Top military officials from India and Pakistan are scheduled to hold talks on Monday to discuss the technical and operational aspects of the ceasefire agreement reached over the weekend.
The discussions come after a United States-brokered ceasefire brought an abrupt end to nearly four days of cross-border hostilities, which included intense shelling, air strikes, and drone activity along the Line of Control (LoC) and beyond.
On Saturday, former US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire, calling for an end to what he described as “current aggression that could have led to the death and destruction of so many, and so much.” The truce has largely held since then, though both sides have issued warnings that any violations will be met with forceful responses.
India has since reopened 32 airports to civilian air traffic, which had been closed due to security concerns. The move is seen as a signal of cautious de-escalation, although officials remain on high alert.
Recent Escalation
The latest round of conflict was triggered by a deadly militant attack on 22 April in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam valley, where 26 people were killed. India has blamed the attack on a Pakistan-based group, a charge Islamabad strongly denies.
In response, India launched a series of strikes on 7 May, reportedly targeting nine sites within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The Indian government stated these were militant training facilities.
India also claimed to have struck 11 Pakistan Air Force bases, including one near the capital Islamabad, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 35 to 40 Pakistani personnel near the LoC. Indian officials confirmed the loss of several aircraft during the operations.
Pakistan responded with strikes of its own, stating that it targeted 26 Indian military facilities and deployed drones over the Indian capital, Delhi. Islamabad further claimed it shot down five Indian aircraft, including three French-built Rafale jets, a claim that New Delhi has not confirmed. India stated on Sunday that “losses are a part of combat” but did not comment on aircraft numbers.
Pakistan also reported that Indian projectiles landed on its air force bases. India confirmed this occurred but did not elaborate on the scale of the damage.
Mutual Claims of Victory
Both India and Pakistan have declared military success in the aftermath of the ceasefire. India claims to have eliminated over 100 militants across nine training camps in Pakistani territory, while Pakistan maintains it inflicted significant damage on Indian installations.
There were also conflicting reports regarding the capture of an Indian pilot. Pakistan initially suggested one was in custody following an aircraft crash, but has since denied the claim. India stated that all its pilots have returned safely.
Longstanding Tensions
The escalation marked the latest chapter in a decades-long conflict between India and Pakistan, who have fought two wars over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. Both countries claim the territory in full but control parts of it.
Despite the current ceasefire, the situation remains fragile. Monday’s military-to-military talks are expected to focus on maintaining the truce, reducing the risk of miscalculation, and addressing operational coordination along the LoC.
The international community continues to monitor developments closely, with calls for restraint and long-term diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
