India and Pakistan agree to stop firing after days of cross-border strikes
India's air defence system (inset) intercepts objects in the sky, after India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement, in the city of Jammu, May 10, 2025. In the main photo, members of the South Asia Solidarity Group hold a peace protest in Parliament Square in London, Britain, May 10, 2025. PHOTO/REUTERS
What you need to know:
- The announcement came on a day when fears that the countries' nuclear arsenals might come into play spiked.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that India and Pakistan had agreed to a "full and immediate ceasefire" after four days of strikes and retaliatory attacks targeting each other's military installations, marking the most intense confrontation between arch rivals in more than two decades.
Here's how the conflict unfolded between the two nuclear-armed neighbors and where it stands now:
WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION?
After four days of intense military exchanges, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday, facilitated by U.S.-led diplomatic efforts.
The ceasefire came amid heightened fears that the conflict could escalate into a broader confrontation, with both nations on high alert.
But within hours, violations were reported from the main cities of Indian Kashmir, the territory that had borne the brunt of four days of fighting.
Blasts were heard in Srinagar and Jammu and projectiles and flashes were seen in the night sky over Jammu, similar to the events of the previous evening, according to authorities, residents and Reuters witnesses.
WHAT TRIGGERED THE CONFLICT?
The current hostilities began after a deadly April 22 attack targeting Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir, which left 26 people dead.
People carry their luggage as they arrive at a railway station to board a train in Jammu, May 10, 2025. PHOTO/REUTERS
India blamed Pakistan-based militant groups for the assault, prompting New Delhi to launch air strikes earlier this week on what it described as "terrorist infrastructure" within Pakistan.
Pakistan, which denies involvement in the Kashmir attack, condemned the strikes and vowed to retaliate.
WHERE DID INDIA'S STRIKES HIT?
India said it struck nine "terrorist camps" in Pakistan on Wednesday, claiming these sites were indoctrination centers, training grounds, and launchpads for attacks. Some of these, according to Indian officials, were linked to the perpetrators of last month's violence.
Pakistan said the Indian attacks hit six locations in its territory, none of them militant camps.
HOW DID PAKISTAN RESPOND?
Pakistan initially claimed it shot down five Indian fighter jets during the first wave of strikes, a claim the Indian embassy in Beijing dismissed as "misinformation."
In response to subsequent escalations, Pakistan said it shot down 25 Indian drones overnight, including some over its largest cities, Karachi and Lahore.
India, meanwhile, stated that it had "neutralized" Pakistani attempts to strike military targets with drones and missiles, including targeting air defense systems in Pakistan.
WHAT HAVE OTHER COUNTRIES SAID?
Global leaders have welcomed the de-escalation between India and Pakistan.
U.S. President Donald Trump credited American diplomatic efforts and described it as a result of "a long night of talks" mediated by the United States.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed the ceasefire as a "vital step toward de-escalation," while British Foreign Minister David Lammy urged both sides to maintain it.
WHAT NEXT?
The ceasefire agreement marks a significant step back from the brink of a major conflict.
However, despite the agreement, the Indus Waters Treaty, a key water-sharing pact between the two countries remains suspended, four government sources told Reuters.
Two Indian government sources also told Reuters that other punitive measures announced by India and reciprocated by Pakistan, such as trade suspension and visa cancellations, would remain in place for now.
