India and Pakistan Announce Full Ceasefire After US-Led Talks

Tensions Eased After Missile and Drone Attacks Raise Concerns of Escalation

Following intensive US-led discussions, India and Pakistan have confirmed a comprehensive ceasefire agreement, marking a potential turning point in the recent escalation of hostilities between the nuclear-armed rivals. The agreement comes after a period of heightened tensions, including missile and drone attacks targeting military bases on both sides.

The recent conflict has been fueled by an earlier incident, with India blaming Pakistan for a gun massacre last month. US President Donald Trump played a key role in brokering the ceasefire, announcing the deal and praising both countries for their efforts.

Pakistani Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar stated his country would consider de-escalation if India halted its attacks. However, he warned of retaliation if India launched further strikes. Dar also relayed this message to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had previously spoken with New Delhi.

India claimed it targeted Pakistani air bases in response to Pakistani missile launches targeting military and civilian infrastructure in India's Punjab state. Pakistan reported intercepting most missiles and stated that retaliatory actions against India were underway. US support was offered to facilitate "productive discussion."

Indian Colonel Sofiya Qureshi said Pakistan targeted health facilities and schools at its three air bases in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Indian Air Force Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stated India's commitment to "non-escalation" provided Pakistan reciprocated. Singh said the Indian armed forces conducted "precision strikes" on identified military targets in response to Pakistani actions.

The Pakistani military said it used medium-range Fateh missiles to target an Indian missile storage facility and air bases in the cities of Pathankot and Udhampur. The Associated Press could not independently verify all actions attributed to Pakistan or India.

Reports from Pakistan Television indicated that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting of the National Command Authority. Indian missiles targeted several Pakistani air bases, according to a Pakistani military spokesman. Residents in Indian-controlled Kashmir reported hearing loud explosions, with one resident describing the situation as "like a war here."