{"id":1935,"date":"2025-05-12T09:42:01","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T04:12:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/answers\/?p=1935"},"modified":"2025-05-12T15:04:06","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T09:34:06","slug":"india-and-pakistan-declare-ceasefire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/answers\/india\/india-and-pakistan-declare-ceasefire\/","title":{"rendered":"India and Pakistan Declare Ceasefire Following U.S. Mediation: A Comprehensive Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, effectively halting the most intense military escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in decades. The agreement, announced on May 10, 2025, follows intensive overnight negotiations mediated by the United States, with additional support from Saudi Arabia and Turkey.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Background: The Pahalgam Attack and Escalation<\/b><\/h3>\n

The recent hostilities were triggered by a terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 Hindu tourists were killed and over 20 injured. The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. India accused Pakistan of harboring the perpetrators, citing digital evidence linking the attackers to safe houses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir. The operation involved missile strikes by Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs, targeting locations including Bahawalpur and Muridke. India claimed the strikes were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” aiming to dismantle terrorist camps without targeting Pakistani military facilities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Pakistan retaliated with drone and missile strikes across several Indian cities, including Amritsar. India reported intercepting these attacks using its S-400 missile defense system. The ensuing conflict saw the downing of aircraft on both sides and significant civilian casualties, marking one of the most intense confrontations since the Kargil War.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Pakistan\u2019s Retaliation and Further Escalation<\/b><\/h2>\n

Pakistan responded with drone and missile strikes on Indian military installations and urban centers including Amritsar, Pathankot, and Jammu. While India\u2019s S-400 missile defense system intercepted many incoming projectiles, the confrontation led to casualties on both sides.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two nations appeared to be on the brink of a full-scale war. Indian sources claimed to have shot down a Pakistani F-16 jet near the Rajasthan border, while Pakistan\u2019s military alleged damage to Indian forward posts.<\/span><\/p>\n

As tensions escalated, both countries moved troops closer to the border, suspended diplomatic missions, and halted trade and transportation links. Civil defense measures were initiated in major Indian cities, with air raid sirens being tested and underground shelters being prepped for civilian use.<\/span><\/p>\n

Diplomatic Fallout and India’s Measures<\/b><\/h3>\n

In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, India undertook several diplomatic and strategic measures:<\/span><\/p>\n