India has accused Pakistan of violating a newly agreed ceasefire just hours after both nations—alongside the United States—announced a surprise truce aimed at easing escalating tensions in the region.
The ceasefire agreement, announced Saturday, came after days of increased hostilities and cross-border missile attacks between the two nuclear-armed South Asian countries.
However, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri alleged that Pakistan breached the terms of the deal shortly after it took effect. Speaking during a press briefing, Misri said there had been a breakdown in the understanding reached by both countries’ military operations chiefs.
“Our armed forces are responding adequately and appropriately,” he said. “We urge Pakistan to take meaningful steps to address these violations and show seriousness in handling the situation.”
According to local reports, explosions were heard in Srinagar, the capital of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, while drone activity reportedly led to power outages in several border communities. Similar incidents were said to have occurred along the western frontier of the India-Pakistan border.
Misri confirmed that India’s military remains on high alert and has been instructed to respond decisively to any ceasefire breaches along the international border and the Line of Control in Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, rejected India’s claims, describing them as “baseless” during an interview with Geo News.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement in a separate statement.
The development marks a fragile attempt at de-escalation between the long-time rivals, with the U.S. reportedly playing a mediating role in securing the truce.