A US-brokered ceasefire between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan collapsed within hours on Saturday, with fresh fighting reported across multiple sectors of Indian Kashmir despite the landmark agreement.
Blasts were heard in Srinagar and Jammu, where projectiles and flashes lit up the night sky, according to authorities and witnesses. Air defense systems were activated to intercept objects, with social media videos showing anti-aircraft fire over populated areas.
“What the hell just happened to the ceasefire?” posted Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on X as explosions echoed across Srinagar.
The Indian Army reported Pakistan was continuing its “blatant escalation” with drone strikes and artillery fire along India’s western border. Multiple media outlets reported the use of heavy artillery in Nowshera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors.
The violations weren’t limited to Kashmir, with drone sightings also reported in Rajasthan’s Barmer district and parts of Punjab, prompting authorities to enforce blackouts in several border areas as a precautionary measure.
The fighting resumed shortly after Pakistan and India had announced an immediate ceasefire at 5 p.m. Indian time (1130 GMT) following intense diplomatic efforts. The agreement had temporarily halted four days of the worst hostilities in nearly three decades.
“Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect,” Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had posted on social media platform X. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed military chiefs from both nations had spoken and agreed all military action would stop.
US President Donald Trump claimed credit for the diplomatic breakthrough, posting that the agreement came “after a long night of talks mediated by the United States.” However, Indian officials downplayed America’s role, with one source telling media the deal was “worked out directly between the two countries.”
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, meanwhile, thanked Trump for his “proactive role for peace” and the US for “facilitating this outcome.”
The conflict erupted on May 7 when India launched “Operation Sindoor,” attacking what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistani Kashmir. The military action came two weeks after 26 people were killed in an attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir’s Pahalgam area. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, which Pakistan denied.
Despite the collapse of the ceasefire, military communications channels between the two countries reportedly remain open. The two military chiefs are still scheduled to speak again on May 12, according to Indian officials.
The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water-sharing pact suspended by India after the Kashmir attack, will remain suspended despite the ceasefire attempt, according to Indian government sources.
The border regions of Kashmir have borne the brunt of the fighting, which has killed at least 66 civilians over the past four days. Both nations remain on high alert, with defense systems activated across their shared border.
