The most significant recent development in India-Pakistan relations is the announcement of a full and immediate ceasefire between the two nations, effective from 5 PM on May 10, 2025. This follows weeks of intense military escalation, including missile and drone attacks, marking some of the most serious tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors in years. Below is a summary of the latest news based on available information:
Key Developments:
1) Ceasefire Agreement:
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced on May 10, 2025, via Truth Social that India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire after U.S.-mediated talks. He congratulated both nations for using "common sense and great intelligence."
- Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the truce, stating Pakistan seeks peace without compromising sovereignty.
- India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also confirmed the ceasefire, with Indian armed forces committing to non-escalation if Pakistan reciprocates.
- The ceasefire took effect without preconditions, and top military officials from both sides are expected to continue discussions.
2) Recent Escalation:
- Tensions escalated after India’s Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
- Pakistan responded with drone and missile attacks on Indian military installations across 26 locations, including Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, and Sirsa. India intercepted most attacks, though some civilian casualties were reported.
- India conducted retaliatory strikes, targeting Pakistani Pakistani air bases and air defense systems, including sites in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Chakwal.
- Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan al-Marsus involved drone and missile strikes on Indian targets, named after a Quranic verse symbolizing strength.
- Both sides reported civilian and military casualties, with Pakistan claiming 36 deaths in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and India reporting 19 deaths in Indian-controlled Kashmir since May 7.
3) Civilian and Infrastructure Impact:
- India shut down 32 airports in northern and western states until May 15, 2025, due to security concerns.
- Pakistan closed its airspace, citing India’s accusations of using civilian flights as shields during attacks.
- In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, 235 homes were damaged, and two hospitals were hit by Indian shelling.
- In India, civilian areas like Rajouri and Jammu faced shelling, with casualties including ADDM Raj Kumar Thapa.
- The Indian Premier League (IPL) was suspended for a week due to the conflict.
4) International Response:
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Indian PM Narendra Modi and Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif for their statesmanship.
- The UK and Saudi Arabia urged de-escalation, with diplomats like David Lammy engaging both nations.
- The IMF approved a $1 billion bailout for Pakistan despite India’s objections over potential misuse for terrorism, prompting New Delhi to abstain from voting.
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance called the conflict “none of America’s business” but supported de-escalation efforts.
4) Misinformation and Domestic Measures:
- India accused Pakistan of spreading disinformation, including false claims of Indian missiles hitting Afghanistan or destroying Pakistan’s S-400 systems.
- Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif claimed they avoided intercepting Indian drones to conceal their locations, drawing skepticism.
- India banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading provocative content post-Pahalgam attack.
- Pakistani nationals in India were ordered to return to Pakistan, with some departures reported via the Attari border.
- India implemented blackouts in border areas and reviewed civil defense preparedness.
Current Status:
- Both nations have expressed a commitment to non-escalation if reciprocated, with Indian forces remaining vigilant but adhering to the ceasefire.
- Security has been heightened in Indian border states, and PM Modi held meetings with defense chiefs to monitor the situation.
- The ceasefire has calmed immediate hostilities, but underlying issues, including Kashmir and terrorism allegations, remain unresolved.
Sentiment on X:
- Posts on X reflect heightened tensions, with some celebrating the ceasefire and others focusing on earlier escalations, like India’s airspace closure for Pakistani planes or the Pahalgam attack’s aftermath.
- Emotional reactions include Indian fans’ anger over Pakistani javelin athlete Arshad Nadeem’s patriotic tweet, contrasting with Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra.
Analysis:
The ceasefire is a critical de-escalation, but the situation remains fragile due to deep-seated mistrust, competing narratives, and the nuclear capabilities of both nations. India’s Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes highlight ongoing disputes over Kashmir and terrorism. International mediation, particularly from the U.S., played a key role, but regional stability depends on sustained dialogue and addressing root causes like cross-border terrorism and Kashmir’s status.
