India-Pakistan ceasefire holds as flights resume, tensions linger

Both Sides Claim Victory as India-Pakistan Ceasefire Holds — But Challenges Remain

Islamabad, May 12 – A tentative calm settled over South Asia as a fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan largely held, bringing a pause to the most intense military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in decades. While both sides claimed victory, the situation remains fluid, with diplomatic tensions continuing to simmer.

The ceasefire, which came after days of cross-border airstrikes and artillery exchanges, has raised cautious hopes that the worst of the violence may be over. Civilians along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir reported a notable reduction in shelling, and some began returning to their homes after days of displacement.

Diplomatic Front: Trump’s Kashmir Push Tests India’s Global Strategy

Even as the guns quieted, new pressures emerged on the diplomatic front. U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed calls for a broader deal on Kashmir, a move that has tested India’s resistance to international mediation in what it considers a bilateral issue. Trump’s overtures have been met with measured responses in New Delhi, where officials are wary of outside involvement but mindful of Washington’s strategic influence.

Analysts say India’s ambitions to play a larger role on the global stage — including a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council — are being tested by its handling of the Kashmir dispute and its ability to manage tensions with Pakistan.

Air Travel Disrupted Despite Airspace Reopening

Meanwhile, commercial air travel remains affected. Although both countries have begun reopening closed airspace, significant flight delays and cancellations continue to disrupt travel across the region. Airlines are still rerouting flights to avoid sensitive zones, and normal operations may take days to fully resume.

Travelers across India, Pakistan, and beyond have voiced frustration over ongoing uncertainties, with many stranded or facing long detours.

A Long Road Ahead

While the ceasefire has brought temporary relief, security analysts caution that deep-rooted issues between India and Pakistan remain unresolved. The Kashmir conflict, territorial disputes, and mistrust continue to pose significant barriers to lasting peace.

For now, regional and global stakeholders watch closely, hoping this fragile truce marks the beginning of a more sustained dialogue.

Here’s What to Know:

• Ceasefire is largely holding after days of military escalation.

• India and Pakistan both claim strategic success.

• U.S. President Trump is pushing for renewed talks on Kashmir.

• Airspace reopening is slow, with ongoing flight disruptions.

• Long-term peace remains uncertain amid deep-rooted tensions.