A fragile ceasefire deal between India and Pakistan seems to be holding, after both nations accused each other of violating the agreement just one day in.
The deal was struck on Sunday, after being brokered by over 30 other countries including the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Qatar and Türkiye.
Both nuclear-armed nations were engaged in days of brutal fighting prior to the ceasefire, involving missiles and drones and resulting in dozens of fatalities.
Diplomatic pressure from the U.S. seemed to push India and Pakistan toward the agreement.
In the aftermath, United States President Donald Trump praised the “brave” move towards peace and said he would look towards a solution to Kashmir.
Kashmir is a hotly disputed part of both nations, administered by both India and Pakistan depending on the region.
“I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan for having the strength, wisdom, and fortitude to fully know and understand that it was time to stop the current aggression that could have led to the death and destruction of so many, and so much,” Trump wrote in a social media post.
“I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision. While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great nations. Additionally, I will work with you both to see if…a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir.”
However, just hours after the deal was reached fighting broke out once more and both nations accused each other of violating the ceasefire.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a briefing that there had been a “breach of an understanding arrived at earlier today”.
“For the last few hours, there have been repeated violations of the understanding arrived at earlier this evening between the director generals of military operations of India and Pakistan," Misri said.
“We call upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation.”
In response, the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan released a statement refuting the accusations and saying they remained committed to the ceasefire.
“Notwithstanding the violations being committed by India in some areas, our forces are handling the situation with responsibility and restraint,” the statement said.
“We believe that any issues in smooth implementation of the ceasefire should be addressed through communication at appropriate levels. The troops on the ground should also exercise restraint."
