India And Pakistan Agree To Ceasefire After Four Days Of Fighting.
India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, ending four days of intense fighting between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The announcement was made by US President Donald Trump’s administration, although Indian and Pakistani officials confirmed the ceasefire without mentioning a US role.
Escalation and International Intervention
The conflict escalated into missile strikes on air bases in both countries, prompting international concern. Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, worked to cool the crisis. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan, urging both sides to find a way out of the crisis.
Ceasefire Details
India’s foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, announced that the directors general of the two countries’ militaries had agreed to stop all fire from land, air, and sea. The agreement may be temporary, with the directors general set to speak again on Monday.
Background to the Conflict
The conflict between India and Pakistan is decades old, centered on the disputed Kashmir region. The region’s history dates back to 1947, when Britain divided India into two countries. Kashmir’s fate was left undecided, leading to a military confrontation between India and Pakistan. Since then, several wars and skirmishes have occurred, with periods of relative calm punctuated by outbreaks of violence.
Recent Escalation
The latest escalation began after a terrorist attack in Kashmir killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists. India accused Pakistan of involvement, leading to retaliatory airstrikes. Pakistan denied involvement and vowed to retaliate, leading to further clashes.
International Community’s Response
The international community has expressed concern over the conflict, with several countries working to broker peace. The ceasefire agreement brings hope for a peaceful resolution to the decades-long conflict.