India-Pakistan Military Leaders Set to Confer as U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire Holds
Top military commanders from India and Pakistan are scheduled to hold high-level talks on Monday, as a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between the nuclear-armed neighbors appears to be holding after four days of intense cross-border violence.
The truce, announced by then-U.S. President Donald Trump over the weekend, followed a period of escalating hostilities marked by heavy shelling, aerial incursions, and casualties on both sides. Trump hailed the agreement, stating it was “time to stop the current aggression that could have led to the death and destruction of so many.”
Ceasefire Brings Temporary Calm After Deadly Clashes
Since the announcement, both sides have ceased active hostilities but remain on high alert. Each has warned of severe consequences should the ceasefire be violated. While calm has largely returned to the Line of Control (LoC) — the de facto border in Kashmir — military rhetoric and accusations continue.
India on Monday began reopening 32 airports previously closed due to security threats, signaling a de-escalation in immediate tensions.
Tensions Rooted in Kashmir Attack
The conflict was triggered by a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam valley, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, which killed 26 people. India blamed a Pakistan-based militant group, prompting retaliatory strikes on May 7 across the LoC, including alleged precision strikes on nine militant camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
In response, Pakistan claimed to have struck 26 Indian military sites and even said its drones flew deep into Indian airspace, including over Delhi. India has neither confirmed nor denied the drone incursion but acknowledged that some Pakistani projectiles hit its bases.
Claims and Counterclaims Continue
Both nations have issued conflicting reports about the extent of damage and casualties. India claimed to have neutralized over 100 militants and struck 11 Pakistani Air Force bases, including one near Islamabad. Pakistan, meanwhile, claimed to have shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets — a claim India has not confirmed.
India also dismissed Pakistani claims that an Indian pilot was captured, asserting that “all our pilots are back home.”
Despite the ceasefire, both nations have declared military victory, reflecting the deep-rooted rivalry that has defined Indo-Pakistani relations for decades, particularly over the disputed region of Kashmir, which both countries claim in full but control in part.
Outlook: Fragile Peace Amid Deep Divisions
While the ceasefire has paused the immediate fighting, the situation remains volatile. Analysts caution that without meaningful dialogue and de-escalation mechanisms, even a brief misunderstanding could spark renewed conflict.
The upcoming military talks are expected to focus on deconfliction strategies, monitoring mechanisms, and confidence-building measures aimed at sustaining the fragile truce.
