TRANSCRIPT
As two nuclear-armed neighbours sit at the brink of war, a new ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan aims to defuse the risk of further escalation and widespread devastation.
The ceasefire agreement - mediated by the US - is looking to stop weeks of military escalation surrounding the disputed region of Kashmir.
Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri, announced the ceasefire had been agreed to by the military commanders of both sides.
"It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time today."
The military escalation by both India and Pakistan comes after the attack last month in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered Kashmir, which left 26 tourists dead.
Both India and Pakistan claim the region in its entirety, but different parts of the territory are administered by the two of them - as well as China.
India has blamed Pakistan-based militant groups for the tourist attack and bombed a number of sites in Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir, including military bases and a mosque, which they claim was a "terror base".
Pakistan has categorically denied any involvement with the Pahalgam attack and has returned fire with drone and missile attacks on Indian-administered Kashmir and military sites in the Indian state of Punjab.
Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, says his country is happy to accept a ceasefire to end this fighting - and he thanked US President Donald Trump for his diplomatic assistance.
"We, as a responsible state, have responded positively in the interest of world and regional peace and in the benefit of millions of people living in the region. On this occasion, I would like to give special thanks to President Trump who played a sincere role for the ceasefire."
The daily air strikes and cross-border fire this past week has killed at least 60 people - and forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes.
Residents of Chakothi, a town in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, have welcomed the news, with a local shopkeeper saying he's glad his family can come home.
"Today, I was extremely delighted when I heard the news of ceasefire between India and Pakistan. I was worried about my family and my children. I had moved them to a safer place from here. But when I heard this news of a ceasefire, I became extremely happy. I am thankful to Allah."
And in Srinagar, in Indian-administered Kashmir, which has been the target of recent Pakistani strikes, residents say peace is the only way.
"The ceasefire is a very good initiative, because for the past many days, mortars, shells, missiles and drone attacks had made lives difficult for people on both sides of the border."
(Sounds of bombs blasting in the distance)
But within hours, these blasts were heard from the main cities of Indian-administered Kashmir, lighting up the sky in Nagrota.
India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, accused Pakistan of breaching the ceasefire.
"For the last few hours, there have been repeated violations of the understanding arrived at earlier this evening. We call upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility."
However, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told Pakistani news channel Geo News there had been no ceasefire violations on their side. He accused India of violating the agreement themselves.
Despite both sides accusing each of violations, the ceasefire appears to still be in place, de-escalating the worst fighting in decades between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Indian navy commodore Raghu Nair says while India intends to uphold the ceasefire, they are prepared to defend themselves.
"We will be adhering to the understanding that has been reached today. That is the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Airforce. We remain fully prepared, ever vigilant and committed to defending the sovereignty and integrity of the motherland. Every misadventure by Pakistan has been met with strength. And every future escalation will invite a decisive response."
