The military operations chiefs of India and Pakistan are discussing their next steps as a ceasefire returned calm to the border. This marked the first peaceful night in recent days, with no reports of explosions or projectiles overnight, signaling a rare moment of tranquility in an otherwise tense situation.
India-Pakistan Ceasefire: A Moment of Calm
The ceasefire, announced on Saturday by US President Donald Trump, came after four days of intense firing, military operations, and international diplomatic efforts. Sunday marked the first night without hostilities in recent days along the India-Pakistan border. Despite this, some schools in the region remain closed as a precautionary measure.
Military Hotline Exchanges and Ceasefire Violations
Following the India-Pakistan ceasefire, India sent a “hotline” message to Pakistan regarding Saturday’s ceasefire violations, expressing New Delhi’s intent to respond to any further incidents. A senior Indian army officer confirmed the message, while Pakistan’s military denied any violations. On Monday, the director generals of military operations from both countries were set to meet at 1200 hours (0630 GMT) to discuss the situation.
Recent Hostilities: A Timeline of Strikes and Retaliation
- Pakistan targeted Indian military and civilian areas with missiles and drones, prompting India to retaliate by striking Pakistani airfields.
- The escalations followed the deadly Pahalgam attack, which India blamed on Pakistan-backed militants, resulting in the deaths of 26 tourists. Learn more about Operation Sindoor and its impact.
- India also launched strikes on nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistani-Occupied Kashmir (POK), escalating the conflict.
Market Reactions to the Ceasefire
After the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement, both India and Pakistan’s equity markets showed signs of recovery. Pakistan’s benchmark share index surged nearly 9%, recovering losses from the previous days. On the other hand, Indian benchmarks saw an early gain of about 2.5%, following a 1.5% drop in prior sessions. Explore the economic impact of the India-Pakistan conflict on markets.
International Involvement and Diplomatic Efforts
Pakistan thanked the US for facilitating the ceasefire and welcomed President Trump’s offer to mediate on the Kashmir dispute. However, New Delhi has firmly stated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that disputes with Pakistan should be resolved directly between the two countries, rejecting third-party mediation.
Political Reactions and the Road Ahead
The Congress party, which had backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, has called for a special session of Parliament to discuss the latest developments with Pakistan and the broader implications for India’s national security. Read more on how India’s political landscape is affected by the ceasefire.
Conclusion: A Fragile Peace
The ceasefire, while welcome, is fragile and must be monitored carefully. As tensions continue to simmer beneath the surface, both nations will need to navigate their military operations, diplomatic dialogues, and internal political pressures. The first night without hostilities signals a potential de-escalation, but the road to lasting peace will require sustained effort from both sides.
For more information on the geopolitical dynamics, you can explore further here: India-Pakistan Ceasefire Articles on Reuters.
