From Operation Sindoor to the Ceasefire: A Timeline of India-Pakistan Developments Following the Pahalgam Attack

India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire agreement on Saturday following four days of heavy fighting, but the fragile peace was quickly disrupted when Pakistan violated the truce within hours.

Here’s an update on the current situation and everything that has happened over the past three weeks:

The ceasefire announcement brought a brief moment of optimism. With rising global concern over the possibility of a full-blown war, the agreement was seen as a step toward de-escalation. Yet, that hope quickly dimmed as gunfire and shelling resumed in multiple areas of Kashmir-already the epicenter of recent violence.

India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, confirmed that Indian forces were compelled to respond to fresh provocations from Pakistan, indicating that the situation remained volatile despite the truce.

What Sparked the Latest Flare-Up?
The tension began to build following a brutal attack on April 22, which killed 26 tourists in Kashmir. India swiftly pointed the finger at Pakistan-based militant groups, leading to a series of retaliatory airstrikes on what India described as terror camps and launchpads across the border.

These sites were said to function as training grounds and indoctrination hubs for extremist elements allegedly involved in the attack.

India reportedly targeted nine locations in a series of airstrikes, while Pakistan stated that six sites had been hit, denying any connections to militant groups.

Amid the escalating conflict, Pakistan claimed it had shot down five Indian fighter jets in retaliation—a claim that India dismissed as false.

As tensions intensified, Pakistan also asserted that it had destroyed 25 Indian drones overnight, including several near Karachi and Lahore. In response, India claimed it had effectively thwarted Pakistani attempts to strike Indian military targets using drones and missiles, and further stated that it had targeted Pakistani air defense systems.

Global leaders have expressed support for the easing of tensions between India and Pakistan.

U.S. President Donald Trump attributed the progress to American diplomatic efforts, calling it the outcome of "a long night of talks" facilitated by the United States.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas hailed the ceasefire as an "vital step toward de-escalation," and British Foreign Minister David Lammy encouraged both nations to uphold the agreement.

The ceasefire agreement represents a major de-escalation and a step away from the threat of full-scale conflict.

Nonetheless, the Indus Waters Treaty-a crucial water-sharing accord between the two nations-remains suspended, according to four government sources cited by Reuters.

Additionally, two Indian government officials told Reuters that other punitive actions, including the suspension of trade and cancellation of visas, will continue to be enforced by both sides for the time being.