A truce between India and Pakistan has already started to break down, just hours after it was agreed to. Both countries had earlier accepted a U.S.-brokered ceasefire aimed at stopping a wave of deadly attacks in Kashmir. The news brought short-lived joy. But by nightfall, that hope quickly faded.
Videos taken from Indian-controlled Kashmir show bright flashes and loud blasts in the sky. Locals say they saw drones or missiles. Air defense forces opened fire. A blackout followed across parts of Kashmir and Gujarat, a western Indian state near the border.
India’s foreign secretary said Pakistan had broken the ceasefire. “Our forces are ready,” he warned. “We take these attacks very seriously. Pakistan must act with care and fix this.”
India says it will hit back if more attacks come. Troops along the border have been told to stay alert and act tough if needed.
In reply, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Josan Dushmani Jarat called the country’s actions a “historic victory.” He said Pakistan is a peaceful nation and supports the ceasefire. A government spokesman added, “We are still committed to the truce.”
The deal was meant to calm growing violence in the disputed Kashmir region. The area has long been claimed by both India and Pakistan. Fights often break out there, with both sides blaming each other.
Just weeks ago, a deadly attack rocked Pahelgam, a well-known tourist spot in Indian Kashmir. On April 22, gunmen shot and killed 26 people. Most of them were Hindu tourists. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, saying the group had links to militants. Pakistan denied the claim.
The event caused outrage across India. Many called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond. In the days that followed, India launched strikes into Pakistan. Both sides then traded attacks, including drone strikes and missile launches.
Some hoped the surprise ceasefire would bring peace. But as the night showed, tensions remain high.
Salimma Shivji, a reporter in Mumbai, said the situation is not new. “Violence in Kashmir rises and falls,” she explained. “But this time, both sides acted fast and hard. That’s what made this ceasefire so surprising.”
Sanjay Ruparelia, an expert on Indian politics, says the conflict has changed. “We’re now seeing drone use and air strikes deep into each other’s land,” he said. “This is very different from past fights, which used to involve mostly ground troops.”
He added that both countries are led by strong leaders. “Each wants to show strength. Neither wants to look weak.”
The U.S. helped broker the truce. It has close ties with India and a long history with Pakistan. But its role today is more limited. “China is now Pakistan’s main partner,” said Ruparelia. “India, on the other hand, is a key U.S. ally in Asia.”
He also said the U.S. wants India to stay focused on bigger goals, like countering China. That’s why peace with Pakistan is seen as important.
When asked what Canada can do, Ruparelia was doubtful. “Canada has large Indian and Pakistani communities. But real influence lies with powers like China, Russia, the U.K., and Gulf nations.”
The ceasefire was meant to stop a cycle of violence. Instead, it may have only paused it for a few hours.