New Delhi, May 12, 2025 – Senior military officials from India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet on Monday to finalize the details of the ceasefire brokered over the weekend. The US-backed ceasefire appears to have held following nearly four days of intense cross-border shelling and aerial incursions, raising hopes for a lasting resolution to the recent hostilities.
Ceasefire Announcement and Immediate Impact
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, urging both nations to halt their aggressive actions. “It is time to stop the current aggression that could have led to the death and destruction of so many,” Trump said in his statement. Since the announcement, both India and Pakistan have ceased hostilities, though each side remains on high alert, warning of the potential consequences should the ceasefire be violated.
India Reopens 32 Airports as Tensions Ease
In a significant development, India has announced the reopening of 32 airports across the country that were previously shut down due to safety concerns amid the heightened conflict. The airports, which had been closed until Thursday, will now resume civilian operations, signaling a temporary return to normalcy.
A History of Tensions Over Kashmir
The latest flare-up in hostilities between India and Pakistan is part of their long-standing rivalry, with both nations claiming the disputed region of Kashmir in full but administering it in part. The two countries have fought two wars over Kashmir, and tensions have remained high for decades.
The recent fighting threatened to escalate into a full-scale war, as both sides showed no signs of backing down. The hostilities, which saw heavy shelling and airspace violations, resulted in dozens of casualties from both sides.
The Escalation: Strikes and Military Claims
The conflict intensified after India launched a series of strikes against what it claimed were militant targets in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. On May 7, India reported hitting nine targets inside Pakistan in retaliation for a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people on April 22. India accused a Pakistan-based group of carrying out the attack, though Islamabad has denied any involvement.
In the following days, both nations accused each other of cross-border shelling and launched strikes on each other’s military bases. India reported striking 11 Pakistan Air Force bases, including one in Rawalpindi near Islamabad. Indian officials also claimed that at least 35-40 Pakistani soldiers were killed during the conflict, and some Indian aircraft were lost in the fighting.
On the other hand, Pakistan acknowledged that some Indian projectiles had hit its air force bases. Pakistan also claimed to have targeted about 26 military facilities in India and said its drones had hovered over New Delhi during the conflict.
Claims of Aircraft Shootdowns and Pilot Returns
In a particularly contentious development, Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian aircraft, including three French Rafale jets. India has not officially commented on the number of aircraft shot down but stated on Sunday that “losses are a part of combat.” Additionally, Pakistan denied claims that it had captured an Indian pilot after she ejected from a downed aircraft, with India confirming that all of its pilots had safely returned home.
Looking Ahead: The Role of Diplomacy
As both nations continue to claim military victories, the road ahead remains uncertain. The ceasefire holds for now, but the military talks on Monday will be crucial in determining whether a more lasting peace can be achieved or whether tensions will rise again in the future. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with hopes that diplomatic efforts can prevent further escalation.
Stay updated on the latest developments in South Asia and global news at BlogHear.com.
