Breather in Kashmir: India-Pakistan Ceasefire Holds Despite Accusations**

Following a tense week of military clashes, a ceasefire brokered by the US seems to maintain stability, even as India and Pakistan blame each other for ceasefire breaches.**

A ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan appears to be holding as of Sunday morning, despite both nations exchanging accusations of violations shortly after the deal was announced. This ceasefire follows a series of military strikes that had escalated tensions to levels not seen in decades.

US President Donald Trump commended the leadership of both countries for reaching this vital ceasefire, suggesting that the alternative could have resulted in staggering casualties. However, hours post-announcement, sounds of explosions were reported, particularly in Indian-administered Kashmir, further complicating the atmosphere of distrust.

The clashes stemmed from cross-border operations initiated when India targeted sites in Pakistan following a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam last month. Pakistani officials vehemently denied any involvement in the attack. On Saturday, Trump confirmed the "full and immediate" ceasefire via his social media platform, indicating that diplomatic efforts included participation from three dozen nations.

Reacting to the ceasefire, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla accused Pakistan of endangering the truce through continuous violations, signaling that India’s military would respond effectively. On the contrary, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintained its commitment to the ceasefire while alleging that India was the one undermining the agreement.

Confirming the ceasefire terms, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed India's unwavering stance against terrorism, reinforcing his country’s commitment to national security. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remarked that the truce was a beneficial move for all parties involved.

Further discussions facilitated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that both countries may also consider a diplomatic dialogue covering various issues to ensure long-term peace. Trump echoed the sentiment of both countries' dedication to halt aggression and advance forward.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ceasefire, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted ongoing discussions between the UK and both nations aimed at sustaining the truce.

The recent spike in violence followed a tragic attack on 26 tourists in Pahalgam that left 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen dead. Survivors indicated that the assailants primarily targeted Hindu men. The Indian defense ministry characterized their airstrikes as necessary actions to hold accountable those responsible, whereas Pakistan condemned these actions as unwarranted provocation, which reportedly resulted in civilian casualties on both sides.

With historical conflicts over the Kashmir region serving as the backdrop, this ceasefire introduces a glimmer of hope amidst an otherwise turbulent relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.