India-Pakistan Military Leaders to Discuss Ceasefire Details as Calm Holds
Top military commanders from India and Pakistan are expected to hold talks on Monday to fine-tune the terms of the ceasefire agreement reached over the weekend, following a tense period of hostilities along the Line of Control.
The ceasefire, facilitated by the United States, has so far held steady after four days of fierce cross-border shelling and aerial activity. Both nations confirmed that military action had ceased but emphasized continued vigilance, warning each other against any violations of the fragile truce.
US President Donald Trump announced the breakthrough on Saturday, stating it was crucial to end the escalating aggression that had risked widespread devastation. Since then, no further military engagements have been reported.
As signs of normalization emerge, India on Monday reopened 32 civilian airports that were previously shut for security reasons until later in the week.
The flare-up was the latest chapter in the long-standing dispute over Kashmir — a region claimed by both countries but divided by the Line of Control. The violence raised fears of a full-scale war as both sides initially showed no signs of backing down.
Reports from both countries indicate dozens of casualties and significant damage during last week’s fighting. Heavy shelling in border regions caused substantial loss of life and infrastructure damage on both sides.
India launched retaliatory strikes on 7 May, claiming to have hit nine militant camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. These strikes were in response to a 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. India has blamed a Pakistan-based group for the attack, though Islamabad has denied any role.
Throughout the escalation, both sides accused each other of drone incursions and airspace violations. India claimed to have targeted 11 Pakistan Air Force bases, including a key site near Rawalpindi, and said up to 40 Pakistani soldiers were killed along the border. It also reported the loss of some of its own aircraft.
Pakistan confirmed that Indian missiles had reached its bases but maintained that damage was minimal. It also claimed to have launched strikes on 26 Indian military targets and flew surveillance drones over Delhi — a claim India did not confirm. Additionally, Pakistan alleged it downed five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales, though New Delhi has not verified those figures.
Both sides have declared success in the confrontation, but tensions remain high. Pakistan denied capturing any Indian pilots, saying no such incidents occurred. India, for its part, stated that all its pilots had returned safely.
As the ceasefire holds, the upcoming dialogue between military leaders will be crucial in stabilizing the situation and preventing another descent into conflict.
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