New Delhi/Islamabad, May 12, 2025 – A tense calm has settled over the India-Pakistan border after both nations reported no fresh incidents overnight, following several days of intense cross-border hostilities that brought the nuclear-armed neighbors to the brink of wider conflict.
Military officials from both sides confirmed that the ceasefire, declared late Saturday, appears to be holding for the first time since a wave of drone and missile strikes, artillery exchanges, and blackouts gripped the region last week.
The recent escalation was triggered by an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April, which killed 26 people and led to a series of retaliatory strikes and accusations of ceasefire violations from both capitals.
Despite initial breaches reported within hours of the truce, the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and other border areas remained largely peaceful overnight, according to Indian Army sources.
Residents in border towns described a night of relative quiet, though the sounds of air-defense systems and sporadic power outages served as reminders of the preceding violence.
Air Marshal AK Bharti of the Indian Air Force stated that all military bases remain on high alert and operational readiness is being maintained.
He emphasized that India’s recent Operation Sindoor targeted only terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reiterating New Delhi’s stance that Islamabad bears responsibility for any losses incurred during the exchanges.
On the diplomatic front, the ceasefire was brokered with significant pressure from the United States and the international community. US President Donald Trump announced the agreement on social media, crediting “long night of discussions” for the breakthrough.
Both Indian and Pakistani officials later confirmed the cessation of hostilities and agreed to initiate talks on a range of issues at a neutral venue, though India has downplayed the prospect of third-party mediation in future negotiations.
The fragile truce follows one of the worst escalations between the two countries in decades, with nearly 70 fatalities reported over several days of fighting.
While the ceasefire has brought temporary relief, military leaders on both sides have warned that forces remain vigilant and ready to respond to any further provocations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the nation later today, with observers watching closely for signals on India’s next steps and the prospects for sustained peace1.
As the region cautiously welcomes this rare moment of calm, questions remain about the durability of the ceasefire and the path forward for the deeply entrenched dispute over Kashmir
