India-Pakistan Tensions Ease After 18 Days of Conflict and Ceasefire Agreement

Cross-border Tensions Ease After Intense Military Exchange; India Asserts No Third-Party Mediation Involved

In a significant diplomatic and military development, India and Pakistan on Saturday agreed to a ceasefire following 18 days of high-stakes confrontation triggered by a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The ceasefire, which came into effect at 5 pm, was the result of a direct phone conversation between top military commanders of both nuclear-armed neighbours. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated that the agreement was a result of bilateral dialogue, with no involvement of any third party.

The ceasefire brings a temporary halt to one of the most intense escalations in recent years, involving cross-border missile attacks, drone incursions, and artillery shelling, which claimed several civilian and military lives on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC).

Here’s a detailed timeline of how the situation unfolded:

April 22: Deadly Attack on Tourists in Pahalgam
A terror attack in Baisaran, near Pahalgam in South Kashmir, left at least 25 tourists and a local pony operator dead. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. This marked the first major attack on tourists in the region in 2025, sparking nationwide outrage and international concern.

April 23: India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty, Downgrades Ties
Holding Pakistan-based terror groups responsible for the attack, India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. Diplomatic relations were downgraded, with half of Pakistan’s diplomatic staff in New Delhi expelled, and senior defence attachés recalled.

April 24: Borders Closed, Airspace Restrictions Imposed
India cancelled all visas issued to Pakistani nationals under the SAARC framework, ordering them to leave the country within 48 hours. The Attari-Wagah land border was sealed. Pakistan responded by shutting its airspace to Indian airlines and revoking visas for Indian nationals.

April 25: Cross-Border Firing Intensifies Along LoC
The situation further deteriorated as Pakistani troops initiated unprovoked firing across multiple sectors along the LoC, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident marked a sharp departure from recent military-level dialogues aimed at peace-building.

April 26: Iran Offers Mediation, US Calls for Calm
Amid growing international anxiety, Iran described India and Pakistan as “brotherly neighbours” and offered to mediate. US President Donald Trump commented that the nations must resolve the situation themselves but emphasized the urgency of de-escalation.

April 30: Continued Shelling Across LoC
Shelling by Pakistani forces continued for a fifth consecutive night, targeting areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army stated that it was responding in a “measured and effective manner.”

May 1: India, US Discuss Justice and Restraint
During a high-level conversation, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that justice for the Pahalgam victims remained a priority. The US urged India to exercise restraint while reiterating support for anti-terror efforts.

May 3: Trade and Postal Links Severed
India intensified diplomatic pressure by suspending all mail and parcel exchanges with Pakistan. A complete ban was also imposed on imports and goods transit from Pakistan, further isolating Islamabad economically.

May 7: India Launches Operation Sindoor
India initiated Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was the most expansive since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. In retaliation, Pakistani shelling claimed the lives of 12 civilians and injured over 40 across the LoC.

May 8: Missile and Drone Strikes Escalate Conflict
The conflict escalated sharply as Pakistan launched a coordinated missile and drone assault on 15 Indian military targets. India responded with precision strikes, reportedly destroying air defence systems near Lahore.

May 9: Drone Intrusions and IPL Suspension
Pakistani drones were spotted across 26 locations from Baramulla in the north to Bhuj in the west, triggering high alert. Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level security review with military leaders. The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) was suspended for a week in light of security concerns.

May 10: Ceasefire Agreement Reached
Following sustained military and diplomatic dialogue, a ceasefire was agreed upon, taking effect from 5 pm. India emphasized that while it remains committed to peace, its position against terrorism remains “firm and uncompromising.” Both sides have agreed to hold further military-level talks on May 12 to ensure adherence to the ceasefire and prevent future hostilities.