The crisis, marked by cross-border military strikes, missile attacks, diplomatic sanctions, and civilian casualties, intensified in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack carried out on 22 April 2025 in the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Claiming that Pakistan-sponsored militant organizations were responsible, India conducted aerial strikes on 7 May 2025 under the codename Operation Sindoor, targeting sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir.

_{India launches strikes on Pakistan, 7 May 2025 - Al Jazeera}

Background of the Crisis

On 22 April 2025, a group of armed militants attacked civilians in the Baisaran meadow, approximately 5 kilometers north of the town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The assault resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals and left 13 others injured. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by a group named Kashmir Resistance, which asserted in its statement that India had altered the region’s demographic structure.

In the immediate aftermath, the Government of India directly accused Pakistan of involvement and raised concerns regarding cross-border militant support. Pakistan categorically denied these allegations. As part of its response, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines, reduced the number of Pakistani diplomatic personnel stationed in New Delhi, and revoked all visa exemptions for Pakistani nationals.

In turn, Pakistan issued retaliatory countermeasures. Both countries witnessed intensified military engagements in border areas, including reciprocal artillery fire near the Line of Control (LoC).

India’s Airstrikes on Pakistan and Azad Kashmir

On 7 May 2025, the Indian Armed Forces conducted a coordinated air operation named Operation Sindoor, targeting nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir. The operation was executed between 01:05 and 01:30 local time, lasting a total of 25 minutes. Speaking on behalf of the Indian Air Force and Army respectively, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi stated that the strikes were based on verified intelligence and focused exclusively on elements defined as “terrorist infrastructure.”

India’s Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah, characterized the strikes as a direct retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar reaffirmed the country’s commitment to a “zero tolerance for terrorism” policy and shared symbolic visuals on social media, paying tribute to the widows of those killed in the April massacre. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh reportedly convened urgent meetings with the chiefs of the army, air force, and navy immediately following the operation.

Targeted Areas

The primary sites and structures struck during the air raids are as follows:

• Muridke (Punjab, Pakistan): An educational complex in the city was hit. The facility reportedly contained a school, dormitory, medical center, mosque, and residential quarters, several of which sustained structural damage. Local accounts indicated that four missiles struck the site in rapid succession.
• Muzaffarabad (Azad Kashmir): The Bilal Mosque and its surrounding area were targeted. The mosque was reportedly destroyed, and adjacent residential zones were evacuated. Numerous civilian injuries were reported.
• Bagh and Kotli (Azad Kashmir): Logistic routes and communication nodes alleged to be of military significance were among the declared targets.
• Bahawalpur (Punjab, Pakistan): Multiple missile strikes occurred in the region, though the precise nature of the targets has not been disclosed.

In Indian media, the operation has been described as a “precision strike against terrorist infrastructure.” Pakistan, however, asserted that the strikes had directly impacted civilian areas. According to the Pakistani Ministry of Defence, the attacks resulted in 26 civilian deaths and 48 injuries.

_{Bilal Mosque, destroyed in the Indian airstrike, located in the city of Muzaffarabad, 7 May 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

Pakistan’s Military and Political Reactions

Counter-Operations

In response to India’s airstrikes on 7 May 2025, the Pakistan Armed Forces launched a series of retaliatory operations on the same day, targeting areas within Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The Poonch district was specifically struck by artillery shelling, resulting in the deaths of three Indian civilians and injuries to 32 others. Local sources reported that residents lacked access to communal shelters and were compelled to seek protection within their own homes.

According to military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, six Indian aircraft were shot down by Pakistan. The list included three Rafale fighter jets, one SU-30, one MiG-29, and one Heron unmanned aerial vehicle. These aircraft were allegedly downed in Azad Kashmir’s airspace, with parts of the wreckage reportedly recovered and documented by local civilians. India has not officially confirmed these claims. Additionally, wreckage believed to belong to an unidentified aircraft was located in the Pampore area of Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistani military sources also reported that a control post in the Dudhnial area was destroyed by missile fire and that an Indian military headquarters had been targeted.

Official Statements and Political Postures

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan stated on 7 and 8 May 2025 that the country had exercised its legitimate right to retaliate and reserved the right to do so again if necessary. In his address to the nation, he emphasized that Pakistan opposed the “war imposed upon it” but would defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity under all circumstances. Sharif remarked, “India’s pride—five fighter jets—now lies in ruins,” pledging accountability for each civilian death resulting from the Indian strikes.

Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif described the Indian airstrikes as a “deliberate provocation to escalate tensions,” asserting that while Pakistan was prepared for total war, it preferred to avoid such an outcome. Asif claimed that three of the jets were downed in close-range aerial combat, and condemned India’s targeting of strategic infrastructure such as the Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Plant and the Noseri Dam, calling it a violation of international law.

Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar characterized the strikes as a breach of Pakistani sovereignty and referred the matter to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). In the official communiqué, India’s actions were described as “open aggression,” posing a threat to international peace and security. The Pakistani government affirmed that it reserved its right to self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Following a meeting of the National Security Council, Prime Ministerial Advisor Rana Sanaullah warned that Pakistan would issue an appropriate response should India pursue further escalation. He also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to avoiding further provocation, offering reassurances to the international community regarding its restrained posture.

Protests and Funerals in Pakistan

In response to India’s airstrikes, protest demonstrations were held in Hyderabad, a city in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province. The protest, organized by student groups, featured banners bearing the images of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir. Demonstrators condemned India’s actions, framing the strikes as a development that exacerbates regional tensions.

_{Pakistani demonstrators protest India’s airstrikes, 7 May 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

Following the air operation, numerous civilian casualties were reported in both Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir. In the wake of these attacks, funeral ceremonies were held in various cities. In Muridke, a town near Lahore, a large-scale funeral was conducted for the civilians killed in the strikes. Similarly, in the Shawai neighborhood of Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir, funeral prayers were held after the attacks.

_{Funeral ceremony held in Muridke, near Lahore, for victims of the airstrike, 7 May 2025 -Anadolu Agency}

Domestic Security Measures and Civil Defense Drills in India

In the aftermath of the 22 April 2025 Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs implemented broad internal security measures nationwide due to rising border tensions. As part of these preparations, civil defense drills were ordered in 244 districts across the country in advance of the airstrikes.

The exercises tested air raid warning systems, evacuation protocols, blackout procedures, and inter-agency coordination mechanisms during crises. Conducted in schools, hospitals, and public spaces, the drills included the participation of students and civilians. Informational brochures were distributed, and selected simulations were broadcast live on national television.

_{Students participating in a civil defense drill at Delhi Government School, 7 May 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

In New Delhi, the capital, the implementation served as a model. At Delhi Government School, a drill simulating an air raid scenario was carried out for students, while Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital hosted a war scenario simulation involving healthcare personnel and civil defense teams.

Concurrently, India’s Border Security Force (BSF) heightened security measures along the India–Pakistan border. At the Attari land crossing near Amritsar, barricades were erected, security checks at crossing points intensified, and patrol operations increased along the frontier. According to statements from the Ministry of Home Affairs, these precautions aimed to safeguard both the civilian population and critical infrastructure from potential threats.

_{Heightened security measures at barricades near the Attari border crossing between India and Pakistan, 7 May 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

Diplomatic Engagements and International Reactions

Türkiye’s Diplomatic Initiative

On 7 May 2025, a telephone conversation took place between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan. According to the statement released by the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, the discussion focused extensively on the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the military strikes carried out overnight on 6 May, and the broader regional developments.

_{President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif - Anadolu Agency}

During the call, President Erdoğan expressed Türkiye’s solidarity with Pakistan and extended condolences for the Pakistani civilians who lost their lives in the attacks. He also welcomed Pakistan’s call for a neutral, transparent, and credible international investigation into the attack in Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as a constructive initiative. Erdoğan affirmed that Türkiye is prepared to provide full diplomatic support to help de-escalate the rising military tensions in South Asia and stated that international consultations would continue in that regard.

Following the conversation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a public statement on the social media platform X, thanking President Erdoğan for Türkiye’s show of support and solidarity.

Statements from the United Nations and the United States

On 7 May 2025, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over India’s missile strikes against Pakistan and urged both parties to exercise maximum restraint and to prioritize diplomatic channels. Guterres warned that a large-scale military confrontation in the region could pose a serious threat to global peace and security.

U.S. President Donald Trump, during a ceremony at the White House, commented on the military developments along the India–Pakistan axis. He emphasized the importance of de-escalation, noting that the retaliatory attacks by both nations should cease immediately. Trump also stated that the United States maintains good relations with both countries and is willing to support a resolution process if necessary.

_{Donald Trump – Anadolu Agency}

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a phone call with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, underlined the need to pursue peaceful efforts in resolving the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Positions of Iran and the United Kingdom

On 8 May 2025, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited New Delhi, where he held discussions with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Prior to his visit to India, Araghchi had also engaged in formal meetings in Pakistan. According to the statement issued by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he called on both countries to refrain from further escalation and emphasized that preserving regional peace is essential for economic cooperation and long-term stability.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, in a public statement, described India’s missile strikes as a “serious escalation” and called for a neutral investigation into the Pahalgam attack to examine any potential terrorist links. Lammy urged both parties to remain within the framework of international law and to activate diplomatic mechanisms.

Statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In a formal statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China labeled India’s airstrikes as “concerning” and issued a call for restraint. The statement emphasized the need to prevent the current situation from spiraling into further instability or chaos.

Impact on Civil Infrastructure and Daily Life

Airspace Restrictions and Flight Cancellations

Following India’s missile strikes, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority suspended flight operations at the airports of Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot. According to the official announcement, flight operations were temporarily halted, and several airlines rerouted their flights to alternative cities.

Turkish Airlines announced the cancellation of round-trip flights between Istanbul and the cities of Islamabad and Lahore. For tickets issued on or before 7 May 2025, passengers were offered free reservation changes or full refunds without penalties. In response to Pakistan’s partial closure of its airspace, India also implemented precautionary measures by suspending civilian flight operations at more than twenty airports in northern India until 10 May 2025.

_{Pakistani citizens protesting India’s airstrikes, 7 May 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

Suspension of Educational Activities

Local authorities in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, declared a one-day suspension of all educational activities across the city due to heightened security risks. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also announced via the social media platform X that all educational institutions in Punjab province would remain temporarily closed in the interest of public safety.

Emergency Measures in Hospitals

The Punjab provincial government declared a state of emergency across all public hospitals in response to the Indian airstrikes. Hospitals were instructed to allocate at least 50% of total bed capacity for emergency cases. Staff leave was canceled, non-urgent surgeries postponed, and a public call for blood donations was issued.

Damaged Abbas Mosque in the Kotli region of Kashmir, 7 May 2025 - Anadolu Agency

Physical Damage and Civilian Evacuations

The Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Plant, located in Muzaffarabad, was reportedly struck by an Indian missile, resulting in structural damage to its hydraulic protection unit. A plant-owned ambulance was also hit during the attack. Pakistani officials later confirmed that the plant’s intake gates were damaged.

In Lahore, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) allegedly belonging to India was shot down. The incident was accompanied by multiple explosions, causing brief panic among residents in the vicinity. Police and rescue teams were dispatched to the area to secure the site and assist civilians.

Downing of Indian UAVs and Cross-Border Escalation

On 8 May 2025, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, announced that 25 Indian “Harop” loitering munitions had been neutralized by Pakistan’s air defense systems. Debris from the unmanned aerial vehicles was reportedly collected from multiple locations, and further investigation is ongoing.

_{Debris from unmanned aerial vehicles, 8 May 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

Director General of the Pakistan Army, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, stated that India had launched a significant number of drones into Pakistani territory during the night, with the attacks affecting various provinces. The drones were intercepted in areas including Lahore, Attock, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Chakwal, Karachi, Miano, Chor, and Rawalpindi. According to official reports, four Pakistani soldiers were injured in Lahore, and a civilian sustained injuries in the Miano region of Sindh province. In a separate incident in Attock, a civilian was reported killed following a drone strike.

Security sources in Pakistan claimed that two Indian military posts along the Line of Control (LoC) had been destroyed and alleged that more than 50 Indian soldiers were killed in the retaliatory strikes. Authorities emphasized that these attacks “would not go unanswered” and affirmed Pakistan’s continued operational readiness to respond. The drones in question were identified as “Harop” kamikaze UAVs, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

_{A building damaged in drone strikes in Karachi, 8 May 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addressed the national parliament, stating that Indian fighter jets had been downed using China-manufactured J-10C multirole combat aircraft. According to the statement, five Indian fighter jets, including three French-made Rafale jets, were brought down by the Pakistan Air Force utilizing the J-10C platforms.

Military Strikes Along the Kashmir Line, Local Evacuations, and Institutional Measures

Pakistan’s Military Attacks on Targets in Kashmir

On 8 May 2025, the Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple attacks targeting areas within Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Settlements in the Uri sector, located north of Baramulla, were among those struck. In addition, both missile and drone strikes were reportedly carried out against Jammu Airport. According to Indian media reports, ammunition depots were also targeted, with large-scale explosions recorded in Akhnoor, Samba, Baramulla, and Kupwara. India’s defense systems reportedly responded, although official confirmation had yet to be issued at the time of reporting.

Evacuations and Civilian Shelter Measures in Kashmir

On the same day, evacuations were conducted in villages near the border surrounding the town of Uri in northern Jammu and Kashmir due to heightened security threats. Following Pakistan’s attacks, Indian forces heightened security measures along the Kashmir Line of Control (LoC), and some residents were relocated to temporary shelters. In particular, residential areas in the village of Salamabad sustained damage, prompting the local population to be escorted to secure zones under military supervision. Security forces increased patrol activity throughout the affected regions.

Border Clashes and Civilian Casualties

Armed confrontations were reported on the night of 8 May along the Line of Control (LoC) separating India and Pakistan. According to local security officials, at least four civilians were killed and twelve injured in Azad Kashmir, which is under Pakistani administration. In Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, one civilian was reported killed and two others wounded.

Pakistan’s Official Statements Regarding the Attacks

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar rejected accusations that Pakistani forces had targeted civilians in India’s Punjab region. He also denied reports from the Indian press alleging attacks on Pathankot and Srinagar, stating they were baseless. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized these claims as “unfounded” and called on the international community to urge restraint on India’s part. Meanwhile, ISPR Director General Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry dismissed purported visuals of Pakistan’s attacks as fabricated, stating, “When such operations occur, the world will learn of them directly.”

Establishment of the National Emergency Health Coordination Center

In response to the escalating conflict and the potential for further hostilities, Pakistan’s Ministry of Health announced the establishment of a National Emergency Health Coordination Center. According to reporting by Dawn newspaper, the center will operate 24/7 in coordination with health institutions and regional units across the country. In Islamabad, medical personnel had their leaves revoked, and hospitals in Punjab province were instructed to allocate at least 50% of total bed capacity for emergency response. This initiative aims to enhance the health system’s rapid response capacity during crisis situations.

Resumption of Civilian Flight Operations

After being suspended on 6 May 2025 due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, civilian flight operations resumed across all airports in Pakistan as of 8 May 2025. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that Jinnah International Airport in Karachi was the last to resume full operations. Flights that had been temporarily halted at major airports, including Lahore, Islamabad, and Sialkot, were reinstated. According to FlightRadar24, between 6–7 May 2025, 430 flights were canceled from India, 17% of flights within Pakistan were suspended, and several international routes experienced extended durations due to rerouting.

Pakistan’s Operation “Bunyan Marsoos” and Reciprocal Airport Strikes

On 10 May 2025, the Pakistan Armed Forces announced the launch of a large-scale military operation named “Bunyan Marsoos” in response to India’s missile attacks the previous night on three military airbases inside Pakistan. The targeted facilities included Nur Khan Airbase near Islamabad, and Murid and Shorkot Airbases located in Punjab Province. According to the Pakistani General Staff, a portion of the incoming missiles was intercepted by air defense systems, while others struck the installations, causing limited structural damage.

_{Buildings and vehicles damaged in Jammu following Pakistan’s strike – 10 May 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

In retaliation, on the morning of 10 May, Pakistan carried out counterstrikes on Indian military airbases located in the northwestern regions of India, specifically targeting Suratgarh, Sirsa, Bathinda, and Akhnoor. In its statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that these bases had been used in recent Indian missile operations. The statement emphasized that Pakistan’s response was limited in scope and solely directed at military infrastructure.

As part of Operation Bunyan Marsoos, additional military targets in both Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and India proper were also struck. Targets included Pathankot, Udhampur, Sirsa, Bathinda, and Akhnoor airbases, as well as a BrahMos missile battery in Nagrota, an artillery position in Derangyari, a supply depot in Uri, and a brigade headquarters in the KG Top region. ISPR claimed these sites had been previously used during Indian operations. A hypersonic missile, launched from a JF-17 fighter jet belonging to the Pakistan Air Force, reportedly destroyed an Indian S-400 air defense system. ISPR stated that visuals of the strike had been shared with media outlets.

ISPR Director General Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry announced that, as of 10 May, Pakistan’s air defense systems had successfully neutralized a total of 77 armed unmanned aerial vehicles of Israeli origin, operated by India. The same statement noted that 33 civilians had been killed, 62 injured, and several Pakistani soldiers lightly wounded as a result of Indian attacks.

Mutual Accusations of Missile Strikes and International Reactions

As of the morning of 10 May, both India and Pakistan had accused one another of launching missile attacks. A statement from the Indian Ministry of Defence alleged that Pakistan targeted civilian structures and religious sites in Jammu, employing unmanned aerial vehicles. Damage was reported to places of worship, including the Shambhu Temple, as well as to public buildings. The Indian military claimed that several drones had been intercepted and downed.

_{Security forces deployed in Rawalpindi following India’s drone strike on Karachi – 10 May 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

In response, Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar stated that Operation Bunyan Marsoos had been initiated following Indian missile strikes on Pakistani soil, characterizing it as an act of legitimate defense. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif described India’s actions as a major provocation, adding that all airbases across Pakistan were now under heightened security and that the army, air force, and navy were in a state of full operational alert.

ISPR also reported that one of six ballistic missiles launched from India’s Adampur region had misfired and landed in the same area, while the remaining five had struck the Amritsar region in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Evaluation of the missile strike imagery was said to be ongoing.

Crisis Management and Global Diplomacy

In the wake of these developments, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an emergency session of the National Command Authority. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority subsequently announced the temporary closure of national airspace, with most domestic and international flights suspended.

_{Buildings and vehicles damaged in Jammu following Pakistan’s strike – 10 May 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

At the international level, numerous diplomatic statements were issued. On 9 May, the U.S. Department of State called for maximum restraint, warning that escalation between two nuclear-armed states could pose a serious threat to global security. European Union officials stressed the need to maintain open communication channels, while the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged both sides to act “with respect for each other’s sovereignty.”

A spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General stated that the UN was deeply concerned about the evolving situation. The organization confirmed that it was in direct contact with both the Indian and Pakistani governments, and emphasized that the protection of civilians remained one of its top priorities.

Ceasefire Agreement Announced Between India and Pakistan

On 10 May 2025, President of the United States Donald Trump publicly announced that India and Pakistan had reached an agreement on a "full and immediate ceasefire." Trump stated that the decision followed diplomatic negotiations mediated by the United States. In a separate statement, the U.S. Department of State welcomed both parties’ engagement in the talks and their commitment to ending hostilities.

Shortly after the announcement, the Government of Pakistan confirmed that the ceasefire agreement had come into effect and declared its adherence to the terms. While no direct confirmation was issued by India, official channels conveyed indirect statements acknowledging the ceasefire.

Diplomatic Statements and Security Assessments Following the Ceasefire

Statements from the Indian Government and Border Security Measures

On 11 May 2025, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs claimed that the ceasefire agreement had been violated due to cross-border attacks allegedly carried out by Pakistan after the truce was announced. The ministry stated that India remained committed to the ceasefire, but warned that any repetition of such incidents would be met with appropriate response.

According to local administrative updates, alert systems remained active in border villages, and temporary evacuations were carried out in some areas. In several villages, return permissions for civilians had yet to be granted due to ongoing security risks.

Statements from the Pakistani Government and Diplomatic Commentary

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar stated on 11 May 2025 that Pakistan had fully complied with the ceasefire, rejecting India’s claims of violations as inaccurate and potentially escalatory. In the same statement, Dar highlighted that over 30 countries had contributed to the diplomatic efforts leading to the ceasefire, with the United Nations, China, and the European Union playing particularly constructive roles.

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized India’s remarks as unilateral accusations, asserting that both nations shared equal diplomatic responsibility for achieving regional stability. It further emphasized that any resolution to the Kashmir issue must be aligned with UN Security Council resolutions and must respect the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people.

Statements from the United States

Following his announcement of the ceasefire on 10 May 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a second statement on 11 May, declaring his intention to pursue diplomatic efforts toward a resolution of the longstanding Kashmir dispute. He stated that the U.S. would explore, in cooperation with India and Pakistan, whether a solution could be found, “even if it takes a thousand years.”

Trump also indicated the U.S.’s desire to significantly expand trade relations with both India and Pakistan. The U.S. State Department characterized the ceasefire not merely as a military pause, but as the beginning of a diplomatic process aimed at establishing lasting regional stability.

In response, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the Kashmir issue must be resolved through a just and lasting settlement in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, and that this resolution must include the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement on 11 May 2025, announced that comprehensive negotiations would soon take place in a neutral venue, with both sides expressing principled openness to the talks. He underscored the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels to restore regional stability.

European Union Engagement

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas confirmed that she had held separate meetings with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar. She emphasized the importance of both parties adhering to the ceasefire and reaffirmed the EU’s support for peaceful resolution efforts.