India and Pakistan both claim victory after ceasefire declared

 Celebrations held in both countries while Kashmir residents beg for long-term solutions over disputed territory

India-Pakistan Ceasefire: Both Sides Claim Victory Amid Fragile Calm

India and Pakistan have both declared victory following a ceasefire brokered over the weekend, halting the most severe military escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in decades. The ceasefire, mediated by former U.S. President Donald Trump, was announced Saturday evening after days of missile and drone strikes targeting major military installations.

On Sunday, Trump lauded the ceasefire, praising both nations for showing "strength, wisdom, and fortitude" to avert a potentially catastrophic war. However, brief cross-border violations in Kashmir shortly after the truce raised concerns about its durability. By Sunday morning, hostilities had subsided, rekindling hopes for lasting peace.

India and Pakistan exchanged accusations over the ceasefire breaches. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire, while the Indian Army warned of a "firm and clear intent to respond" to any further provocations.

Both nations celebrated the ceasefire as a triumph. India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, stated that Operation Sindoor showcased India's "political, social, and strategic willpower." Across the border, Pakistan held parades, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declaring May 11 a national day to honour the armed forces' response to “Indian aggression.”

Pakistani commentator Baqir Sajjad described the ceasefire as a "calculated victory" for Pakistan, asserting that it denied India both military and diplomatic dominance.

Civilians on both sides, especially in Kashmir, expressed relief but remained skeptical. Many highlighted that such ceasefires are temporary and fail to address the root cause: the Kashmir dispute dating back to 1947.

Recent hostilities escalated after Indian missile strikes on Pakistani territory killed 31 people, targeting what India alleged were “terrorist infrastructure and training camps.” In retaliation, Pakistan launched drone strikes, prompting a severe exchange of fire.

U.S. diplomatic intervention, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice-President JD Vance, was pivotal. Despite initial reluctance, the U.S. engaged intensively after intelligence warned of a potential nuclear escalation. Other nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UK, also contributed to brokering peace.

India claimed Pakistan initiated the ceasefire request after suffering heavy military losses. Indian officials reported five soldiers killed and alleged 40 Pakistani soldiers and 100 terrorists were eliminated. Claims of downed aircraft on both sides remain unverified.

Despite the ceasefire, the underlying conflict over Kashmir persists, with border residents warning that without a permanent resolution, peace remains elusive.