India and Pakistan exchanged accusations of ceasefire violations early Sunday, just hours after US President Donald Trump announced that the two nuclear-armed nations had stepped back from the brink of war.
India’s foreign secretary claimed Pakistan had made “repeated violations” of the truce and that India was responding accordingly, while Pakistan asserted its commitment to the ceasefire, stating that its forces were addressing Indian violations with “responsibility and restraint.”
According to reports from Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir, indicated loud explosions, and a senior official in Pakistani-administered Kashmir mentioned “intermittent exchanges of fire” along the Line of Control (LoC), though further details were unavailable and unverified.
On Saturday, after days of deadly attacks involving jet fighters, missiles, drones, and artillery that killed at least 60 people and displaced thousands, both countries agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire. The announcement came as a surprise from Trump, who stated, “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE.”
India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri later accused Pakistan of violating the truce, while the Indian armed forces responded appropriately.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry, however, emphasized its commitment to the ceasefire and accused India of violations, calling for restraint from both sides and urging communication at appropriate levels.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, expressed appreciation for US intervention, hoping the ceasefire marked a new step toward regional peace and stability.
The recent conflict had been sparked by an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, which India blamed on Pakistan.
Tensions have escalated in Kashmir since 2019, when India revoked the region’s limited autonomy. Both nations have fought multiple wars over the disputed territory.
Despite the ceasefire, residents in Kashmir remain cautious, with some expressing skepticism about trusting Pakistan.
The economic toll of the conflict is high, with both sides claiming significant drone and warplane downings, though independent verification remains challenging. Internationally, the ceasefire was met with relief, with China offering to continue playing a constructive role to prevent further escalation.
