A fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan has held overnight, bringing an end to nearly four days of intense cross-border shelling and aerial incursions that had pushed both nations to the brink of full-scale war.

The ceasefire, brokered by President Donald Trump on Saturday, is being closely monitored as top military officials from both sides prepare for talks aimed at ensuring its implementation.

The ceasefire comes in the wake of a dangerous escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors over the disputed Kashmir region, a longstanding source of conflict. The latest round of hostilities began on April 22, following a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam valley, which tragically claimed 26 lives. India immediately blamed Pakistan-based groups, a claim that Islamabad has consistently denied.

On May 7, India launched airstrikes on multiple targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, allegedly targeting militant facilities. Indian authorities claimed to have killed over 100 militants and damaged several Pakistan Air Force bases, including one near Rawalpindi. Pakistan, however, denied India’s broader claims, confirming that only a few Indian projectiles had hit its air bases.

In a swift and decisive response, Pakistan launched operations targeting 26 Indian military facilities and reportedly flew drones over the Indian capital of Delhi. Islamabad also claimed to have shot down five Indian aircraft, including three French-made Rafales, although India has not acknowledged these claims. New Delhi’s refusal to confirm the downing of its jets only further raised tensions. Both nations suffered significant casualties during the four-day conflict, with heavy shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) resulting in civilian and military losses.

Despite the halt in fighting, both India and Pakistan have declared victories. India announced the reopening of 32 civilian airports on Monday, which had been closed due to safety concerns in the wake of the conflict. However, Pakistan vehemently denied India's claim that it had captured an Indian pilot, confirming that “all our pilots are back home.”

The ceasefire agreement represents a much-needed pause in the conflict, but the underlying tensions remain unresolved. Kashmir, a region claimed in full by both India and Pakistan, has been the flashpoint of two wars between the two countries and continues to be a source of deep division. Both countries maintain military dominance along the LoC, with incidents of violence erupting periodically.

While the ceasefire provides a temporary respite, the international community—led by the United States—has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation. The ongoing conflict continues to underline the volatility of the situation, with calls for renewed diplomatic efforts and meaningful dialogue to address the core issues in Kashmir.

As both sides prepare for high-level military talks, the world watches closely, hoping the fragile ceasefire holds, and that peace and stability can eventually replace the longstanding hostility between these two nuclear powers. (ILKHA)