After four days of escalating military confrontation, India and Pakistan have reached a ceasefire agreement, halting what had become the most intense clash between the two nuclear-armed rivals since the Kargil War in 1999.
The conflict, sparked by the April 22 killings in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, saw India striking missiles on May 7 in Operation Sindoor. Pakistan retaliated with heavy shelling and launched its own military offensive, Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, on May 10, targeting Indian air bases.
Both sides also exchanged drone strikes, marking the first use of unmanned aerial warfare in South Asian military history.
The ceasefire was finalized after a crucial hotline conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations in the early hours of May 10. The truce was brokered through intensive diplomatic efforts, with the United States playing a leading role; Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were in constant contact with Indian and Pakistani officials. Saudi Arabia and Turkey also contributed to behind-the-scenes negotiations.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar formally announced the ceasefire, stating both sides had agreed to suspend all military operations, by land, air and sea. The announcement was welcomed globally. China endorsed the agreement during a meeting in Beijing and U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated both countries for pulling back from further escalation.
The conflict has raised serious concerns about the future of warfare in the region. Drone warfare played a central role, with hundreds of aerial vehicles used for both surveillance and attacks. Defense analysts warn that the 2025 conflict may have ushered in a new era of technologically driven hostility in South Asia.
Despite the fragile calm, experts say the world must remain vigilant. The underlying tensions remain, and only sustained diplomacy can prevent another descent into conflict.
Shongjog 