and Pakistan are set to discuss the finer details of the ceasefire agreed upon over the weekend. The US-brokered ceasefire between the nuclear-armed neighbors appears to have held overnight after nearly four days of intense shelling and aerial incursions from both sides.
According to the Indian government, Pakistan initiated contact with India, and both sides agreed to a ceasefire, effective from 5 pm Saturday, after direct talks between their military officials. “The Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan called the DGMO of India at 15.30 hours (3.30 pm) this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would cease all firing and military action on land, in the air,” the government said.
President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire, saying, “it was time to stop the current aggression that could have led to the death and destruction of so many, and so much”. The US State Department also commended Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace.
Background
The tensions between India and Pakistan were the latest in the decades-long rivalry between the neighbors who have fought two wars over Kashmir, a Himalayan region which they claim in full but administer in part. The recent hostilities threatened to turn into a full-fledged war as both countries appeared unwilling to back down for days.
Claims and Counter-Claims
Both countries have said that dozens of people from both sides died over the four days of fighting last week, partly due to heavy shelling near the de facto border. After the ceasefire, however, both rivals have declared military victory.
- India’s Claims: India reported striking nine targets inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, killing more than 100 militants. India also claimed Pakistan lost 35-40 men at the Line of Control and that its air force lost a few aircraft.
- Pakistan’s Claims: Pakistan claims it targeted about 26 military facilities in India and that its drones hovered over capital Delhi. Pakistan also claims to have shot down five Indian aircraft, including three French Rafales.
Next Steps
Top military officials from India and Pakistan will discuss the ceasefire details, and India has announced the reopening of 32 airports for civilians that it had earlier said would remain closed until Thursday due to safety concerns. Both nations have ceased hostilities since the ceasefire but say they remain vigilant, warning each other of the consequences of violating the ceasefire.