After four days of cross-border escalation and targeted strikes, a fragile ceasefire emerges between India and Pakistan—brokered through backchannel talks, amid international concern and domestic pressure.
In a high-stakes turn of events, India and Pakistan agreed on May 10 to an immediate and full cessation of hostilities across land, air, and sea, following a volatile four-day military escalation triggered by a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. The ceasefire, reportedly initiated after a request from Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to his Indian counterpart, was confirmed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and later announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement followed India’s assertive retaliatory campaign—Operation Sindoor—which targeted nine terror camps across the border. Despite initial compliance, drone sightings and minor ceasefire violations were reported within 24 hours, casting doubt on the truce’s durability.
🗓️ Timeline: India-Pakistan Escalation and Ceasefire – May 2025
April 22, 2025
- Terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir kills 26 civilians, including one Nepali tourist.
- India blames cross-border terrorism supported by Pakistan.
- Public outrage grows across the country.
May 1–6, 2025
- India initiates “Operation Sindoor”, targeting nine terror launchpads in Pakistan and PoJK.
- Pakistani forces respond with artillery shelling and drone incursions into Indian territory.
- Cross-border firing escalates in multiple sectors including Poonch, Rajouri, RS Pura, and Uri.
May 7–9, 2025
- Heavy shelling and drone attacks reported on both sides.
- 32 airports across North and Western India shut down for civil aviation as a precautionary measure.
- BSF Sub-Inspector Md Imteyaz is killed in cross-border firing in RS Pura.
- Indian Army conducts precision retaliatory strikes deep into Pakistani territory.
May 10, 2025
- Pakistan’s DGMO calls Indian DGMO at 15:35 IST.
- Both sides agree to halt all firing and military action on land, air, and sea, effective from 1700 IST.
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirms agreement and emphasizes India’s stance against terrorism.
- US President Donald Trump announces ceasefire on Truth Social, claiming US played a mediating role.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentions upcoming India-Pakistan dialogue at a “neutral site”.
- India downplays US mediation, reiterating it was a bilateral military understanding.
May 11, 2025
BJP leaders hail military response; assert Pakistan has been forced into submission.
Pakistan violates ceasefire with drone activity and explosions near Jammu and Amritsar.
India reimposes blackouts in several border districts of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
Amritsar Airport and Gurdwara access restricted due to security concerns.
Delhi Airport operates with heightened security; minor flight delays reported.
Political reactions intensify in India.
Congress Party criticizes US involvement and demands all-party briefing.