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On May 10, 2025, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire after days of escalating cross-border violence in the disputed Kashmir region. The truce, announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, followed intensive negotiations led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The ceasefire called for an immediate halt to military actions on land, air, and sea.
Shehbaz Sharif’s Declaration of Victory
In a televised address, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the ceasefire as a “historic victory” for Pakistan. He praised the military’s “professional and effective” response to what he described as Indian aggression and accused India of using the April 22 Pahalgam attack as an “excuse” to launch an attack on Pakistan. Sharif emphasized that the operation was against “hatred, aggression, and religious fanaticism,” portraying it as a triumph of Pakistan’s principles and respect.
India’s Response and Ceasefire Violations
Despite the ceasefire agreement, tensions remained high. India condemned ceasefire violations by Pakistan, including cross-border shelling and drone activity, stating that it takes the matter “very, very seriously.” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri warned of a strong response, calling the repeated breaches a clear violation of the agreement.
Reports indicated that Pakistan violated the ceasefire hours after its announcement, with firing along the International Border and Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Explosions were also heard in several areas, leading to blackouts imposed as a precaution.
International Mediation and Reactions
The ceasefire was brokered through international diplomatic efforts, with U.S. President Trump announcing the agreement after a “long night of talks.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance played key roles in facilitating the discussions. While Pakistan publicly thanked the U.S. for its role, India maintained that the ceasefire was a direct agreement between the two nations.
Global leaders welcomed the ceasefire as a step towards regional stability. However, the fragility of the truce was evident as both countries accused each other of violations shortly after the agreement. Explosions were reported in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir, followed by retaliatory fire exchanges.
Domestic Criticism and Strategic Concerns
Within India, the decision to agree to a ceasefire faced criticism. Geostrategist Brahma Chellaney argued that India had the upper hand militarily but gave up its advantage without securing long-term gains. He cited past failures where India gave away gains without returns, suggesting that the current ceasefire might be a repeat of past strategic mistakes.
Conclusion
The ceasefire between India and Pakistan, while a welcome development, remains fragile. Shehbaz Sharif’s declaration of victory adds a layer of complexity to the situation, potentially influencing domestic and international perceptions. As both nations navigate this delicate truce, the international community watches closely, hoping for sustained peace in a historically volatile region.
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