US-Brokered Ceasefire Ends India-Pakistan Border Clashes/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire following U.S.-mediated negotiations aimed at ending their deadliest conflict in decades. The truce comes after weeks of cross-border missile strikes, drone attacks, and mounting civilian casualties. President Trump announced the deal, calling it a diplomatic success and urging both sides to de-escalate.
Ceasefire in South Asia Quick Looks
- India and Pakistan confirm ceasefire after U.S.-mediated talks.
- Trump announces deal on Truth Social: “Common sense prevailed.”
- Conflict escalated after April 22 terror attack in Kashmir.
- Dozens killed in airstrikes, missile launches, and shelling.
- India blames Pakistan for Kashmir attack; Islamabad denies.
- Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes after Indian air base hits.
- Secretary of State Rubio engaged both sides to broker truce.
- India says it targeted only military infrastructure.
- Pakistan used Fateh missiles on Indian air bases.
- UN and analysts warn region still at risk of escalation.
US-Brokered Ceasefire Ends India-Pakistan Border Clashes
Deep Look
India and Pakistan Confirm Ceasefire After U.S.-Brokered Negotiations Ease Rising Tensions
ISLAMABAD / NEW DELHI — After weeks of escalating hostilities that brought South Asia to the brink of war, India and Pakistan on Saturday confirmed a ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States, in a major diplomatic breakthrough aimed at halting a wave of missile strikes, drone attacks, and cross-border shelling.
The ceasefire marks the most significant step toward de-escalation in years between the nuclear-armed rivals, following a terror attack in Kashmir on April 22 that left 26 Indian tourists dead and triggered a spiraling military confrontation.
“Congratulations to both countries on using common sense and great intelligence,” President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post, confirming the truce. “If I can help keep peace, I will be there.”
The White House’s National Security Council echoed the sentiment on social media, calling Trump “a force for peace.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio played a central role in shuttle diplomacy between Islamabad and New Delhi in recent days.
War of Words Turns to Dialogue
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed earlier on Saturday that his government would consider halting military actions if India refrained from further strikes. He noted that Pakistan had reached its “limit of patience” and communicated this position directly to Secretary Rubio.
India’s military remained cautious in its public messaging, with officials stating they were still in a “high state of operational readiness.”
“We are committed to non-escalation, provided that Pakistan reciprocates,” said Indian Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, noting that Pakistani forces were still mobilizing near border regions.
Retaliatory Strikes and Civilian Suffering
The conflict intensified dramatically after India accused Pakistan-based militants of orchestrating the deadly Kashmir attack. In response, India targeted Pakistani air bases, prompting Islamabad to retaliate with Fateh missiles and drone swarms.
On Saturday, Pakistan claimed to have struck air bases in Pathankot and Udhampur, and a missile depot, while Indian officials said their “precision strikes” hit radar and military installations in Rawalpindi and Chakwal.
Residents in Indian-controlled Kashmir described terrifying scenes of explosions, jet flyovers, and destroyed homes. Similar devastation was reported in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where villagers dug through rubble to find survivors.
“It looked like war,” said one resident in Srinagar, as powerful blasts shattered windows and collapsed rooftops overnight.
A Delicate Ceasefire
Although both nations have confirmed the ceasefire, the situation remains tense. Military analysts say the truce is fragile and risks unraveling if either side resumes aggression.
“It’s become a remorseless race for military one-upmanship,” said Praveen Donthi of the International Crisis Group. “Finding an off-ramp will require sustained diplomacy.”
Despite Trump’s announcement, neither government immediately detailed the terms of the ceasefire or whether direct communications between military commanders have resumed.
“This is a good first step, but a sustainable peace will require addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, including Kashmir,” said a senior U.S. official speaking on background.
Ceasefire Achieved, but Road Ahead Unclear
Secretary Rubio, who spoke separately with both Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar and India’s Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, urged continued diplomacy and offered U.S. support in restoring communication channels to avoid future miscalculations.
The past two weeks witnessed the most intense military activity between India and Pakistan since the 1999 Kargil War, with both sides activating military reserves and deploying advanced weaponry.
While Pakistanis celebrated what they saw as a forceful response to Indian aggression, Indian officials remained tight-lipped on any potential U.S. pressure involved in accepting the ceasefire.
With both governments facing domestic political pressure and international scrutiny, analysts say the ceasefire is a fragile but critical pause, offering hope for avoiding a catastrophic regional war — and possibly, a nuclear confrontation.
“We welcome this step toward de-escalation and encourage both sides to use this moment for long-term peace,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement Saturday evening.
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