New Delhi/Islamabad, May 11, 2025 — India and Pakistan have announced a ceasefire following four days of escalating military confrontations, marking the most severe conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors in decades. The truce, mediated by the United States (as was claimed over international media by US), was confirmed on Saturday, May 10, but reports of violations have raised concerns about its stability.
The conflict began after a terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attack, prompting Operation Sindoor, a series of airstrikes targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). India claimed to have neutralized 100 terrorists, while Pakistan reported 36 civilian deaths, labeling the strikes an “act of war.”
Pakistan retaliated with Operation Iron Wall, launching over 500 drones and missiles targeting Indian military installations across Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. India’s S-400 air defense systems intercepted most threats, with over 50 drones shot down along the Line of Control (LoC). Both sides reported civilian casualties, with Pakistan confirming at least four deaths and India reporting 18 deaths and 60 injuries due to cross-border shelling.
On Saturday May 10th, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted their Indian counterpart, agreeing to halt all military actions effective 5:00 PM IST on May 10th. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the ceasefire, stating both sides would cease firing on land, air, and sea. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the truce, claiming a pivotal American role, though India did not immediately acknowledge U.S. involvement.
Despite the agreement, clashes persisted. India reported explosions in Kashmir and drone incursions in Amritsar, accusing Pakistan of violating the ceasefire. Pakistan denied the allegations, asserting its commitment to the truce while reporting Indian shelling along the LoC.
The conflict disrupted civilian life, with blackouts enforced in India’s western border regions and 32 airports closed until May 15. The Indian Premier League and Pakistan Super League were suspended, and Cricket Australia arranged charter flights to evacuate players from Pakistan.
The U.S., G7, and China urged dialogue, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance emphasizing de-escalation while calling the conflict “none of our business.” Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump, China, and Turkey for supporting the ceasefire, while India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi held high-level meetings to assess the situation.
A Fragile Truce
The intensity of war that arose did not gave any hint about the abrupt stop.
Analysts suggest a small window for de-escalation remains, as both leaders may claim victory to save face. However, the ceasefire’s success hinges on both sides adhering to the agreement amidst mutual accusations of violations.
As the region holds its breath, the international community watches closely, hoping the truce will pave the way for constructive talks to prevent further escalation between these nuclear powers.
A month after the incident, the attackers are yet to be caught. The Prime suspects who carried out the killings have been identified as Adil Hussain Thoker, a resident who was with two Pakistani nationals – Ali Bhai aka Talha Bhai and Hashim Musa aka Suleiman.
The release of sketches by NIA and the robust search operations that were carried out by Security forces have yet to obtain whereabouts of these suspects.
Was China Involved in the Pahalgam Attacks?
The Pahalgam attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has sparked intense debate about foreign involvement. India has pointed to “cross-border linkages,” accusing Pakistan of orchestrating the attack. Some voices, particularly on social media platforms like X, have gone further, alleging Chinese complicity, citing Beijing’s close ties with Islamabad. However, no concrete evidence directly implicates China in the attack itself.
China’s official response has been measured but telling. Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned terrorism but called for an “impartial investigation” into the incident, a stance that aligns with Pakistan’s demand for an international probe. Beijing’s support for Pakistan was evident in its efforts to dilute a UN Security Council statement condemning the attack, avoiding explicit references to TRF or Pakistan’s role. This diplomatic maneuvering has fueled suspicions, particularly in India, where some see China’s actions as tacit approval of Pakistan’s narrative.
Yet, China’s position appears driven more by strategic balancing than direct involvement. Beijing has consistently urged restraint, emphasizing de-escalation between India and Pakistan. Analysts suggest China’s priority is regional stability, as a full-scale conflict could disrupt its economic interests, including the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). While Chinese state media downplayed the attack and some scholars amplified Pakistan’s “false flag” narrative, there’s no verifiable evidence linking Beijing to the planning or execution of the Pahalgam attack. Instead, China’s actions reflect a delicate dance to maintain its “all-weather friendship” with Pakistan while avoiding alienating India, with whom it seeks to mend ties.
